Former IBF Boxing Champ Paul Spadafora Resumes Training After Knee Surgery

Unbeaten former IBF lightweight champion Paul Spadafora, 41-0-1, has cleared another hurdle in his comeback bid, returning to the gym on Monday after undergoing knee surgery June 3 by renowned specialist Dr. Keith Lustig at Sharon Regional Health Systems Hospital in Sharon, PA.

“The surgery was a success and Paul’s knee has responded very well to the surgery and rehabilitation,” said Dr. Lustig.

After injuring his knee January 17, Spadafora went through strength conditioning and rehabilitation in the following months that proved ultimately unsuccessful.

“I thought that the conditioning and rehab would work but it was temporary,” said Spadafora. “In my last fight [April 26th], I experienced too much pain and inability to move my knee and just couldn’t perform the way I can.”

Spadafora’s promoter Michael Acri hopes to have a fight scheduled for “The Pittsburgh Kid” at the end of August or the beginning of September.

Spadafora captured the IBF world lightweight title in 1999, upsetting the heavily favored Israel Cardona via a lopsided 12 round unanimous decision. After successfully defending his world championship crown eight times during a four year reign, Spadafora vacated the title to move up in weight.