A professional boxer who once called Calhoun County home is going in the ring Friday night on a quest for a world title.
Vernon “Iceman” Paris, the son of Brenda and Brian Washington of Blountstown, will take on Tim Coleman during “The Clash at the Chumash” in Santa Ynez, California. The 10 round junior welterweight bout will air on ESPN 2 as part of the ESPN Friday Night Fights presentation.
Paris tells The County Record one of the most exciting aspects of preparing for this match is getting to train with Floyd Mayweather, Sr. “It’s pretty cool,” he remarks. “I’ve seen him on TV and he’s the father of my favorite fighter, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Working out with him is a blessing.”
As for his opponent, Paris says, “He’s got 18 wins, 1 loss, 5 knockouts and is the USBA/UPSBO world title holder. My record is 24 wins, no losses, and 14 knockouts. I will be taking his title, I look forward to that.”
Paris says he hopes the folks who remember him from his days at Blountstown Elementary School before he moved with his family to Detroit will tune in for the fight.
“I do want everybody there to support me,” he remarks, adding that he will be visiting his family in Blountstown later this month.
The fight will air live on ESPN 2 at 8 p.m. CT/9 p.m. ET.
