Scorsese-Produced Movie ‘Bleed for This’ Based on Vinny Pazienza Coming in November

Boxing fans who were loving the sport in the late 1980s and early 1990s know all about the tribulations and triumphs of Vinny Pazienza. One of the most entertaining brawlers of that generation, The “Pazmanian Devil” took on all comers and electrified the boxing world with his toughness, though his lifestyle outside of the ring almost cost him everything.

Pazienza – who later changed his name to Paz – was a two-time world champion and challenged for several other world titles throughout his career. He first won the IBF lightweight crown by edging Greg Haugen over 15 rounds in June 1987, but lost it to Haugen via decision in their rematch eight months later.

Throughout his career, Pazienza shared the ring with high-level pugilists like Roger Mayweather, Hector Camacho, Roberto Duran, Dana Rosenblatt and Herol Graham. But Pazienza is probably known most for his gutsy, blood-soaked battle with all-time great Roy Jones Jr., where he was dropped three times en route to a sixth-round TKO loss.

The grit and guts that the Rhode Island fighter showed inside the squared circle is what also helped him recover from a car wreck where he suffered a broken neck in ’91 after he captured the WBA super welterweight title. Told he may never walk again, Pazienza battled back and only regained the use of his legs, he eventually won nine straight bouts after coming back to the sport before running into Jones.

A movie based on the wild career of Pazienza is in the works, with a limited release date set for Nov. 4 before going worldwide on Nov. 23. “Bleed for This” will star Miles Teller (Divergent, Fantastic Four) as Pazienza with Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight, Thank You For Smoking) playing the role of trainer Kevin Rooney.

Ben Younger, who directed cult favorite “Boiler Room,” will serve as the film’s director while silver screen legend Martin Scorsese be the executive producer.