Vernon Paris

Vernon Paris (born January 5, 1988) is an American professional boxer who fights at light welterweight. His three no contests are a result of him testing positive for marijuana in post-fight drug tests.

Paris grew up in Detroit, Michigan where he endured a troubled youth. Frequently involved with gangs and petty crimes, this culminated in a shooting attack which occurred on the city's northwest side on the evening of July 25, 2006: Paris was shot three times in the back, thigh and groin in an attempted murder and as a result still has a bullet lodged in his back and another in his thigh.

In May 2008, Paris was stabbed during a neighborhood argument, suffering a collapsed lung. He left shortly afterward for Florida with his girlfriend to be with family, returning to Michigan in late 2009 to resume his fight career with his friend and promoter, Carlos Llinas.

Amateur career

Paris, who has been a pro for six years, has been a gifted boxer since his amateur days training under Kronk Gym mentor Sugar Hill, nephew of Emanuel Steward.

Professional career

Paris, signed by Don King in 2011, made his breakthrough as a professional with wins over Tim Coleman, Emanuel Augustus, and Ruben Galvan and was named one of the sport's upcoming stars byh The Boxing Tribune.

On March 24, 2012, Paris faced Zab Judah (41-7, 28 KOs) in a IBF light welterweight title elimination bout as the main event of NBC Sports Network's Fight Night from the Aviator Arena in Brooklyn, New York. Paris lost the bout in the 9th round via a TKO.

Paris currently trains with Dave Lester.