Boxing legend behind Hollywood film coming to Cannock
A world boxing champion who has been immortalised on the silver screen will play the lead role at an event in Cannock on Wednesday night.
Vinny Paz, the inspiration of last year’s film Bleed for This, will be in the Premier Suite at Bar Sport for ‘An Evening With’ show.
The 54-year-old made his mark in the sport by winning world titles at three weights in the lightweight, super welterweight and super middleweight divisions.
But the movie focusses on his inspirational return to the ring after breaking his neck in a car crash, when doctors told him he might not even walk again.
It came just over a month after his finest victory, halting the dangerous Gilbert Dele in just two rounds to take his WBA world super welterweight belt.
He had previously been IBF world lightweight champion, outpointing Greg Haugen before the result was reversed in a rematch.
Three attempts to claim global honours at super lightweight failed with defeats to Roger Mayweather, Hector Camacho and Loreto Garza for WBC, WBO and WBA straps.
Going up another two weights to take on the powerful Dele was a bold move, but paid off before the accident on November 12, 1991.
He had to spend three months wearing a halo, a circular metal brace screwed into his skill in four spots and propped up with four metal rods.
Paz continued to train despite immense discomfort and fought again just 13 months after the accident, making arguably the greatest comeback in boxing history.
He would complete another 25 pro bouts before hanging up his gloves in 2004, winning three more titles at super middle.
He won and defended the IBC crown successfully with victories over the legendary Roberto Duran, along with winning IBO and WBU honours.
He also challenged Roy Jones Jnr for the IBF title and Eric Lucas for the WBC belt towards the end of his career.
He boxed two Brits, first beating Lloyd Honeyghan by 10th round stoppage at the Atlantic City Convention Centre in 1991.
He came to England to go toe-to-toe with Herol Graham at Wembley Arena in 1997, taking him the distance before losing on points for the WBC International title.
Tickets are still on sale but must be pre-ordered before the event, starting at just £45 which includes a five-course meal.
There will be photo opportunities with Paz for all guests.
For more information, pop into Bar Sport or call 01543 572 092. Alternatively, email info@premier-suite.co.uk,
