Paz punches way into Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame Induction ceremony & awards banquet Sept. 20

12.09 - PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Five-time former world champion Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz will be inducted into the Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame during the organization’s 13th annual awards banquet, September 20, in Rochester, New York.

Paz (49-10, 30 KOs), of Cranston (RI), also will be presented the 2003 Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame Special Courage Award. Other award winners include Emanuel Steward (2003 Carmen Basilio Man of the Year Award) and Gasper Ortega (2003 John Mastrella Integrity Award). Former two-time world welterweight and middleweight champion Basilio, seven-time former world champ Tommy Hearns and ex-Canadian heavyweight champion George Chuvalo are special head table guests.

“Vinny Paz is the main event no matter how many great fighters will be honored there,” RBHOF president Tony Liccione said. “Vinny is most deserving of this award because of the great courage, dedication and sacrifices he’s made throughout his career. Paz epitomizes this award. This great gladiator reminds a lot of us on the selection committee of the great Carmen Basilio, who’ll be seated right next to Vinny at the head table.”

Paz’ outstanding 20-year-career includes victories against world champions such as Roberto Duran (twice), Lloyd Honeyghan, Greg Haughen, Gilbert Dele, Luis Santana and Dana Rosenblatt.

“I’m tremendously honored and very proud to be selected for induction into the Rochester Hall of Fame,” Vinny remarked. “Being the recepient of the Special Courage Award means a lot to me. It’s great to be recognized for overcoming so many hardships and obstacles during my career. I want to thank everybody associated with the Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame and I’m looking forward to a great night.”

Accompanying Vinny will be his promoter and close friend, Jimmy Burchfield. “We still have some unfinished business to take care of,” Burchfield explained. “Vinny’s not retired, yet. We’ve had several fights fall through for one reason or another, but we’re very close to announcing a date and opponent for Vinny’s next fight. He wants to retire only after getting his 50th career win. Vinny only needs one more victory for No. 50, but he’s insisted that he wanted to do it against a legitimate fighter. That’s the type guy he’s always been.”

For ticket information call 585.964.3077.