Vinny Pazienza On Who Would Win Hollywood's Biggest Boxing Bouts

The inspiration behind new boxing biopic Bleed For This, Vinny ‘Paz’ Pazienza casts his expert eye on the biggest fights Hollywood can offer.
At the end of our interview with five-time world champion Pazienza, we discussed the sheer amount of actors who have taken on the role of boxers in cinematic history. It’s a consistent foundation for film, worthy of Oscar-winning performances from the very best in the industry (and Orlando Bloom).

But who’s tougher than who? Would Robert De Niro, the Raging Bull himself, manage to knock out a bruising Russell Crowe? And who better to judge, other than the toughest boxer that ever lived.

We matched them up and asked Pazineza for his predictions on the bouts, starting with the man tasked with playing Pazienza, Miles Teller.

Michael B. Jordan in ‘Creed’ vs. Miles Teller in ‘Bleed For This’

Vinny says:

“I met Michael (B. Jordan) after Creed and love him a lot, but I’ve got to go with my guy. Miles would kick his ass.”

Jake Gyllenhaal in ‘Southpaw’ vs. Mark Wahlberg in ‘The Fighter’

Vinny says:

“Both big guys but [Mark] Wahlberg all day long. That’s an easy one.”

Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rocky’ series vs. Will Smith in ‘Ali’

Vinny says:

“Ooooh … Rocky vs. Muhammad Ali? Very tough, both great, but I’ve got to go with Stallone – he’s the original Rocky!”

Russell Crowe in ‘ Cinderella Man’ vs. Robert De Niro in ‘Raging Bull’

Vinny says:

“This would have to be the main bout. Two proper heavyweights. It would be too close to call. Let’s call it a draw and look forward to the rematch.”

Hilary Swank in ‘Million Dollar Baby’ vs. Orlando Bloom in ‘The Calcium Kid’

Vinny says:

“If Hilary (Swank) goes for his nuts, then Hilary all day long. Actually, even if she didn’t, still Hilary.”

About the author

Luke Bradshaw

Sports Editor

Luke was born and raised in various parts of south London, before studying Politics and Social Psychology at Loughborough University. His time in the midlands was limited to his study and upon his return to the capital (via the obligatory travelling in between), wrote for a number of different local and national publications, before moving into the editorial side of things. Aside from the obvious interest in sport, he loves food, travel, reading and film, but if any can somehow incorporate sport in the process, then all the better.