After spending 26 years in prison for a murder he did not committ, 52-year-old Dewey Bozella made his professional boxing debut Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
In a four-round cruiserweight bout, Bozella defeated Larry Hopkins by unanimous decision.
Bozella served his sentence at New York's Sing Sing prison after being found guilty of murder in 1983. His conviction was overturned two years ago and he was released.
Bozella was offered early release several times during his sentence. All he had to do was admit guilt and show remorse. However, Bozella refused gaining freedom under those circumtances.
"Anger at his imprisonment gave way to determination and instead of becoming embittered, he became a model prisoner," says his website. Bozella would earn his GED, bachelors and masters degrees while in prison. He found solace in boxing and became the light heavyweight champion at Sing Sing.
Bozella was honored at the 2011 ESPYs by receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, given to individuals who transcend sports.
