By Derek Gionta: Former IBF lightweight champion “The Pittsburgh Kid,” Paul Spadafora, of Pittsburgh, PA will head south to continue his quest towards another world title when he takes on former IBF interim International lightweight titleholder Ivan Fiorletta, 24-5-2-(7), of Avezzano, Italy in a 10-round clash at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Friday, March 12th.
Spadafora, 43-0-1-(17), will fight in Florida for the second time in his career, which dates back to February of ’96. That was the Pittsburgh Kid’s fifth pro fight. Thirty-nine fights later, a world title reign of nearly four years, legal troubles, a few changes in trainers, and a move up to the junior welterweight division, one thing still remains certain: hopes of winning a world title in the sport he devoted his entire life to.
Long-time promoter of Spadafora, Michael Acri, of Erie, PA, has been a figure of consistency for Spadafora during his career. Acri, along with Spadafora’s manager Al McCauley, have guided the gifted southpaw his entire 15-year professional tenure and hope to land him another title shot that would cap off a remarkable comeback in a career that looked to have a not-so-happy ending.
Spadafora took a few moments out of his training camp to speak with Secondsout.com about his upcoming fight. The initials “PK,” which you may have seen on the trunks of Spadafora in the past, stand for his nickname, as well as a tribute to his former trainer, the late P.K. Pecora.
Below is Q and A with the former champ
DG: First off, thank you for taking time out of training to speak with us. How is camp going?
PK: No problem. Camp was real good man. We’re sparring today before we break camp. I’ve been here in Indianapolis for eight weeks now. I feel great.
DG: What do you know about your upcoming opponent, Ivan Fiorletta?
PK: He’s a real tough fighter. He actually switches up from conventional to southpaw in his fights, which is kind of surprising at this level. Marvin Hagler is the only guy I knew that could fight both ways whenever he wanted and win at the highest level. Going back to my opponent, he held a few titles over in Italy (interim IBF International lightweight title, IBF Super featherweight Mediterranean title, and the Italian super featherweight title) and I know he’ll be ready to fight.
DG: How is training with Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker going? I understand this will be your third fight with him in your corner. Can you describe what aspect of your game he has improved or “touched on” most?
PK: Training with Sweet Pea has been great. He’s been here in camp for the last couple of weeks. He has me focusing on my defense more than anything. I watch tapes of his fights all day every day. The fights he had against Azumah Nelson, Ramirez, and a few others are the ones I watch most. He wants me to not get hit at all. If I can dodge half as many punches as he did I’ll be in good shape (laughing).
DG: How is your weight? Do you plan to continue fighting at junior welterweight in the future?
PK: I’m currently at 144. Every day I leave the gym I’m at 144. I feel real good at this weight. I would have no problem making 140 for a title fight. That’s what I want next. I’ve been off the big picture for a while now, but I’m still undefeated and ready for whoever they put in front of me.
DG: Any opponents come to mind that you would like to fight in the future?
PK: I would love to fight a top up-and-comer like Amir Khan. That would be a great fight. He’s very skilled and strong and that is a fight I would be willing to take. Ricky Hatton is another opponent that I would be interested in fighting.
DG: Who have you been sparring with during camp and recently since teaming up with Sweet Pea?
PK: I’ve been sparring with a bunch of guys from the Chicago area, and some guys from Indiana. I got about 20 rounds of sparring with Courtney Burton for this fight (Note: Burton was a top ranked lightweight and has a knockout victory over Angel Manfredy and a decision victory against Emanuel Augustus).
DG: It’s somewhat rare to see a fighter stay with the same promoter and manager their whole career, and you have been with your promoter Mike Acri, and manager Al McCauley since your debut.
PK: Yeah I’ve been with Mike and Al for my whole career. They’ve been with me since day one. Al trains me when I’m not working with Sweet Pea. They’ve always been there for me no matter what.
DG: Are you still living in Erie, Pennsylvania and training out of Bizzarro’s Gym when you’re not in camp?
PK: Yeah I’m still living in Erie and training at Bizzarro’s. I play a lot of basketball, run sprints, and swim when I’m not in the gym. I try to stay in shape all the time.
DG: How many more years would you like continue in this sport?
PK: I just want to take everything one day at a time, one fight at a time. I have a worthy opponent in front of me ready to fight and I have to go down there and take care of business.
Spadafora’s optimism was clear as he spoke with great confidence and excitement about his upcoming bout and what the future has in store for him. What fighter wouldn’t be after all that he’s been through? “I’ve been through a lot in my career and life, this game is very mental. I’m going in with a guy that has nothing to lose and will be giving me his all,” said Spadafora. “These are some of the toughest fights there are. I’m ready for anything now. It’s all about winning. I love boxing and there’s nothing like walking down that aisle, it’s the greatest feeling in the world.”
The final chapter of the revived career of “The Pittsburgh Kid” has yet to be written, however, another world title opportunity capped off with a victory would be the happy ending this story is looking for, and I’m sure “The Pittsburgh Kid” will enjoy that long walk down the aisle when the time comes.
The six bout card on March 12th will be presented by Michael Acri Boxing Promotions along with DeCubas Presents and GD Big Promotions.
March 10, 2010
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