LOS ANGELES — Dewey Bozella has won his pro boxing debut at 52 years old, beating Larry Hopkins by unanimous decision on Saturday night.

Wrongfully convicted of murder, Bozella spent 26 years in prison before he was exonerated in 2009. The New York native became the light heavyweight champion of Sing Sing while earning two college degrees behind bars.

Golden Boy Promotions fulfilled Bozella’s dream by putting him on the undercard of Bernard Hopkins’ bout with Chad Dawson. His victory, punctuating by a devastating punch to Larry Hopkins’ head at the final bell, brought the crowd to its feet.

“I used to lay in my cell and dream about this happening,” Bozella said. “It was all worth it. It was my dream come true.”

Bozella was convicted of killing 92-year-old Emma Crapser on her way home after a night out playing bingo. He maintained his innocence throughout a quarter-century behind bars, even turning down a plea-bargain offer in 1990 that would have required admitting guilt, until his conviction was overturned.