YOUNGSTOWN: Kelly Pavlik, frustrated after a 10-month layoff because of an infected hand, returns to the ring Saturday in his hometown to defend his World Boxing Council middleweight crown.

The 27-year-old faces fellow American Miguel Angel Espino after months fighting off the infection in his right hand, a delay that scrubbed a potential showdown with US southpaw Paul Williams.

"It has been a long year for me, very frustrating because of a series of setbacks," Pavlik said. "But now I'm back. I feel great. I have a huge hunger to get back into the ring. On Saturday it will be 'Bombs away.'"

Pavlik, 35-1 with 31 knockouts, suffered his only loss 14 months ago when he stepped up in weight to face Bernard Hopkins and dropped a unanimous 12-round decision.

Pavlik defended his title last February by beating Mexico's Marco Antonio Rubio, but has much to prove after the layoff when he meets Espino, 20-2 with one drawn and nine knockouts.

"Winning is not enough. I need to be dominant and I need to be impressive," Pavlik said. "I know what the mission is and I have every intention of completing it. Once I land a big shot, it's going to be a whole new ball game."

Espino has won 11 fights in a row, the past four by knockout, and has not lost in more than five years, but faces his first world title fight before his rival's home supporters.

"The key for me is to stay focused throughout the fight, stay calm and stick to the game plan," Espino said. "It's a good one designed to exploit Kelly's flaws. I have every intention of making the most of this opportunity."

Espino's most recent fight was a sixth-round stoppage of former world champion Alejandro Garcia of Mexico in March.

"If Pavlik takes me lightly he?ll be making a big mistake," Espino said.