World Boxing News 2010-2013

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Wrongly-convicted fighter in long-awaited pro debut Former Amateur boxer Dewey Bozella finally realised his dream tonight as he turned professional at the ripe old age of 52, scoring a four-round victory over Larry Hopkins at The Staples Center in Los Angeles. Bozella, who wrongly spent 26 years in prison before being released from Sing Sing in 2009, looked a little nervous as the first bell went but soon found a rhythm to out-work the 30 year-old Hopkins and take a points win on all three cards. After the fight, former multi-weight world champion Oscar De La Hoya, who is head of Golden Boy Boxing, Bozella’s promoters, tweeted; “Bozella wins and has inspired me to make a comeback!” after watching the inspirational figure in action, which may have been more than a little tongue in cheek.

Dewey Bozella's dream has always been to have just one professional boxing match. Following perhaps the most unconventional path to a first professional fight in the history of the sport, on Oct. 15, that dream will come true. After spending 26 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of murder and having that conviction overturned two years ago, Bozella is scheduled to fight in a four-round cruiserweight bout against Larry Hopkins of Houston, Tex. on the undercard of the championship fight between WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight ChampionBernard Hopkins and former World Champion Chad Dawson. So that all of those who have become captivated by his story can catch the outcome of his professional debut, highlights of Bozella's fight against Larry Hopkins will be shown during the HBO Pay-Per-View® telecast. (Picture by Hogan Photos) "This is the opportunity that I have been waiting for," said Bozella. "Boxing was the one thing that helped...