Paul Spadafora - Professional Career

Professional Career

On October 18, 1995, Spadafora made his professional debut, winning a four round knockout of Steve Maddux. He won a total of four fights in his initial year.

In 1996, he fought eight times, winning all, six by knockout. In 1997, he fought six times, but his percentage of knockout wins dropped considerably when he only won two of those six bouts by knockout.

In 1998, he continued his winning ways throughout the year, winning all six bouts, three by knockout. One of the aforementioned KO's took place on the exhibition bout card, featuring long retired veteran Dan Maloney and Tim Witherspoon.

He began 1999 by raising his quality of opposition, facing the veteran Rocky Martinez. He won that fight by a unanimous decision, and after one more win he and Israel Cardona met in Chester for the I.B.F.'s vacant world crown on August 20. An underdog in the betting lines, Spadafora nevertheless became world champion, defeating Cardona in a 12 round decision. Then he retained the title with an 11 round knockout of Renato Cornett to finish the year.

He opened 2000 with a 12 round decision over Victoriano Sosa to retain the title, and subsequently defended his title again by knockout over Mike Griffith in round 11, and beat Billy Irwin in a 12 round decision to close the year.

By 2001, Spadafora was already a regular on the HBO Boxing television show. He retained the title with a 12 round decision over Joel Perez and won one non-title fight that year.

He began 2002 by retaining his title over Angel Manfredy with a 12 round decision. His only other bout that year was a 12 round decision win over Dennis Holbaek, also with his world title on the line.