Pavlik cuts arms, hands

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) -- Middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik needed 108 stitches after cutting his hands and arms on a window. His trainer insists the boxer will be ready for the rematch with Jermain Taylor early next year.

"This has absolutely no bearing whatsoever on this fight," trainer Jack Loew said.

Pavlik was trying to repair and clean old windows at his home Monday. While trying to open one, he sustained three cuts to both forearms and hands. There was no evidence of tendon damage, his doctor said in a letter released by Pavlik's publicist, Fred Sternburg.

The stitches will be taken out Nov. 16 and Pavlik is expected to resume training within two weeks of their removal, Loew said.

Pavlik (32-0) knocked out Taylor (27-1-1) in the seventh round Sept. 29. The rematch is expected to take place Feb. 16 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

"We had no intention on getting into the gym until the middle of December anyway," Loew said.