Former IBF Boxing Champion Paul Spadafora Returns To Ring April 6

Michael Acri Boxing Promotions presents the 2008 debut of undefeated former IBF lightweight champion “The Pittsburgh Kid” Paul Spadafora. Returning to the ring for the first time in over a year, Spadafora (40-0-1), fighting in a 10-round welterweight bout against an opponent to be named shortly, headlines a six-bout card at The Avalon Hotel in Erie, PA on Sunday, April 6, beginning at 2 p.m. ET.

Tickets, priced at $60 for Golden Ringside, $40 for Ringside, and $20 for General Admission, go on sale this Monday. March 10, and can be purchased at the Avalon Hotel, Dee’s Cigar Store, Pony Express and Ringside Restaurant.

Spadafora, 31, resumes his career after spending 75 days over the past summer in protective custody for parole violation accusations that were ultimately rescinded. A variety of nagging physical ailments, including an inner ear infection and a training camp knee injury, further postponed his return to the ring.

In his last bout, he won a 10-round junior welterweight decision over rugged Irish champion Osin Fagan, ending his two-year, 11-bout winning streak. on March 9, 2007.

“It has been a rough year but that I ‘m in tremendous shape and look forward to doing what I love most, and that’s boxing,” said Spadafora. “I appreciate the support I received from fans throughout the world, which was a pleasant surprise to me.”

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 his four-year reign, he vacated the title to move up in weight.

The card will also feature Cincinnati super middleweight Stephan Pryor (10-3-1), Erie heavyweight Rocky Mullooly (2-1), Pittsburgh middleweight Chris Archer (9-2), and the pro debut of heavyweight Andres Taylor from Johnstown, PA.