Born Vincenzo Edward Pazienza in Cranston, Rhode Island, Vinny Paz is the embodiment of a fighter.
A five-time world champion who amassed a record of 50-10, 30 KOs, Paz not only survived knockdowns inside the ring, but more importantly, he overcame them outside of it.
According to Paz, he was inspired to box at a young age after watching the movie Rocky.
Like the films legendary protagonist, Rocky Balboa, Paz was blessed with an endless amount of heart and determination.
If you ever saw Paz fight, you know that there was never a shortage of blood, sweat or drama when he was in the ring.
In boxing–perhaps more so than any other sport–effort can carry an athlete to legendary status. That’s not to say that Paz didn’t possess any skills, in fact, he fought 120 amateur fights and won a National Amateur Championship in 1981 (per Live Fight) before he became a five-time world champion as a professional.
But, it’s the immeasurable intangibles like will and perseverance that made Paz an icon.
World-renowned boxing scribe Bert Sugar once called Paz “The most exciting fighter of his era” while all-time great trainer and founder of Detroit’s Kronk Gym, Emanuel Steward, said “I don’t think there has ever been a fighter with the showmanship, flare and unbelievable energy of Vinny Paz.”
Considering the fact that he fought in the era of Hector “Macho” Camacho, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whittaker and Jorge “Maromero” Paez–among others–the aforementioned praise that was heaped upon Paz as the quintessential showman of his era is pretty impressive to say the least.
Former fighter Jeff Bumpus spoke with Round By Round Boxing about his memories of facing Paz in 1985.
Our fight was Vinny’s first excursion into 10 rounds as well as my own. In the aftermath, I was on my way to the hospital for a cracked collar bone and passed Vinny’s dressing room. I ducked back inside the dressing room door and upon seeing me Vinny said, “Jeff, you’re a hell of a fighter!” I said, “I’m gonna go to the hospital and have my shoulder looked at, but when I get back come on down to the bar, I’ll buy you one.” – Jeff Bumpus
In 1991, after establishing himself as a legitimate draw in boxing with fights against Roger Mayweather, Hector Camacho and a thrilling trilogy against Greg Haugen, Paz—then the WBA Junior Welterweight champion—was hospitalized with neck and back injuries as the result of a traffic accident (per the LA Times).
The near-fatal accident not only derailed his next title defense, it also left Paz with serious injuries including two broken vertebrae and two others that were damaged.
The crash, which was supposed to effectively end his boxing career (per Ira Berkow of the New York Times), not only had Paz staring at a disappointing ending to his life inside the ring, but doctors also told him that he may never walk again.
For a jubilant showman who was characterized as an all-action whirlwind in the ring—evidenced by his nickname, The Pazmanian Devil—the prospect of never walking or fighting again was a brutal diagnosis.
But Paz’s spirit would not be broken.
“When I step in the ring, I refuse to feel pain.” –Vinny Paz
The same fighting essence that made him a fan favorite helped Paz return from the injuries inflicted by the car accident.
The image of Paz working out with a halo attached to his head is unbelievable and has become a part of boxing’s tough-guy lore.
Add to the fact that any sort of weight lifting was strictly against doctors’ orders and one quickly realizes that Paz is simply not cut from the same cloth as ordinary men.
After a little over a year of rehabilitation, Paz began his miraculous comeback to boxing by facing former WBC Super Welterweight champion Luis Santana; a fight which Paz won by decision.
Like legendary fighters before him—including Jake LaMotta and Micky Ward—Paz’s life is made for the big screen.
His story captivates us not only for the highs he experienced, but also for the lows. The hardship, struggle and ultimately, the perseverance are what define this larger-than-life figure.
As one might expect with such a dynamic person, the process of putting together his biopic has not been all smooth sailing.
After surviving a number of changes, including five different screen writers (according to Peter Elsworth of the Providence Journal), the film is set for release in 2016.
The films director, Chad Verdi—who according to Elsworth has made it his personal mission to make the movie—has even enlisted legendary film maker and Oscar award winner Martin Scorsese, who will executive produce the film which is titled, Bleed for This.
Miles Teller and Aaron Eckhart have been confirmed to star in the film, with Teller playing Paz and Eckhart playing his trainer Kevin Rooney (per Variety.com).
For boxing fans who want to know more about Vinny Paz or want to relive the magic moments in his storied career, I invite you to check out his DVD titled, Head Strong.
Head Strong includes classic footage of Paz, much of which was collected by his late mother–Louise Pazienza–and delivers a raw and uncut look at some of Paz’s best fights as well as interviews and and opinions from the man himself.
Stay with Round By Round Boxing as more information on Bleed for This becomes available.
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All photos courtesy of Vinny Paz and Zena the Hit Girl/PR to Paz.
Jeff Bumpus quotes obtained firsthand.
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