Fans who know the Vinny Pazienza story, and fight fans who do not, are in for a great, emotional ride when they go to see the new film, “Bleed For This,” which tells the at times almost unbelievable tale of the popular Rhode Island warrior. The film, directed by Ben Younger and starring Miles Teller (“War Dogs,” “Fantastic Four”) as Pazienza, has not yet received a poor review by the film critics.
One such reviewer, upon settling in to watch the movie, thought to himself, ‘oh, not another boxing film!’ This trepidation was soon replaced by enormous enjoyment and appreciation. Those who do know the story of “The Pazmanian Devil,” his near superhuman ring return after a nasty car crash especially, will still take something new with them upon leaving the theatre, the critics say. A beautiful, moving and very powerful piece of work by all accounts, “Bleed For This” even reduced tough guy Pazienza himself to tears.
The former IBF lightweight and former WBA super-welterweight champ – who, after the 1991 smash was left with a broken neck, the doctors telling him he would never walk again, much less fight – is 100 percent happy with the movie. An all-action warrior who attracted millions of fans, Paz fought the likes of Greg Haugen, Roger Mayweather, Hector Camacho, Gilbert Dele, Lloyd Honeyghan, Roy Jones Junior and Roberto Duran, and he can now look forward to many new fans because of the film that celebrates his incredible fighting career.
Retiring with a 50-10(30) record in 2004, Pazienza, now aged 53, has some career, and story, to look back on. With the great Roberto Duran also enjoying the Silver Screen treatment at the moment, it’s clear boxing is as hot as ever amongst cinemagoers.
“My life…..this is the whole culmination. And it’s pretty cool,” the former champ said to ABC6 News.
Must-see cool.