Tonight at the Paradise Theatre in the Bronx, New York, two time New York Golden Gloves champion Vaughn Parham, will step into the ring for the first time as a professional. In the case of the mammoth 6’6, 260 pound, Parham it will be a home coming. Parham was born and raised in the borough of the Bronx. Parham appreciates how special it is to make his maiden voyage in pro boxing from his hometown. With that in mind Parham expects to have plenty of support from family and friends in attendance.

"I am going to have a lot of people rooting me on. I’m very excited. I just hope that I don’t get too anxious in there. I hope I don’t get caught up in the moment and the crowd and my emotions get the best of me. I think I’ll keep my self poised but you never are certain until that bell rings and you hear your name. As of now though I plan on keeping things in stride and I’m focused on putting on a good performance", said Parham.

Parham won the prestigious Golden Gloves on two separate occasions, competing in the Super Heavyweight division. Parham’s first title was in the 2001 tournament. Then in 2002, he showed it was no fluke as he captured top honors once again. Parham who was 23 years old at the time of his standout amateur days took a hiatus from boxing to pursue another passion, football. With the grid iron not panning out the way he had planned, he has rededicated himself to the sport that he started practicing at age 13. Now at age 29, Parham recognizes that time is of the essence.

"I gave football try, but it was not meant to be for me. I have no regrets. I know that I am 29 at that might be a little late compared to some others to make a pro debut, but I am a young 29. My body is not beat up. I am not used and abused, like a lot of guys who have been fighting for 10 or 15 straight years non stop and then they turn pro," said Parham.

"Naturally there is some urgency in me; I’m not getting any younger. But this only fuels me. People who doubt me because I’m turning pro at 29 are mistaken. I’m not new to boxing. I’ve had success in boxing before and I plan on continuing this success. I am determined and I have the right people behind, in my trainer Angel Alejandro and my manager Ricardo Figueroa", said Parham.

Another point of inspiration for Parham, is his daughter. Parham is the father of a 7 year old girl whom he calls his reflection.

"She is what I want to do and how I want to do it. She’s an active reflection of all that it is that I do. My success in boxing is fueled by her", stated Parham.

Parham considers himself to be a true student of boxing. Some of his idols growing up are Larry Holmes and Riddick Bowe. He also says that Bernard Hopkins is someone who he admires because of his professionalism and longevity. Parham hopes one day that future up and coming prospects will look back at his career years from now as motivation.

"I’m anxious and I’m ready to go. I just want to let everyone know that I’m here now and that I intend on making my imprint in the heavyweight division", said Parham.

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