Paul Spadafora (born September 5, 1975) is a native of Pittsburgh who is a professional boxer. Spadafora was the IBF's world Lightweight champion.

Personal Background

Known as "The Pittsburgh Kid", Spadafora is a local hero in Pittsburgh. His fights there attract rather large amounts of considerably loud supporters, both male and female. One of his most loyal fans is his grandfather, who has gone to each of his bouts, both on the amateur and professional ranks.

Spadafora had a fruitful amateur career, winning 75 of the 80 bouts he participated in during that stage of his life as a boxer. His dreams of becoming a professional boxer were almost dashed before he could fight for money for the first time, however: In a confusing incident, Spadafora was shot in the achilles' tendon by a policeman. According to the official reports, Spadafora was traveling in a car that was driven by a friend. When his friend began to go over the speed limit, he was chased by a cop. Seeing as the driver refused to stop, the cop fired a shot, hitting Spadafora.
Source : Wikipedia