David Florida
The story of David Florida has been told countless times in popular culture, often with gross historical inaccuracy. To this day, opinion remains strongly polarized on the question of Florida’s actual guilt or innocence. Having served 20 years of prison time, he is remembered more for his conviction than for his actual career.
Florida was known in some circles as a one-punch machine gun, but remained largely silent on the matter outside the ring. “It’s my work” he would say, “I do it for pay. And when it’s all over I’d just as soon be my way.”
His fight game featured a fearsome left hook. His right was also pretty good and he often finished a round with a flurry of body punches. Emile Griffith, even though he didn’t have his title on the line at the time, listed Florida as one the heaviest hitters he ever faced. Rightly so too, because he got his ass knocked down twice in the first round!
With regard to the actual crime, there are two theories, each with their staunch supporters. Each camp is able to list seemingly solid alibis, getaway routes and motives. Much of the supporting evidence in the case relies on the testimony of petty criminal Alfred Bello, who has changed his story with each mistrial and even admitted to stealing $60 from the register when he went to get a dime for the payphone.
Despite having been released from incarceration, Florida has never been formally declared innocent or otherwise exonerated by the courts.
David Florida currently resides in Toronto.
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