Five-time world boxing champion Vinny Paz has pleaded no contest Thursday in Rhode Island to assaulting his girlfriend, and received a one-year suspended sentence and one year of probation.
Paz, 55, entered his no contest plea to a domestic simple assault charge hours after Warwick police forced their way into his home following a call at about 3 a.m. by a relative of Paz’s girlfriend. He was also ordered to stay away from the victim and undergo counseling.
Police said that the girlfriend barricaded herself inside a bathroom out of fear. When officers arrived, they said they found she had been assaulted, with injuries to her face. She was taken from the home on a stretcher and placed in an ambulance.
Paz is known for his comeback after he broke his neck in a car crash. His story was dramatized in the 2016 film ”Bleed for This,” starring Miles Teller.
It’s the second time Paz has been arrested in recent months. He was charged with felony assault in January after he allegedly bit a man and knocked out his teeth after accusing him of stealing $16,000. Paz has maintained his innocence and said in several Twitter postings and after being released on personal recognizance that he was the victim.
IN OTHER NEWS: The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today multi-division world champion James “Lights Out” Toney will be a special guest for 2018 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend festivities set for June 7-10th in “Boxing’s Hometown.”
“James Toney was an ‘old school’ fighter who provided boxing fans with so many exciting moments during his championship career,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “Toney is a real fan favorite and we are looking forward to welcoming him to Canastota for the 2018 Hall of Fame Weekend events.”
Born in Grand Rapids, MI, Toney turned pro in 1988. He won world titles in multiple weight divisions and holds wins over such notables as Michael Nunn, Iran Barkley, Vassiliy Jirov, Merqui Sosa, “Prince” Charles Williams, Fres Oquendo and Hall of Famers Mike McCallum and Evander Holyfield. “Lights Out” owns a 77-10-3 (47 KOs) professional record and, in 1991 and 2003, was named “Fighter of the Year.”
