Paul Vaden, 1986 alumni extraordinaire, visited PHHS last month to share his career path and how his dedication toward being the best in what he wanted to do played out in his life. He spoke to over 1,200 students sharing his memories from Henry and how he had envisioned himself coming back and presenting his success through boxing competitions some day.

Paul “The Ultimate” Vaden was born on Dec. 29, 1967 in San Diego, California and dreamed of becoming a world boxing champion since 4 years old. On Aug. 12, 1995, Vaden achieved his lifelong goal and to this day, Vaden remains the only native San Diegan to become a professional world boxing champion.

Vaden started his 23-year boxing career at the age of 8. Known then as “Kid Ultimate,” Vaden had a highly accomplished amateur career traveling the world and compiling an outstanding amateur record of 327–10. It wasn’t until he was 11 that his coach discovered he was left-handed and started teaching him how to box southpaw. In 1990, Vaden became the United States National Amateur Light-Middleweight champion. Vaden was also a bronze medal winner in the 71 kg (156 pounds) division at the 1990 Goodwill Games.

Vaden turned pro April 5, 1991, now campaigning as “The Ultimate,” and began his career with 18 consecutive wins. On March 25, 1994, he won the IBF Inter-Continental Junior Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over veteran John Montes. On Aug. 12, 1995, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas as a decided underdog, Vaden defeated Vincent Pettway by 12th round TKO to win Pettway’s IBF 154-pound title.

In all, Vaden’s professional boxing career held a record of 29 wins, three losses, and 16 KOs. He won the 1994 IBF Inter-Continental 154-pound title, 1995 IBF Junior Middleweight World title, 1999 USBA 154-pound title, and was inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009. On Feb. 16, 2016, Vaden became the third boxer to ever be inducted into the Breitbard Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor can be found inside San Diego’s Petco Park Stadium.

After retiring from boxing, he began commentating for boxing telecasts on TV and served as the Global Health Advisor for Qualcomm, Inc. It was during this time he realized that he could help motivate and encourage others through his own experiences, which led to the start of his training programs, motivational seminars, and corporate wellness programs.

Vaden’s message is universal: “Answer the bell.” This message uplifts, inspires and most of all, conditions professionals in every scenario to strive for excellence in business, life and physical health.

In 2013, Vaden published his first book “Answer the Bell: Inventing Your Life as a Champion.” The book gives his readers a first-hand account of his own personal challenges as a boxer; beginning with the Jackie Robinson YMCA, and including the peak of his career at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.

Today, Vaden is a consultant and keynote speaker for several companies throughout the nation. He is also a published author, advisor, TV commentator, mentor, coach, and motivational speaker. Currently, a documentary short film about his life, “Vaden Versus,” is touring film festivals throughout the globe.

Also dedicated to the San Diego community, Vaden serves on boards for both the San Diego Chapter for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) as well as the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC). In addition to his role on the board, he is also the celebrity spokesperson for the JDRF.

With a disarming blend of candor, honesty and hopefulness, his counsel allows people to reach new personal peaks and face life’s daily challenges head-on.