Home > Paul Spadafora

Spadafora is a local hero in Pittsburgh. His fights there attract rather large amounts of considerably loud supporters, both male and female. One of his most loyal fans is his grandfather, who has gone to each of his bouts, both on the amateur and professional ranks.

Spadafora had a fruitful amateur career, winning 75 of the 80 bouts he participated in during that stage of his life as a boxer. His dreams of becoming a professional boxer were almost dashed before he could fight for money for the first time, however: In a confusing incident, Spadafora was shot in the achilles' tendon by a policeman. According to the official reports, Spadafora was travelling in a car that was driven by a friend. When his friend began to go over the speed limit, he was chased by a cop. Seeing as the driver refused to stop, the cop fired a shot, hitting Spadafora.

On October 18 of 1995, Spadafora was able to make his professional debut, with a four round knockout of Steve Maddux . He won a total of four fights in his initial year.

In 1996, he fought eight times, winning all, six by knockout. In 1997, he fought six times, but his percentage of knockout wins dropped considerably, when he only won two of those six bouts by knockout.

In 1998, he continued his winning ways throughout the year, winning all six bouts, three by knockout.

He began 1999 by raising his quality of opposition, facing the veteran Rocky Martinez . He won that fight by a unanimous decision, and after one more win, he and Israel Cardona met in Chester, for the I.B.F.'s vacant world crown on August 20August 20 is the 232nd day of the year (233rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 133 days remaining. Events 917 Battle of Anchialus: Tsar Simeon I of Bulgaria invades Thrace and drives the Byzantines out. 1794 Battle of Fallen Timbers Ame. An underdog in the betting lines, Spadafora nevertheless became world champion, defeating Cardona by a 12 round decision. Then, he retained the title with an 11 round knockout of Renato Cornett to finish the year.

He opened 2000This page is about the year 2000. See 2000 AD for the UK comic book, Number 2000 for other uses. 2000 is a leap year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar), and also the International Year for a Culture of Peace''. Events Y2K passes without the seri with a 12 round decision over Victoriano Sosa to retain the title, and subsequently retained the title also against Mike Griffith , by knockout in round 11, and Billy Irwin , with a decision in 12 to close the year.

By the time 20012001 is a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar), and also: The International Year of the Volunteer The United Nations Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations Events January January 1 A black monolith measuring approximately nine feet tall ap rolled in, Spadafora was already a regular on the HBO BoxingHBO Boxing is a successful TV series that has shown many of boxing's greatest fights and historic events during the last 30 years. HBO Boxing has always tried to bring only the top quality fighters and matches to HBO subscribers in the United States and v televisionSee TV (disambiguation) for other uses and Television (band) for the rock band Television is a telecommunication system for broadcasting and receiving moving pictures and sound over a distance. The term has come to refer to all the aspects of television p show. He retained the title with a 12 round decision over Joel Perez and won one non title fight that year.

He began 20022002 is a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). 2002 was the first palindromic year since 1991 and the last until 2112. 2002 was also designated: International Year of Ecotourism and Mountains National Science Year in the United Kingdom retaining the title by beating Angel ManfredyAngel Manfredy (born October 30, 1974) is an American- Puerto Rican boxer who has fought in both the Lightweight and Featherweight divisions. He was born in Gary, Indiana. During his career, Manfredy has defeated Arturo Gatti (by knockout) and Julio Diaz with a 12 round decision. His only other bout that year was a 12 round decision win over Dennis Holbaek , also with his world title on the line.

In 20032003 is a common year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar), and also: The International Year of Freshwater The European Disability Year Summary Perhaps the defining global event of the year 2003 was the Invasion of Iraq launched by the U, Spadafora and WBA world champion Leonard Dorin decided to meet to try to unify their world titles. They met on May 18, but the fight was declared a draw (tie), both boxers remaining as world champions in their respective organizations.

On June 27 of the same year, Spadafora announced he is relinquishing the IBF world Lightweight title, to move to the Jr. Welterweight division. He said he was having trouble making the Lightweight division's weight limit.

On October 29 of that year, Spadafora was arrested and acussed in the shooting of his girlfriend, Nadine Russo . Russo was shot while in a gas station on October 26. Spadafora was released after posting a $50,000 dollars bond.

Spadafora next fought on July 17 of 2004, knocking out Costa Rica's Francisco Campos in three rounds.

On September 7 of that year, he was arrested again, for running a car into a park while allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. At the same time, he announced that he and Russo are planning to get married.

Spadafora has a record of 37 wins, 0 losses and 1 draw, with 15 wins by knockout.