Miles Teller to Play a Providence Boxer in Bleed for This

Miles Teller in ‘Bleed for This’ Photo by Open Road Films

New England has a history of producing great boxers, so it’s no surprise that another of the region’s combat stars is getting the big screen treatment.

Actor Miles Teller will be trading in his Fantastic Four duds for a pair of boxing gloves this fall when he takes on the role of Providence boxer Vinny Pazienza in Bleed for This.

Directed and written by Ben Younger, the film will chronicle the true story of the Rhode Island pugilist who miraculously made a comeback after severing his spine in a near-fatal car crash. Despite doctors telling him that he may never be able to walk again, “The Pazmanian Devil” returned to the ring to win a championship belt just a year following the incident.

Aaron Eckhart is set to play Pazienza’s famed coach Kevin Rooney, who was an integral part in getting the boxer back on his feet.

Vinny Paz isn’t the only local boxing legend who’s getting a biopic.

Jeremy Renner is set to play the “Brockton Blockbuster,” Rocky Marciano, in the upcoming film Undefeated: The Rocky Marciano Story. The late Massachusetts-bred champion retired as the only undefeated heavyweight titleholder in history with a perfect 49-0 record before his tragic death during a plane crash.

It will be interesting to find out which star can land a knockout with their New England accent.

Bleed for This will have a limited release on November 4 before receiving a wide release on November 23.