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Monday 17 October 2011

Boxer who spent 26 years in jail for a murder he didn't commit wins his first fight... at the age of 52

This is the stuff Hollywood stories are made of!! He spent 26 years in New York's notorious Sing Sing prison for a murder he did not commit. But today he is feted by President Barack Obama and has finally fulfilled his dream of boxing professionally - at the age of 52.


Victory: Dewey Bozella, 52, raises his arm after defeating an opponent 22 years younger than him in his first professional fight after serving 26 years in jail
Victory: Dewey Bozella, 52, raises his arm after defeating an opponent 22 years younger than him in his first professional fight after serving 26 years in jail

For more than a quarter of a century he knew daily despair as he battled to clear his name over the brutal killing of a 92-year-old woman. He could have become a free man FOUR times if he had pleaded guilty. Each time he refused, maintaining his innocence.

Bozella found comfort in boxing, training daily in the prison gym and studying at night for his bachelor and master's degrees.


Finally In October 2009, Bozella was formally cleared. This summer he was honoured by ESPN as its 2011 Arthur Ashe Award winner for his courage. Legendary boxer Bernard Hopkins heard Bozella's story and offered him the chance to fight against 30-year-old Larry Hopkins on the undercard of his own championship bout. Hopkins told the Los Angeles Times last week 'This is not a charity case. This man is fulfilling his dream.'

One wonders when the director is going to come calling about the film rights? Spielberg if you're listening his number is listed somewhere in the phone book so why not give him a call!



Read:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2049704/Dewey-Bozella-Boxer-spent-26-years-jail-wins-fight--age-52.html?ITO=1490