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Posted: Tuesday November 10, 2009 3:49PM; Updated: Wednesday November 11, 2009 5:06PM

Pavlik returning home for December fight with Espino

Story Highlights

Middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik will face Miguel Espino on Dec. 19

The bout, to be held in Youngstown, Ohio, will be Pavlik's first since February

He's had complications from hand surgery and has twice backed out

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) -- Middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik will defend his titles next month against Miguel Espino, in Pavlik's first fight since February.

Trainer Jack Loew told The Associated Press that Pavlik (35-1, 31 KOs) signed the contract Monday for a Dec. 19 bout at the Beeghly Center at Youngstown State University in Pavlik's hometown.

Pavlik has had complications from a hand injury and twice backed out of fighting Paul Williams (37-1, 27 KOs), who's now facing Sergio Martinez on Dec. 5. Loew says therapy on Pavlik's hand has been going well.

The trainer calls Espino (20-2-1, 9 KOs) "dangerous" and says the fight is no "tuneup bout" for Pavlik. Loew says his fighter would like to take on Williams next, if Williams gets by Martinez.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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