“Pittsburgh Kid” Paul Spadafora Returns on Friday

Image details: Paul Spadafora served by picapp.com

Paul Spadafora begins his second return to boxing Friday night at Erie, Pennsylvania’s Avalon Hotel against journeyman Shad Howard. Since relinquishing his IBF lightweight title in 2003 Spadafora has been in and out of prison, emerging in 2006 to begin a comeback but swiftly violating parole and sinking further into despair and anonymity.

Just five years ago, at 28, the awkward southpaw was on top of the world. He had held a world title from the time he was 23. He had fought two fights on HBO. He was a likely big money opponent for Floyd Mayweather, Jr. He was the next great white hope. His triumph over tragedy story (he was confusingly shot in the Achilles tendon by police after a routine traffic stop) elicited sympathy and gave him a distinctive peg-legged-walk boxing style.

In this epic 2005 Pittsburgh Post Gazette story Spadafora cites alcohol as the reason for his cataclysmic descent that culminated in October 2003 when he shot his girlfriend in the chest. But the real catalyst might have been his much derided May 2003 HBO-broadcasted draw against Leonard Dorin, then the WBA lightweight titleist.

The brutal fight lasted the full twelve rounds. Both fighters were blooded and incoherent and Dorin seemed to be the clear winner. But the fight was taking place in Spaddy’s Pittsburgh as had nearly all of his previous bouts; Spadofora had, in turn, often been criticized as being a hometown fighter and nothing more.

When the cards revealed the controversial draw result Spaddy looked shell shocked, defeated, and maybe a little ashamed. After declaring his desire to move up to junior welterweight Spaddy self-admittedly turned to more alcohol, Ecstasy and cocaine. The shooting incident occurred before he would enter the ring again that year.

Since the Dorin fight he’s fought only four times, all in the rust belt, all against sub-standard opponents, and all resulted in victories. We still should remember that despite Spaddy’s difficult past he’s still only 33, he’s still undefeated at 40-0-1, and he still has every chance in the world to be great again. Let’s hope he can stay out of trouble, off the alcohol, and away from prison. The sky is still the limit, but this time, Paul, fight a few bouts outside of the greater Pittsburgh area and good luck on Friday.

If you’re in or around Erie tickets are $20, $40, and $60. Doors open at 8 p.m.