Cranston native Vinny Paz elected to Boxing Hall of Fame

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Cranston native Vinny “the Pazmanian Devil” Paz has been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s class of 2025.

Born Vincenzo Edward Pazienza in 1962, Paz became a pro boxer in 1983 and fought his way to a 1987 lightweight title fight against champion Greg Haugen.

Paz defeated Haugen in a 15-round decision to take the title but lost to him in a rematch.

Paz also held the WBA light middleweight belt after a TKO defeat of Gilbert Dele in 1991.

He suffered several fractured vertebra in a car accident six weeks later, but mounted an inconceivable comeback stepping back into the ring 13 months later.

Paz retired in 2004.

The induction ceremony will take place June 5-8, 2024 at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, NY.