Our Local Boxing Community U thru Z

Paul “The Ultimate” Vaden

Paul “The Ultimate” Vaden (29-3, 16 KOs) the 6’1 1/2″ tall IBF (International Boxing Federation) World Super Welterweight Champion after stopping the former Champion Vincent Pettway in the 12th and final round. On November 20, 2000 at the Taj Majal in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Vaden knocked out the 31-year-old knockout artist Stephan Johnson from Queens, New York (27-8-1, 18 KOs) in round 10 of 12 to win the vacant the USBA Super Welterweight Title. In 1990, Vaden became the US National Amateur Light Middleweight Champion. As an Amateur standout, Vaden racked up an almost unbelievable 327 wins with just 10 losses.

Almost six years ago, Matt Calkins, a sports writer for our then energetic/viable/local newspaper, the San Diego Union Tribune, wrote a nice/in-depth article about Paul Vaden and touched on my dear friend’s charity, kindness and thoughtfulness of others. “These are the kinds of stories you hear about Vaden, a man San Diego Police Foundation President Sara Napoli said “was put on this earth to do some good,” who former Qualcomm vice chairman Steve Altman said “makes you want to do things with your life,” and finally boxing commentator Jim Lampley called Paul Vaden, “the sweetest boxer he knows.” Lampley was referring to his regular acts of kindness, extremely polite mannerisms and the charity work he was doing for friends and organizations like high schools, Big Brother and such.

Share This Post

Pin It on Pinterest