http://www.deweybozella.com/
I am inspired by courageous true stories. Stories that may not start out so well, but end in fine fashion. The true story that I would like to share with you now, is about a man named Dewey Bozella. Dewey Bozella was imprisoned for 26 years for a murder he didn't commit. Mr. Bozella was said to have lived a life of petty crime before his conviction. Dewey Bozella went to prison for allegedly murdering 92 year old Emma Crapser on her way home one night. The state lacked physical evidence, but the lack of that evidence was overcome by the false testimony of convicts, and Mr. Bozella was sentenced to life in prison. His avoiding a lifestyle of petty crime may not have changed his being falsely accused, but if you think like I do, then you're thinking it couldn't have hurt him. It is no guarantee that a clean cut lifestyle would have helped Mr. Bozella, however, odds are better in ones favor, if one lives their life in such a way that can outweigh the testimony of a convict. I thought about that after reading Dewey Bozella's story, and asked myself one simple -two part- question, "Does your word hold up against a convicts, who's more convincing?" I.E., I was always that kid wearing the goofy grin, therefore, if i broke wind in class (in front of anyone) just once in my life, from then on, I was guilty for every foul smell, and wrongful act committed, that arose anywhere within a one mile radius of my being. Sad, but true. Also sad but true, Jesus (totally without sin, or crime) was convicted, and sentenced to death by crucifixion! So again no guarantees that just because you live a wholesome life, that you will not be judged falsely by men. However, the risen Righteous Judge, will set you free, when you stand before Him.
Dewey Bozella is an Arthur Ashe Courage Award winner -which is given by ESPN- and has a perfect 1-0 professional fight record. Bozella defeated Larry Hopkins in his debut professional fight (no relation to then Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard Hopkins). Oddly enough however, Bozella's fight with Larry Hopkins was on the undercard of the Bernard (B-Hop) Hopkins fight. Unfortunately for the Hopkins, both of them were defeated. Bernard's fight ended via an awkward TKO where he was dropped (not by a punch, but by a toss) landed on his arm, jamming his shoulder, and unable to continue. Larry, was out classed by a more mature Bozella. Dewey Bozella is not a national household name because of his being the prisons Light Heavyweight Champion, or because of his lone professional fight/victory/career. However, in his community, Bozellla is a well respected name. Well respected because Dewey Bozella is doing great things, and giving back. Dewey Bozella is giving back to his community by giving the kids in his community a chance to begin with. Why? Because Mr. Bozella understands that some of those kids, may not be as fortunate as he was to have a first chance, that grants them a pass to a second chance! Mr. Bozella said that his debut professional fight would be his first and last, and that he would not fight again after his big fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. However, in my book, his greatest fight is ahead of him. Dewey Bozella's greatest fight, will be helping kids stay off the streets and out of trouble, by keeping his gym open, and teaching those kids self discipline, and self respect. My prayers go out to a great man, fighting for an even greater cause!
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