Athens, Ga. – The University Union Student Programming Board at the University of Georgia will host a talk by prisoner-turned-boxer Dewey Bozella on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Tate Student Center Theater. Bozella will share his story of fighting his way out of false imprisonment to live his dream of becoming a professional boxer.
Bozella showed promise as a boxer during his adolescence, but his dreams were disrupted when he was sentenced to 20 years to life at New York’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility. While in prison for a murder for which he claimed innocence, Bozella earned his GED and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He also became Sing Sing’s reigning light heavyweight boxing champion.
After 26 years in prison, Bozella’s sentence was overturned after new evidence surfaced proving his innocence. He was released in October 2009.
Bozella has been honored with ESPN’s 2011 Arthur Ashe Courage Award; past recipients include Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali. He also won his debut professional boxing match in October 2011 at age 52.
Since his release, Bozella has taught teenagers about boxing and the dangers of participating in gang activity.
Admission is free for students with valid UGACards and $10 for non-students. For more information, call 706/542-6396.
The University Union Student Programming Board is a registered student organization within the UGA Division of Student Affairs.
