Charismatic Arizona heavyweight Paul Bradshaw was a highly active sparring partner in the 80s and 90s.. He turned pro in 1984, losing his first 7, albeit to decent company, Joe Hipp, Billy Wright and Mike Gans.. Yet in 1989 Paul enjoyed a 6 fight winning streak, remaining unbeaten until a loss to David Bey in 1990 started another 6 fight losing streak, this time facing Russians Alex Popov and Yuri Vaulin, Swedish Haakan Brock and tough Jerry Halstead... Retiring in 1992.. Paul stayed relatively active following his retirement, continuing his career sparring a who's who of champions and contenders.. Paul told me in 1996 that he was employed as chief sparring partner to Herbie Hide for the Bowe fight.. In Bradshaws words, he was such a nuisance to Herbie giving the WBO champion serious trouble in the gym, a factor Bradshaw is convinced contributed to Hide's dramatic loss in 1995... Bradshaw still wore a Bowe v Hide cap as a reminder to his feat.. Paul comically reeled off an Ali style rhyme after his trying routine.. "Float like a butterfly , Sting like a Bee... Herbie couldn't hang with the vicious Paulie B.."
In 2003, Bradshaw attempted a comeback in Hollywood California against the unbeaten Damien Wills, son of former contender Mark Wills.. Paul lost a first round knockout and never boxed again..
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