Former world lightweight champion Paul Spadafora is recovering in a Las Vegas hospital after a serious dog attack on Sunday night. The incident occurred while Spadafora was playing with his pit bull, which accidentally bit him, leading to a severe injury that required extensive medical attention.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Spadafora was hospitalized after a dog bite incident.
- The injury involved a severed artery in his left arm.
- He underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.
- Spadafora's wife emphasized the need for him to slow down.
Incident Details
Spadafora's wife, Nadine, recounted the events leading up to the attack. While playing with his dogs at home, Spadafora was bitten by his pit bull. Initially, he did not believe the injury was severe, thinking he would only need stitches. However, upon arriving at the hospital, doctors informed him that the situation was much more serious than anticipated.
Nadine described the moment, stating, "When he was, like, playing around, she bit him. She probably didn't realize she bit him that hard because she ran away after she did it. It's not like she locked on him, or was trying to kill him."
Medical Response
Upon examination, it was revealed that Spadafora had severed an artery in his left arm. This required immediate surgical intervention. After an extensive surgery, the artery was successfully repaired. Initially placed on a ventilator to assist with breathing, Spadafora is now conscious and on the road to recovery.
Nadine expressed her relief, saying, "He's just such a special person, and I'm just so glad that he lived through this."
Recovery Process
Spadafora's recovery is expected to take about six weeks. Nadine mentioned that he is now calm and allowing himself to heal, stating, "Just pray that he sits still."
She also noted that Spadafora has been a fighter throughout his life, both in and out of the ring, and that this incident might serve as a reminder for him to take things slower. "Paul needs to slow down. You know what I mean? So maybe this is the universe telling him to slow down," she said.
Future Considerations
Despite the traumatic experience, Nadine confirmed that Spadafora does not want his dog to be taken away. The couple is focused on his recovery and looking forward to his return to health.
Spadafora, known as "The Pittsburgh Kid," defended his title until 2003 and has been involved in training fighters prior to this incident. His resilience and fighting spirit are expected to aid in his recovery as he navigates this challenging time.
