Boxing Profile: Vinny Maddalone

A Genuine Crowd Pleaser, Back In Action Friday Night

Raw crowd pleaser Vinny Maddalone is back in action against an opponent TBA tomorrow night in New York. Fighting for the first time since his tough points win over Jermell Barnes in August of this year, a fight in which the thirty-two year old Vinny was badly cut, Maddalone will be keen to once again delight his following of vocal fans with an exciting fight.

Whoever it is that finds himself in the opposing corner on Friday, he better make sure he’s ready for a blood and guts effort from his opponent. For Vinny always gives his all in the ring and this is why his fans love him. A fighter almost impossible to root against, Vinny is as well liked as he is exciting to watch fight.

And though he’d be the first to admit he’s far from the most naturally gifted Heavyweight fighting today, Vinny, 27-3 with 19 KO’s is certainly the most consistently exciting big guy boxing in today’s heavyweight division. Indeed, Boxing News, the trade paper for the sport in England, recently called him, “The closest real life similarity to Rocky Balboa.”

That about sums up the tough and gutsy New Yorker. As does his most compelling fight to date. In an August, 2005 match with Shannon Miller, who was undefeated at the time – though also far from active, having spread out his eleven wins over thirteen years – the fans got to see the quintessential Vinny Maddalone. His defensive shortcomings were exposed once again, but his punching power, determination and sheer grit allowed him to win in five amazing rounds. The comparison to Stallone’s creation is indeed an apt one.

Along with the silver screen’s infamous brawler, Vinny certainly has his limitations as far as skills go. But he has absolutely no shortage of heart and bravery. As such, he is one of today’s genuine crowd pleasers. A world title may never be his, but it sure would be fun seeing him get the chance to fight for one. Without a doubt, Maddalone would go all out in an attempt to shock the odds. There was talk, some time back, of a fight with Shannon Briggs. But Vinny, wanting instead to try and avenge his loss to fellow crowd pleaser Brian Minto, opted for a return bout with him instead.

The first fight with Minto, in 2004, was another in a number of thrilling and memorable fights from Maddalone’s action-packed career. He lost, after having his share of successful moments in a back and forth classic, and the match delighted the fans. It was no surprise then, that the thirty-two year old opted to fight the first man to defeat him inside the distance for a second time.

The return, fought in October last year, wasn’t quite as good – for either Vinny or the fans – as he was battered into submission in seven rounds of a more one-sided affair. In the original, in which Maddalone was
eventually stopped in the tenth round, the action had been close and ultra-competitive all the way. This wasn’t the case in fight two, however.

Not to let the setback bother him, Vinny was back in action in June of this year. He put another win on his record with a routine second round KO over club-fighter Dan Whetzel. Then, in his last fight, on August the 18th, Vinny went back to doing what he does best – namely electrifying his fans with good, honest, value for money slugfests.

In another mini-classic, Maddalone dug deep and out pointed the determined Jermell Barnes in a gruelling ten rounder. Badly cut, Vinny bit down on his gum-shield and fought his heart out once more. He prevailed with a very close, yet well earned majority decision.

This win kept his boxing ambitions alive and tomorrow night sees the next step towards what he hopes will be his eventual arrival on the big scene. One thing’s for certain, Vinny’s performance will be another honest and brave one. Mr. Maddalone knows no other way to fight!