Vinny Paz: Boxing Career and Key Results
Vinny Paz, born Vincenzo Edward Pazienza in Cranston, Rhode Island, is an American former professional boxer known as “The Pazmanian Devil.” He won world titles across several weight divisions and returned to boxing after a 1991 car crash left him with a broken neck. ESPN’s account of his comeback describes the injury and his return to the ring.
World titles and comeback
Paz won his first world title in 1987, defeating Greg Haugen for the IBF lightweight championship. He later won the WBA junior-middleweight title by stopping Gilbert Dele in 1991. In November that year, a car crash broke his neck; he returned to competition about 13 months later and went on to win additional titles. ESPN’s Hall of Fame profile summarizes his titles and recovery, while Paz’s official biography lists five world titles across lightweight, junior-middleweight and super-middleweight divisions.
Paz’s official fight record lists 60 bouts, 50 wins, 10 losses and 30 knockouts. His final contest was a 10-round decision over Tocker Pudwill on 27 March 2004. The bout-by-bout record identifies it as his 50th win and final fight.
In 2025, Paz was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. ESPN included him among the 2025 inductees. His comeback remains one of the defining chapters of his boxing career, and his story continues to interest fighters and fans.
Sources
- ESPN: Vinny Paz comeback and career
- ESPN: 2025 International Boxing Hall of Fame class
- Vinny Paz official biography
- Vinny Paz official fight record
Career Milestones
Paz’s championship story crossed weight classes. His lightweight success and later junior-middleweight title came at different stages, while the return after his road accident became a separate chapter of his career. The comeback did not erase the earlier titles; it added further competition after an interruption that had put his future in doubt. His record is best followed through those distinct periods.
Sources
ESPN’s account of his comeback; Hall of Fame profile; Biographical source.
Article Tags
Vinny Paz, Boxing, Sports History
