About 2 years ago I started receiving E-mails from a Italian boxing fan about fights involving Italian fighters, which I thought were very informative. I replied to the E-mailer and have received permission to post his fight reports and E-mail address here.
Flyweight: Champion: Alexander Mahmutov
1. Damaen Kelly
2. Jose Lopez Bueno
3. Jason Booth
4. Peter Culshaw
5. Zoltan Lunka
6. David Guerault
7.Dimitar Alipiev
8. Delroy Spencer
Alexander Mahmutov conquered the EBU crown beating David Guerault on points. Guerault is
a skinny lefty with good timing. His most memorable battle came with Jason Booth who is
a pocket fighter who loves in-fighting. Mahmutov is a speedy footworker and good
technician. He will have to defend the EBU title right away against Jason Booth (19-1),
named official challenger, but first it's probable a voluntary defense against unbeaten
but unexperienced spaniard Jorge Mata (7-0-1). Zoltan Lunka, an Hungarian fighting in
Germany, is the mandatory challenger of Mexican Fernando Montiel who conquered the WBO
title beating Isidro Garcia by TKO in the 7th round. Lunka has a 21-1 record while
Montiel is unbeaten at 18-0.
Bantamweight: Champion: Luigi Castiglione
1. Johnny Bredahl
2. Noel Wilders
3. Jesper Jensen
4. Johnny Armour
5. Dimitri Kirilov
6. Ferid Ben Jeddou
7. Fabien Guillerme
8. Nicky Booth
9. Tommy Waite
10. Kamel Guerfi
Esham Pickering lost by KO 1 to Mauricio Martinez in a match for the WBO title.
Johnny Armour beat Francis Ampofo with a majority decision over 12 rounds and conquered
the WBU title. Ferid Ben Jeddou will defend the WBU superfly title in February against
Spaniard Goyo Perez. Ben Jeddou came from Tunisia to Italy where he fought many years
until he conquered this belt in December defeating the South-African Sipho Manty by
majority decision. A close match with fast moving Ben Jeddou and Manty who was more
planted on his and more concrete. Johnny Bredahl is the official challenger of
Castiglione.
Super Bantamweight: Champion: Vladislav Antonov
1. Michael Broadie
2. Vincenzo Gigliotti
3. Sergei Devakov
4. Michael Alldis
5. Sandor Koczak
6. Patrick Mullings.
Vladislav Antonov defeated Sergei Devakov by unanimous decision to conquer the vacant
EBU crown. Vincenzo Gigliotti failed to conquer the WBU belt as he was outpointed by
Mexican Carlos Contreras in 12 rounds by split decision. Gigliotti lacked international
experience as he tried to fight instead of boxing. A good match, however, and Gigliotti
positively impressed.
Featherweight: World Champion: Naseem Hamed
European Champion: Istvan Kovacs
1. Scott Harrison
2. Steve Robinson
3. Cyrille Thomas
4. Spend Abazi
5. Nicky Cook
Paul Ingle lost the IBF title by KO in the 12th round against South-African Mbulelo
Botile. He underwent an emergency operation to remove a blood clot from his brain. Last
news was good ones: he regained consciousness and moved his right arm and tried to talk.
Cyrille Thomas beat Eric Buttez on points to retain the French title. Istvan 'KoKo'
Kovacs will fight Antonio 'Chelo' Diaz on January 27 for the vacant WBO title.
Kovacs, unbeaten, is a soft puncher but a good technician. Diaz faced good opposition
and had only one defeat: telling wins over Daniel Jimenez, Bernard Harris and Orlando
Soto in last two years, none inside the distance....
Jr. Lightweight: Champion: Dennis Holbaek Pedersen
1. Stephen Forbes
2. Tontcho Tontchev
3. Anatoly Alexandrov
4. Affif Djelti
5. Michael Gomez
6. Boris Sinitsin
7. Kirkor Kirkorov
8. Pedro Miranda
9. Prisco Perugino
10. Barry Jones
11. Stephane Haccoun
12. Charles Sheperd
13. Dean Phitie
Dennis Holbaek Pedersen outpointed Anthony Martinez. Danish Pedersen is a good caliber
European champ even if he lost to long time contender Boris Sinitsin. An upset cancelled
by winning the rematch in September. His challengers are very dangerous as Stephen
Forbes beat John Brown for the IBF crown, Tontcho Tontchev was an amateur star and has
stayed unbeaten among pros, Anatoly Alexandrov was WBO champ before being kayoed by
powerful Acelino Freitas. Affif Djelti deserves attention because he beat durable
English fighters: Phitie and Sheperd inside the distance and Ian McLeod on points.
Michael Gomez (23-3 13KO) beat Ian McLeod (11-2-1 8 KO) P 12 (card 118-110) for the
British Title.
Lightweight: Champion: Julien Lorcy
1. Artur Grigorjan
2. Colin Dunne
3. Djamel Lifa
4. Stefano Zoff
5. Billy Schwer
6. Michael Ayers
7. Jean Baptiste Mendy
8. Bobby Vanzie
9. George Scott
10. Michele Delli Paoli
11. Bruno Wartelle
12. Zoltan Kalocsai
13. Angel Perez
On January 29, in Paris, the revenge of Julien Lorrcy versus Stefano Zoff with the EBU
title at stake. Zoff beat Lorcy on points for the WBA title. Angel Perez (14-1 11KO) is
the new spanish champ. He outpointed Oscar Palomino (21-9).
Jr. Welterweight: Champion: Oktay Urkal
1. Richard Hatton
2. Khalid Rahilou
3. Eammon Magee
4. Shea Neary
5. George Scott
6. Gabriel Mapouka
7. Jason Rowland
8. Salvatore Battaglia
9. Mikhail Boyarskikh
10. Jonathan Thaxton
11. Gianluca Branco
12. Junior Witter
Upcoming are: Allan Vester (Den, unbeaten but has a draw with mediocre Kenian Nasser
Athumani), Souleymane Mbaye (Fra), Giuseppe Lauri (beaten by Allan Vester on a
debatable verdict), Leonard Dorin (Rom), Ivan Kirpa (Rus), Fabrizio Melis (Ita).
Urkal will defend his title on February 10 against Salvatore Battaglia and, if winning,
will challenge Konstantin Tszyu for the WBC title. No chance for him as he is a good
technician but hasn't power and can't sustain the pressure of Tszyu's attacks. Battaglia
won against Vincenzo Finzi on points (10 rounds) to retain the Italian title. He lacks
of international experience but doesn't give up. I guess it will be an interesting fight
but Battaglia is a clear underdog. Moreover they fight at Urkal's home. Gianluca Branco
seems to be the challenger of WBA champ Ener Julio. The Italian promoter Salvatore
Cherchi look for a deal with Don King. Branco hasn't had good opposition till now. Is
Branco better than he showed or do they want only a good paycheck? On november 25,
Frederic Noto beat Nordine Mouchi on points to gain the French title. Good test for the
unbeaten Allan Vester when in january he will face the technician swedish George Scott.
Welterweight Champion: Thomas Damgaard
1. Michele Piccirillo
2. Alessandro Duran
3. Frank Olsen
4. Andrei Pestriaev
5. Darren Bruce
6. Jose Escriche
7. Maxim Nesterenko
8. Neil Sinclair
9. Michele Orlando
10. Sergey Bashkirov
11. Stephane Cazeaux
12. Pasquale Perna
13. Harry Dhami
14. Frederic Klose
15. Scott Dixon
16. Spencer McCracken
17. Jawaid Khaliq
18. Jacek Bielski
The EBU ordered a rematch between Damgaard and Alessandro Duran (48-11) as the first won
by split decision. Damgaard doesn't want fight Duran again because there are too many
risks. Duran always won all his rematches but one, against Michele Piccirillo. Damgaard
is looking to obtain a world chance and much money. Neil Sinclair lost to Daniel Santos
by KO 2 in a match for the WBO title. Daniel Santos kayoed Giovanni Parisi and caused
the end of his career. In London Darren Bruce lost an unanimous decision to Willy Wise
in a match for the IBO belt. German based Alpaslan Aguzum proved to be a protected
fighter recording a 21-0 record before being TKO'd in 1 round by experienced Argentinian
Carlos Baldomir in a fight for the International WBC Title. Aguzum has an Oscar De La
Hoya's pretty face and a clean type of boxing but it lacks substance. Carlos Baldomir
(33-9-4) proved to a real executioner of unbeaten European fighters as he caused the
first defeat of Danish Frank Olsen and Serbian Dejan Zivkovic also. Frank Olsen beat
unknown Samuel Harvey on points (8 rounds). Maxim Nesterenko did the same with Ruslan
Gadsoev. Jose Escriche stopped Carlos Tomar in the 3th round. Harry Dhami (16-4-1)
retained the British title by outpointing Spencer Mc Cracken (19-4-1). Jawaid Khaliq
(GB, 13-1-1) took the Commonwealth crown by outpointing Sean Sullivan of New Zeland.
Sergei Bashkirov TKO'd Alexei Perevozchikov in the 11th round to conquer the Russian
title. Frederic Klose retained the French title by outpointing Mustapha Bouzid. Unbeaten
and untested Dane Christian Bladt (15-0-1) beat Louis Mimoune P6. Poliand's Jacek
Bielski stayed unbeaten at 11-0 beating Vladimir Rubailov on points in 12 rounds.
Jr. Middleweight Champion: Vacant
1. Javier Castillejo
2. Mamadou Thiam
3. Anthony Farnell
4. Mikael Rask
5. Orhan Delibas
6. Steve Roberts
7. Adrian Stone
8. Roman Karmazin
9. Derek Roche
10. Paolo Pizzamiglio
11. Christophe Canclaux
12. Scott Dixon
13. Gianluca Iommarini
Mamadou Thiam will fight Italian Paolo Pizzamiglio on January 29, in Paris, for the
vacant EBU title. The weak chin of Pizzamiglio against the powerful frenchman.
Christophe Canclaux (14-0 12KO) retains the french title with a TKO of Eric Daponte in
the 10th round. A bad performance for Canclaux who was hit too much by a mediocre
challenger. He must improve his defense. Daponte is a tough guy but hasn't enough power.
Javier Castillejo will defend the WBC title against japanese Akira Ohigashi in February
in Madrid. Steve Roberts, (22-0), beat Mohamed Hissani (12-2) by TKO7 to retain the WBF
title. Anthony Farnell kayoed Scott Dixon in the 7th round. Adrian Stone (29-3-2)
retained the IBO crown TKO'ing Derek Roche (23-2) in the 2nd round. Mikael Rask (19-1)
retained the International WBO title by outpointing very mediocre Patrick Rubes (8-8).
What is the real value of Rask? Difficult to say: his only loss came by cut against WBC
champ Castillejo but his only telling wins were over Howard Clarke and Ahmet Dottuev,
both on points in 1999. Gianluca Iommarini took the italian title with a tech win in the
9th round against Luca Mori.
Middleweight Champion: Vacant
1. Erland Betare
2. Armand Krajnc
3. Antonio Perugino
4. Howard Eastman
5. Hassine Cherifi
6. Raymond Joval
7. Jerry Elliott
8. Bert Schenk
9. Robert Mc Cracken
10. Ali Ennebati
11. Cristian Sanavia
12. Davide Ciarlante
13. Francisco Galvez
14. Morrade Hakkar
15. Ryan Rhodes
16. Stefan Trabant
Countrymen Robert McCracken (33-1) and Howard Eastman (30-0) are the co-challengers for
the European title of Frenchman Erland Betare who will fight for the WBC title.
Francisco Galvez (18-0) is the new Spanish champ. He outpointed Amadeo Pena (10-5-2).
Stefan Trabant (25-2) took an unanimous decision over Francesco Passanante in 8 rounds.
Raymond Joval, the smart ex WBU champ who defeated Agostino Cardamone and was dethroned
by Antonio Perugino, will fight against Aussie Sam Soliman. Joval conquered the IBO
crown by decision over South African Mpush Makambi and Soliman is now his first
challenger. It seems there will be no problem for the speedy and technician Joval here.
Morrade Hakkar retained the French title TKO'ing Alban Girouard in the 9th round. Ryan
Rhodes returned outpointing in 6 rounds Howard Clarke. Armand Krajnc is for real!! In
October he beat ex WBO champ Bert Schenk (24-1) by TKO6. In 1999 there was an upset win
over British Jason Matthews but after he confirmed his leadership by TKO'ing Jonathan
Corn (29-3-1) in 2 rounds. Now he's 24-0. His weapons are reach, straight punches, good
timing and decent footwork. He's not a powerful fighter but the accuracy in throwing
punches makes them dangerous.
Super Middleweight Champion: Andrei Shkalikov
1. Joe Calzaghe
2. Sven Ottke
3. Bruno Girard
4. Glen Catley
5. Markus Beyer
6. Mads Larsen
7. Nordin Ben Salah
8. Richie Woodhall
9. Silvio Branco
10. Robin Reid
11. David Starie
12. Vincenzo Imparato
13. Delroy Leslie
14. Paul Jones
Upcoming: Mario Veit, Rudy Markussen, Danilo Haussler, Jurgen Brahmer, Antonio
Brancalion. Joe Calzaghe beat fellow countryman Richie Woodhall TKO 10 to retain the WBO
belt. Mario Veit keeps on winning against bums: Carl Cockeram was stopped in the fourth
round by cut.... and so did Rudy Markussen (22-0): Eric Atkinson was TKO'ed in the 1th.
Andrei Shkalikov (45-5-2 23KO) will defend the EBU title against German Danilo Haussler
(15-0 5 KO) on january 27. Shkalikov is a tough and rough fighter while Haussler is
untested: fighting at home should help him? Of course last result of Shkalikov would
encourage the challenger: Youssef Temsoury (9-10-1) obliged the European champ to a draw
in 6 rounds. David Starie TKO'd Alex Mason to retain the British title. Robin Reid beat
Mike Gormley by KO in the first round to win the WBF title. Mads Larsen is very busy: 3
bouts in last 3 month and 3 wins inside the distance. Last time he stopped Canadian Nick
Rupa in four rounds. Vincenzo Nardiello fights again in January, his comeback. Vincenzo
Imparato confirmed to be the Italian champ beating for the second time Antonio
Brancalion by tech win in the 8th round. Paul Jones stopped Olivier Beard in the first
round to catch the international WBC title.
Light heavyweight Champion: vacant
1. Dariusz Michalczewski
2. Jean Marc Mormeck
3. Clinton Woods
4. Graciano Rocchigiani
5. Yawe Davis
6. Ole Klementsen
7. Robert Nieroba
8. Kamel Amrane
9. Neil Simpson
10. Mark Delaney
11. Zsolt Erdei
12. Thomas Ullrich
13. Juan Perez Nelongo
14. Stipe Drews
15. Konstantin Shvets
16. Giuseppe Ferrazzo.
Dariusz Michalczewski beat Ka Dy King by TKO in the 7th round to retain the WBO title.
The polish but German-based fighter is the only real contender of Roy Jones jr at
175lbs. 'Tiger' deserves a world title shot. Neil Simpson (18-11) kayoed Mark Delaney
(26-3) in the first round and retained the British title. Kamel Amrane (14-2-1) beat Joe
Siluvangi (22-3-1) in 10 rounds to catch the French title. On February 10 there will be
the bout for the vacant title between Yawe Davis and Graciano Rocchigiani. You can note
as Italian Davis comes from Uganda while German Rocchigiani from Italy!!! Two old but
good fighters: Davis the better technician while Rocchigiani has more stamina. If
Rocchigiani pulls out there is a ready substitute: unbeaten but untested Thomas Ullrich.
Jean Marc Mormeck beat Ecuadorian Livin Castillo by KO 3 to gain the WBA international
title. Castillo was unbeaten. Mormeck has a great physique and his boxing skills are
improving day after day. Amateur star Zsolt Erdei fought his first pro-fight winninh by
KO 1 against Filip Houthoofdt. I expect him to be a future European champ, at the very
least. Ole Klementsen (43-5) beat Derrick James (16-5) on points over 10 rounds.
Cruiserweight Champion: Carl Thompson
1. Johnny Nelson
2. Fabrice Tiozzo
3. Vincenzo Cantatore
4. Christophe Girard
5. Torsten May
6. Alexander Gurov
7. Pietro Aurino
8. Bruce Scott
9. Alexei Iilin
10. Robert Norton
11. Vincenzo Rossitto
12. Alain Simon
13. Valery Vikhor
14. Jesper Kristiansen
15. Ian Koulkov
Bruce Scott (23-5) retained the British belt winning by KO against John Keeton (21-11).
Fabrice Tiozzo had a rematch but Virgil Hill proved again to be the better, demolishing
him in 1 round and conquering the WBA title. Vincenzo Cantatore beat Brasilian Rogerio
Lobo by TKO 1 on December 26 in Rome for the International WBC Title. Cantatore lost 33
pounds to join the cruiserweight division. Lobo has a 24-4 record but no telling wins.
Mario Tonus beat Massimiliano Saiani by Tech W 9 to retain the Italian title. A first
decent test for Jesper Kristiansen. The unbeaten Dane will defend his international WBO
title against tough Turan Bagci. Torsten May is the official challenger of Carl Thompson
for the EBU title. In november he beat Ian Koulkov on points in 8 rounds. Vincenzo
Rossitto beat Colin Abselon by Tech decision in the 7th round. The Italian retained the
international supercruiserweight WBU title.
Heavyweight World Champion: Lennox Lewis
European Champ: Vitali Klitschko
1. Wladimir Klitschko
2. Henry Akinwande
3. Brian Nielsen
4. Andrew Golota
5. Danny Williams
6. Timo Hoffman
7. Alexsei Osokin
8. Georgi Kandelaki
9. Nikolai Valouev
10. Christophe Mendy
The Klitschko brothers keep on punching: on January 27 Vitali will fight Orlin Norris
for the international WBA title while on March 10 Wladimir will go in the U.S.A. to
fight Derrick Jefferson. Zeljko Mavrovic announced his retirement. Christophe Mendy (13-
4-1 9 KO) beat Antoine Palatis (24-14-2 13KO) to conquer the French title. Mendy has the
physique but not the technique to be a threat for the top fighters. Palatis is an honest
ring worker. Henry Akinwande (38-1-1 24 KO), former WBO champ, kayoed Kenny Craven in
the first round to win the WBC Continental Americas title. Rene Monse retained the
German title with an unanimous technical decision over Ralf Packheiser. The fight was
stopped in the 8th with the champ cut and bloody. Monse, unbeaten, is 32 year old and
spent too much time in the amateurs. He's a good technician but hasn't the reach, the
speed nor the power to fight for international bids. Andrew Golota is still not paid for
the fight against Tyson because of his poor performance. Albert Sosnowski, another
polish heavyweight, will try to conquer the WBC Jnr title. Sosnowski is a clean fighter
but hasn't the handspeed nor the movements to be a champ. Brian Nielsen (59-1) out
pointed Dick Ryan to avenge his only loss. Probably his career will end before he fights
a real world quality foe.
December 29, 2000 in Siracusa, Italy International WBU Supercruiserweight Title Spagnoli E. Sabbatini Production Coming with a reported record of 10-1 10 K.O's (afterwards reduced to 7-1-1 7 K.O's) Abselon proved to be a game fighter but not a bomber. Very limited in boxing technique, he only advanced and threw wide shots. Rossitto had a clear advantage in height and reach and Abselon's face was an easy target for every type of punch. Known as a very soft hitter, Rossitto confirmed his lack of power, not being able to stop the relentless attacks of Abselon. Only a cut on the left eyebrow forced the end of the bout during the 7th round. until then Rossitto won almost every round of an entertaining match fought at a very high pace by both athletes. A crowd of 3,000 fans (free entrance) appreciated both fighter's effort. Rossitto, unbeaten, should try to join the cruiserweight division where his soft punches could be a minor factor. He's a better technician than Cantatore and has fast hands. Abselon has a good chin, stamina and hearth but lacks height, defense and accuracy.
December 26, 2000, in Rome WBC International Cruiserweight Title Vincenzo Cantatore lost almost 25 pounds to join this division and it worked well. Now he looks like a really well conditioned fighter, more speedy but just as powerful as in the past. In just one round Lobo was down 3 times and consequently stopped. At first a left hook to the chin, second a wide right cross to the head, then a straight right with Lobo coming in. A comfortable win even if Lobo, despite a reported record of 24-3 with 19 KO's can't be considered a high quality foe having not beaten any top fighter in the world. Cantatore (22-2 20 KO's), 29 years old, remains a puncher but he tries to throw punches with more accuracy thanks to the work in the gym with his manager Salvatore Cherchi. He hasn't great timing so the defense suffers and the best Cruiserweights could capitalize on his weak chin. It was very difficult to make matches in Rome without the help of television and Cantatore, with his wife and his manager had to struggle until last days. Cherchi said he was offered a match in Germany (with Cantatore challenging Juan Carlos Gomez) but he'd want to bring Virgil Hill in Rome if possible. Great names, in my opinion they are too great, at least for now. I think, for example, that fighting Carl Thompson for the European Title could be a severe test and it will be an explosive match.
December 16, 2000 in Guidonia
Italian Welterweight Title
Where is the bomber? Orlando started his career with an all or nothing attitude and
now seems to be calculating every punch he throws. Cioffi, with a reported record of 9-
14, seemed the right foe for a easy defense of the title. Orlando won but made a poor
performance of it. Cioffi is a journeyman with much experience, also international
experience, and Orlando used his superior reach to hit but there wasn't power in the
shots. Cioffi blocked almost all attacks with a high guard and threw good 'two handed'
hooks in reaction: no power in them however. Then Orlando alternated the blows to the
head with good wide hooks to the body opening the guard of his foe and landing more. The
cornerman asked Orlando to use the straight left-right combination and then the right
uppercut when Cioffi reacted, but it was unnecessary as the challenger was cut at the
eyebrow and forced to stop at the end of 7th round. The cards gave Orlando the victory
by wide margins.
Salvatore Battaglia vs Vincenzo Finzi
December 14, 2000 in Grosseto
Italian superlightweight title
Coming in this fight could be a severe test for the champ as Finzi was unbeaten, but
also untested, and has an elusive boxing style. Too elusive this time: skinny and lefty,
Finzi danced all the time, threw much, landed almost nothing. Battaglia, a southpaw,
tried to fight but didn't accept many risks, won round by round by narrow advantage
simply with a slightly superior offensive attitude. This match was fought at long range
without a thrilling moment so that Battaglia was asked to give more to improve the show.
At the end Battaglia had 7-8 points for his clear victory. Battaglia will be the
official challenger to Oktay Urkal for the European title while Finzi has demonstrated
he can fight if he wants.
Carlos Contreras vs. Vincenzo Gigliotti
WBU Super Bantamweight Middleweight Title
December 6, 2000 in Sassari, Italy
(Spagnoli and Sabbatini production. Tonino Puddu matchmaker)
This fight was for the WBU Super Bantamweight Title which featured Carlos Contreras
vs. Vincenzo Gigliotti, for the first time I have seen the Italian super bantamweight
champ and I have to say that it worth the time. He faced a difficult international match
with the same spirit with which he made his path in our national field: determination
and straight forwardness worthy of a man who feels to be number one. The qualities are
there; Gigliotti is a fighter who hits with both hands alternating the target, body and
head, with enough accuracy and a high pace, at least for the European standards. The
punches are not predictable, they are speedy and follow varied trajectories, full of
strength but thrown with looseness. Always attacking and with good movements of the
waist and on the legs Gigliotti combined a discrete technique. At times Contreras was in
danger of absorbing hard hooks with difficulty but he always replied. In fact,
unfortunately Gigliotti this time did not face a European boxer, but a Mexican one and
Mexico as we all know, is the land of tough fighters, accustomed since youth to climb in
the ring to give all what they have without hesitation.
I already saw Contreras conquer the title by beating Carlos Navarro in which he
overcame the talent of Navarro who eventually succumb to the incessant aggression of
Contreas. Contreras is lanky, he doesn't fully exploit the advantage in reach, often
accepting the battle to average and short distance where he shows hooks and uppercuts
brought with looseness and continuity. Gigliotti paid for his boldness and inexperience:
he started like a train, arrived in with a light advantage until the 8th round but then
faded and risked losing before the limit. Contreras acted like bicycling champs in that
when on mountain roads, they don't sprint to follow their challengers but go on pedaling
with a constant rhythm sure to arrive first to the finish. In the 9th round a left
hook to the liver forced Gigliotti to kneel and from that moment on for him it was only
a matter of survival, bravely he continued to answer the attacks of the Mexican who won
the last rounds and the match.
The verdict wasn't unanimous with a judge who had 7 points of advantage for Contreras
and another who instead had 1 for Gigliotti. Many rounds were balanced and perhaps the
third judge was right giving 3 points of advantage for the champ. A really a beautiful
match, honor for the WBU but is Contreras a world caliber champ? Once more he was
protagonist if not spectacular, a intense and balanced match against a good but not
super challenger. Contreras hasn't ever faced a real defensive attitude and hasn't a
good guard. Moreover he does not have a KO punch. He has durability and stamina, he's a
clean fighter with good offensive technique. He's not a champion but if you have the
occasion to see him fughting don't miss it. Could Gigliotti adopt a different tactic? He
has the handspeed and the footwork to fight another way: he could alternate the 'massive
attack' with 'hit and run' to break the continuous rhythm of Contreras winning some more
rounds and arriving at the finish with more energies. Evidently accustomed to face
mediocre adversaries he did not prepare for this alternative tactic in the gym but at 29
he can try again and I hope he does so.
Mario Tonus vs Max Saiani
Italian Cruiserweight Title
December 8, 2000 in San Donà del Piave
I didn't expect to see a beautiful match but the reality overcame the preview as
Saiani never succeeded in boxing anyway. Tonus did his part; a boxer of substance, to say
so, he doesn't propose a fineness or action which lets me think about boxing as the
'noble art'. His physique is more for a bodybuilder than for a boxer. His wide and
predictable punches landed few times with precision. However his physical strength
allowed him to bridle Saiani which theorically had to prevail on the technical plan and
instead never succeeded in anticipating nor countering the attacks of the champ. Moreover
Tonus, after throwing punches, closed the distance, often holding, avoiding that way
Saiani's reaction. In the 3rd round a knock down, I would say a casual one, of Saiani who
didn't seem shaken and was on his feet easily. Up to the 9th round the match went on with
the inaccurate attacks of Tonus, subsequent clinches and some headbutts. A headbutt broke
the right eyebrow of Saiani and forced the physician to declare a halt to the bout. The
cards of the judges declared a clear victory for Tonus. Possible a third match between
the two can be made since Tonus has already shown his limits losing clearly against Yawe
Davis and Pietro Aurino, so his manager Zoggia doesn't want foes of international
caliber for him.
Luca Mori vs. Gianluca Jommarini
Italian Super welterweight title
November 24, 2000 in Tarquinia, Italy
Good attendance in the shopping center of Tarquinia to see the home fighter conquering
the Italian crown as a cut stopped Mori in the 9th round with the two judges having
Jommarini ahead on points (86-84, 86-84, 84-85). Rosanna Conti Cavini, matchmaker,
honored Angelo Jacopucci's memory with a gold medal to Angelo' son. Jacopucci was a boxer
from Tarquinia, Italian middleweight champ, who fought against Alan Minter for the
European Title but died after the defeat. Also the fighters in the ring honored boxing by
fighting a good match: Jommarini, encouraged by cornerman Cavallari, put pressure from
the start while Mori seemed too inactive and lost 3 of the first 4 rounds. Jommarini
attacks as furious as they were inaccurate but Mori failed to counterpunch with any
effectiveness. The southpaw champ tried to avoid Jommarini's punches moving at the waist
and firing with his left hook. Jommarini overwhelmed his foe with two handed action made
up of above all hooks and uppercuts. In the 5th round Jommarini took a breath and Mori
prevailed boxing at long range and throwing left uppercuts to the challenger body. In the
6th Mori equalized on points shaking Jommarini more times with accurate if not powerful
shots. Moreover the referee deducted 1 point from Jommarini for headbutting. It seemed
now that the fight, balanced on points, was in the champ's hands. But, as Mori's trainer,
Zotgia, noticed since from the first rounds, Jommarini had more desire. Mori didn't
capitalize on Jommarini problems, rather he lost the initiative and the 7th round. In the
8th Jommarini was at his best again although with a narrow margin, but the 9th round was
decisive and a point deducted from Mori (perhaps for headbutting, however a very
debatable decision). In the 9th round both fighters boxed cautiously till an
unintentional headbutt produced a cut over the left eyebrow of Mori and the doctor
stopped the bout. Mori recriminated on the referee decision as he thought there was a
valid reason to disqualify Jommarini. Note: they had a match in April 1999 ended with the
victory of Mori caused by a cut on Jommarini's face.
Vincenzo Imparato vs Antonio Brancalion
WBU Super Middleweight Title
November 17, 2000 in Lumezzane, Italy
The right eyebrow of Imparato was cut during the 8th round (unintentional headbutt)
and the verdict went on points at that time: 77-75 for all 3 judges in favor of the
champion Imparato. It was a disappointing conclusion of a mediocre match between the
Italian champion, who seems unmotivated to defend such a title but whose manager
doesn't find the road to open new horizons. Brancalion was previously defeated on points
but appeared to clearly progress this time. Imparato deserves a chance for the European
title because he doesn't have a rival in Italy and he would meet a boxer he has already
faced and beaten. Brancalion is young and has a physique worthy of note, if and when he
finds out know how to exploit it, sharpening his technique and tactic will result in him
being the probable successor of the national throne. Already in this occasion he showed
orderly boxing but he has to improve the straight punches using better force and more of
his left jab. In comparison to the first occasion he boxed more and struggled less but
even this time he allowed Imparato to counterpunch, an advantage that he shouldn't grant
having more inches in height and reach. The speculative tactic of Imparato paid oof but if
Brancalion had maintained the lucidity of the first 2 rounds, in which he got to shake
the champion with a hard right, then Imparato would have been in trouble. The fighter
with more patience and experience won against the fighter with the desire. Brancalion
contested the verdict but the judgment could be disputable but is surely acceptable: it
could have been even or split but the title didn't have to change his master.
Thomas Damgaard vs. Alessandro Duran
European Super Lightweight Title
November 3, 2000 in Copenaghen, Denmark
The Dane, unbeaten, was a top world contender among superlights, so we all knew that
he would be a dangerous test for Duran. At 35, the Italian had to fight out of his
country because of the indifference of our National TV. In such circumstances a close
verdict goes almost always to the home fighter and that was the case here. This time the
Danish organizer, Bettina Palle, can't denigrate the judge's job as she did when
Castiglione defeated Jensen to conquer the EBU Bantham title. The match started with
Damgaard putting pressure on Duran, but unable to use the reach advantage. Showing a hard
left hand, Damgaard piled up the points. He surely won rounds 1,2,6,8 but hardly hit
Duran in the 2nd and 8th. Duran had a good moment in the 4th and won the last rounds when
Damgaard was fading because of the high pace he sustained. The Split decision went the
way of Damgaard: 116-113, 115-114 and 114-115.
Pasquale Perna vs. Alvaro Moreno
WBU International Welterweight Title
November 3, 2000 in Terzigno
Pasquale Perna (39-9-1) seems on sunset avenue of his career despite his new title.
The victory over Alvaro Moreno, gotten on points by a narrow advantage, considering the
difference of quality between the 2 boxers, cannot be considered a good result. Moreno of
Columbia (22-6) is a tough fighter with a powerful left hook but throws it exclusively in
a wide fashion staying well planted on the legs. A boxer endowed with good quality of
movement and reflexes can easily outbox such a fighter, instead Perna found himself more
than once distracted in defense and only a few times effective in conterpunching. The
defeat suffered against Michele Orlando should have engraved on him work ethic and to
never jeopardize his physical preparation and the determination again. But Against Moreno
however he appeared out of shape. After few days Perna decided to relinquish this title
and it is probable that it will be contended by another Italian, Luca Messi, who won an
eliminator bout against Pernice (Disq. 3rd round) on November 17, and...... Alvaro Moreno.
Michele Delli Paoli vs. Athos Menegola
Italian Lightweight Title
October 11, 2000 in Marcianise
Delli Paoli gave a good performance against Moses Mpenza (july) conquering the
International WBU Title and we waited until now him to confirm the improvements. The
rematch against Menegola was an intriguing one as Menegola forced the Italian champ to
a disputed draw in the first match: Delli Paoli faded in the late rounds risking a KO
defeat but Menegola is not a puncher and moreover is inaccurate: a mediocre fighter very
dedicated to the noble art. Delli Paoli now probably trains harder than in the past and
shows it clearly in the ring. Menegola was this time dominated all the way and the judges
had 98-91 (2 times) and 100-90 in their cards. Delli Paoli was nicknamed 'The Cuban' when
was among the amateurs. His boxing is really sparkling: good moves with his legs and on
the waist, a two-fisted attack with various trajectories. The poor boxing of Menegola was
never a threat and the fighting mechanic (the 'real' job of the challenger) uselessly
tried to force the action but this time Delli Paoli was well conditioned and controlled
the fight untill the end. The clean victories he has gotten lately shouldn't allow great
dreams as he still has to improve the defense (particularly the low guard) and he can't
count on any type of power in his fists.
Pasquale Perna vs Michele Orlando
Italian Welterweight Title
October 7, 2000 in Olbia, Italy
The third match between these two fighters finally produced a different result: two
times Perna has beaten Orlando (first by KO, second on points). This time Orlando showed
clear improvements in his boxing and deserved the verdict. Orlando was an inaccurate
puncher without appropriate defense: his 'do or die' style worked against mediocre
opposition but not against an experienced and technician boxer like Perna (31 years old).
Orlando now trains in the Tonino Puddu gym and the new trainer taught him what boxing is:
now he can use his reach advantage, thanks to a good left jab now he knows how change
the action range to suit his legs movements. Orlando piled up a clear advantage on points
in the first 5 rounds, then it turned into a war in the 6th and the 7th when Perna
desperately tried to reverse the match course, but Orlando fought back with superior
force. At that point Orlando cornermen suggested he take no risk and he counterpunched
Perna who attacked without effectiveness. Is Perna over the hill? Probably, being
defeated in his European attempts, he lost some motivations. However Orlando (27 years
old), improving again his defense, could have better weapons to compete at the
international level. By now his main limits are his slow handspeed and his inflexible
waist movement.
A few words about a fight not televised in Italy: Luigi Castiglione fought in
Denmark and conquered the Banthamweight European Title, defeating the Denmark's Jesper
Jensen on points. A split verdict with the Russian judge Szigov who had 6 points in
Jensen favour while the other two judges had 3-4 points for the Italian. No Italian
fighter has won an European Tile out of Italy since 1994. Castiglione is the current WBU
Superflyweight Champ while Jensen, who beat Salvatore fanni and Luigi Camputaro when
fighting at flyweight, was the IBC Superflyweight Champ.
Salvatore Battaglia vs. Cristian Giantomassi
Italian Super Lightweight Title
September 22, 2000 in Parma, Italy
After winning 2 fights against Massimo Bertozzi, Battaglia kayoed Giantomassi in the
fifth round to establish himself as the deserving Italian Champ of the super lightweight
division. Superbly conditioned, he showed again an iron will and ruled the fight from the
start. Giantomassi tried to maintain distange, throwing straight punches but without
determination never landing any telling shots. On the other side the lefty Battaglia
easily found the way to hit the challenger with his straight left and used almost every
blow to accumulate the advantage in the first 4 rounds, then, in the fifth countered an
attack of Giantomassi and kayoed him. Giantomassi stayed a minute on the canvas but
didn't suffer serious damage. His scholastic boxing and the glass chin are heavy deficits
for the progression of his career. Remember Giantmossi was kayoed even by Bertozzi: 2
defeats, 2 by ko and both against fighters who have only decent power. Battaglia is not a
great champ: his real weapons are determination and optimal athletic condition. Fighting
at high pace with good hand speed, discrete movements, careful defense, high left guard,
he may be a tiresome foe for boxers of European caliber.
Big European fight weekend
Mario Tonus vs Massimiliano Saiani
Italian Cruiseweight Title
September 15, 2000 in Piacenza, Italy
Mario Tonus became the new Italian champ as the bout was stopped in the fourth round
because of a cut. An accidental headbutt caused the cut and Saiani lost a fight which was
very close at that moment. The 2 judges had it even and the third 1 point of advantage
for the hometown fighter. Tonus is 33 years old and his record is 18-3, he is not a
talented nor experienced fighter but a brave and tough man who fights like a tank. Saiani
was the better technician but he has to prove that he can handle this type of foe over 10
rounds. He deserves a rematch and probably will obtain it soon: there are so few
cruiserweights in Italy. However the next contender for Tonus will be Fabio Minelli (10-3-
2). If Tonus beats Minelli and Saiani, then his manager will examine international goals
for the fighter from Treviso.
Andrei Shkalikov (UKR) vs Frederick Alvarez (ITA)
European Super middleweight championship
September 16, 2000 in Chateauroux, France
Alvarez is an Italian who fights with a Swedish license. He did not have the
background to compete for the vacant European Title; his record with many victories was
built against mediocre opposition while the tough Shkalikov can boast a victory against
Mauro Galvano, one of the best European supermiddleweights iof the nineties. However
Alvarez fought bravely and was competitive for the first 5 rounds. Then he faded and the
powerful hooks of Shkalikov found their target easily until the 8th round when Alvarez
collapsed, regained his feet then was stopped by his cornermen with a thrown in towel.
Julien Lorcy (FRA) vs Gianni Gelli (ITA)
European lightweight championship
September 16, 2000 in Chateauroux, France
Same outcome for the lightweight Gianni Gelli but this fight was one sided. Gelli
obtained his best result when he outpointed George Scott, an upset caused more by the
disappointing perfomance of the Swedish boxer. Lorcy is a little tank and Gelli is not a
refined boxer which made him fight face to face and eventualy was overwhelmed. In the
third round it ended with a defenitive KO.
PRISCO PERUGINO vs ANDILE NYUMKA
WBU International Superfeatherweight Title
September 8, 2000 in Telese Terme, Italy
Perugino, a 28 year old with a record of 18 victories (6 ko's) and 2 defeats (both
suffered against Stefano Zoff), faced an international test against a boxer from South
Africa who being already 31 years old could only boast only 11 professional fights with 8
victories (4 ko's) and 3 defeats. The match was very hard fought; the two boxers showed
courage and desire to win, facing each other without tactics and trying load up on their
punches on every occasion. Perugino has a good reach and moves quite a lot on the waist.
It's a pity he doesn't have timing nor enough lucidity for which his actions. He often
looks decomposed, inaccurate and besides it dangerously exposes him to the counter
punching of his foe. Nyumka fights wildly and suffered a knock down in the 2th round
because of a hard right hook after having been already heavily hit more times during the
same round. Nevertheless this was the only moment in the match in which we could presume
a conclusion before the limit, Perugino marked a constant superiority, but he was
inaccurate lacked of power to finish the mediocre Nyumka. A clear victory on points for
the Italian at the end of 10 rounds, but the confirmation that the level of his boxing
won't allow big goals to him.
Title updates
The welterweights were the protagonists during the last 2 months in Italy.
First we have the 'old' Alessandro Duran defending his European Title against
the durable Spanish Juan Jose Escriche. Duran suffered a knock down but
Escriche has only a hard right hand and is not talented so the Italian could
win with a large margin on points, thanks to his speed, movements and
spectacular combination punching. The usual lack of power prevent a win
inside the distance for Duran.
Giovanni Parisi made a comeback trying to conquer the third 'world' title
in 3 different divisions but found out good opposition as the WBO champ Daniel
Santos of Puerto Rico was better conditioned and moreover a lefty. Parisi was
inactive during a year and tried to fight among the welterweights, he started
his pro-career among the lightweights. Parisi never had an iron chin and his
boxing is not speculative so he fought bravely but Santos is a young, talented
fighter with some pepper in his shots. The Puerto Rican has a good hand and
foot speed. Parisi was named 'Flash' but did not have advantage this time nor
in the power department. Technically boht should pay more attention on defense
and particularly Parisi, who suffered damage because of his low right hand: 3
knockdowns all by the left hand of Santos. Despite all this the fight was close
during the first 3 rounds it seemed that Santos had less problems to sustain
the pace and to absorb the shots. In the 4th round Parisi was clearly fading
and Santos easily hit him closing the match. A hard beating for Parisi who
announced a definitive retirement.
Michelle Piccirillo had some problems for the matchmaking of his defense
of WBU title but no problems in the ring against late substitute Andrew Murray
(Guyana). Murray is a decent boxer with good physique but the Italian is a
better technician. As Parisi is unpredictable and his boxing goes with
flurries, so Piccirillo on the contrary has solid boxing skills and can dictate
the pace. He lacks the KO punch nor is he iron chinned, but to beat him it will
take a top ten fighter. Lefty, Murray lost almost every round without being
dangerous. The straight punches and the footwork of Piccirillo made the
difference and this win stated the number one position of Piccirillo in Italy
and in Europe. His manager Giulio Spagnoli wants the 'great fight' and he said
it may be realized if DeLaHoya will beat Mosley as Spagnoli already has an
agreement with DLH. So much for that!
Silvio Branco vs. Robin Reid
WBU Supermiddleweight Title
June 24, 2000 in Glasgow, Scotland
Against a well adversary who moreover fought at home, Silvio Branco
deserved the title he conquered, unlike his debatable win over U.S.
fighter Glencoffe Johnson. This time an unanimous and indisputable verdict
was rewarded to Branco at the end of 12 rounds. Reid was WBC champ and boasts a
victory over Vincenzo Nardiello who was crushed by the muscular English boxer.
Reid is not a model of style, has evident limits fighting almost exclusively
with wide punches but he is solid, hits very hard and throws series of punches.
Inactive for more than one year however he faded as the match progressed and
by the half way point of the match Branco was able to control his foe thanks to
his great advantage in height and reach. As usual Branco was satisfied to try
of to win by close margin round after round, after the fight he explained that
this is his boxing style: If my adversary is worth 30 I am worth 31, if he is
worth 100 I am worth 101, it is not a good characteristic but I don't care. It
is also true that Branco does not have a solid chin as showed by the KO's
suffered against Richie Woodhall and Agostino Cardamone, boxers which
don't have power as their principal weapon. Branco was right therefore not
to risk against Robin Reid, using the straight blows as usual, almost always
the left hand, but above all avoiding the hard exchanges. In the Supermiddle
division the Italian doesn't have impossible rivals and he could arrive to
conquer the absolute title: that's what said by his manager Giulio Spagnoli who
would like to challenge the German IBF champion Sven Ottke, if Ottke will
succeed in preserving the title in the difficult test that opposes him
with U.S. puncher Charles Brewer. Ottke won the first challenge thanks to
a home verdict and Brewer had to wait a lot of time before getting a
deserved revenge. In this division the Europeans are protagonist thanks to
the mediocre quality of the U.S. fighters, in fact besides Brewer only
James Butler and Omar Sheika are emerging while Glencoffe Johnson and Thomas
Tate are by now over the hill. The Europeans are a big group and they excel
in the ratings of all the alphabet boys: Joe Calzaghe (gb) is the WBO champ,
Silvio Branco (ita) WBU, Bruno Girard (fra) WBA, Sven Ottke (ger) IBF, Glenn
Catley (gb) WBC, Markus Beyer (ger), Richie Woodhall (gb) and Nordin Ben
Salah (hol).
Antonio Perugino vs William Gare
Middleweight WBU Title
June 3, 2000 in Caserta, Italy
Gare, late substitute of fellow countryman Tshuma, was a better challenger
as he beat Tshuma and conquered the international WBC title defeating Commando
Kalekuzi in his last match. Gare is a fast moving boxer and a well balanced one
so he can throw pucnhes while paying attention to the defense. Not a powerful
fighter, he was a superwelter in the past, but a very good left hand: jabbing
or hooking it dangerously. On the other hand he has a bad right hand: never a
telling blow. Perugino, despite his muscular structure, is a counterpuncher as
the ex World Champ Sumbu kalambay taught him to be. Perugino isn't an accurate
puncher and obtains the best results moving on the legs and trunk, throwing a
single shot or short speedy series. His left, jab or hook, plus the right hook
are his weapons.
The match: surprisingly Perugino was on the canvas during the 2nd round as
a countering left hook of Gare hit him clean. A clean knockdown but Perugino
absorbed it well and kept fighting without problems. Gare did not win any more
rounds until the 7th in which he succesfully tried to accelerate, winning 7th,
8th and 10th which however were close rounds. After that he got exhausted and
Perugino obtained an easy victory in the last 2 rounds against an absolutely
passive foe. The cards: 116-111, 177-110, 117-109 all for the unbeaten Perugino
while Gare now is 14-5.
Michele Piccirillo vs Walter Crucce
Welterweight WBU Title
May 20, 2000 in Piancavallo, Italy
Piccirillo beat another Argentinian boxer, probably the most dangerous
considering that Coggi was at the end of his career when he faced the Italian
champion. Crucce was was introduced with a record of 36 victories, 30 before the
limit, 3 defeats and a fameed tough boxer who always comes in with a relentless
style. He mantained the expectations but the champ is today an experienced
boxer, able to face any foe. The match was not beautiful because Crucce tried
to do with the impetuousness what he didn't succeed with in technique and sense
of timing. Attacking he was inaccurate always having to throw his shots from
long range against a taller Piccirillo. His right uppercuts and left hooks were
fast but the Italian had the time to avoid or to divert them.
On the other hand Piccirillo had difficulty with the vitality and the
mobility of the Argentinian and he was not able to use the straight punches
at his best resulting in inaccuracy. At short range the 2 fighters did not
box but they used mutual incorrectness: a sturdy boxer as Crucce would have
to know how to do better in similar circumstances. In conclusion Crucce
seemed a solid and aggressive fighter, with discrete power and great
vitality. Piccirillo is a boxer of superior quality but his clean boxing is
effective only at long range and at low or medium pace. Besides he does not have
the power nor solidness necessary for beating Oscar De You Hoya, his declared
target.
Prisco Perugino vs Massimo Conte
Italian Superfeatherweight Title (vacant)
May 12 2000, in Marina di Grosseto, Italy
Prisco, Antonio's brother, the WBU champ of the Middles, returned to
victory after the ugly matches against Stefano Zoff who outclassed Perugino and
forced him to be disqualified for the first time, and to quitting in the
second match. He only has these 2 defeats and is 28 years old; this would be the
time to obtain international goals but it doesn't seem to me he made progress
in the tactical management of the fight. He showed good physical condition and
the modest Conte never succeeded in sustaining the furious pace of the new-
champ who overwhelmed him in the 4th round. First a standing count and then the
definitive tko enacted the clear victory of Perugino but despite the actual
triumph, to my notice, he doesn't administer adequately energies. He does not
throw punches with a fight plan. This is a serious handicap for a boxer not
solid neither powerful. The straight punches and the high pace were enough
against Conte who did not succeed in defending and, when counterattacking,
wasn't fast nor accurate. Conte has already given the best of himself and now
is over the hill.
Valentino Manca vs. Luca Mori
Italian Superwelterweight Title
April 21, 2000 in Guastalla, Italy
After the attempt to conquer the European title, faced with courage but lost
to the undisputed superiority of Frenchman Mamadou Thiam, Manca did not even
succeeded in preserving the Italian title. His performance was dissapointing
against a foe who had the height and reach advantage but no boxing skills. Manca
is strong but so inaccurate when attacking to result ineffective. He throws almost
exclusively wide punches and in this circumstance he lacked continuity leaving too
much space to the challenger. Mori has neither class nor good technique; most
particularly he would have to know how to throw better straight punches and to
move his legs in a useful way. His action results in confusion and often ends in
tying or pushing. As for dirty actions Manca hit repeatedly on the neck during
phases at short range so the referee took 1 point from him in the 8th round. An
ugly match in which many rounds were balanced with Mori who threw some more punches
anticipating the champion Manca who almost always threw his hooks in a blind way,
striking the challenger on the arms or resoundingly missing the target. Mori didn't
even get some effect when, rarely, landed his shots, while Manca seemed not to
succeed to expressing his greater power. At the end the verdict was not unanimous
but the disparity between the judgments was resounding: 98-91 and 97-92 in favor of
Mori, 95-94 in favor of Manca. For Mori a deserved victory that however I doubt
will bring him far, while for Manca a defeat that costs him the opportunity to
challenge Matumla for the WBU title. The Tanzanian beat Pizzamiglio on June 5,
1999 by KO in the second round. Manca's manager thinks that the Sardinian boxer
has an advantage facing a fighter who came to battle. The matchmaker Rosanna Conti
Cavini could prepare the match despite the defeat: it is well known that it isn't
so hard to be designed as WBU world contenders.
Dariusz Michalczewski vs Graciano Rocchigiani
WBO Lightheavyweght Title
April 15, 2000 in Hannover
Finally a good match! It seemed there was a clear favourite as Michalczewski,
unbeaten after 42 meetings, 31 years old, faced older Rocchigiani, 36 but with the
last 2 years of inactivity. The prognostication was obviously for Michalczewski
but a precedent between the two was made interesting by revenge since Rocchigiani
lost onw a disqualification after having kayoed the Dariusz, with a punch after
the break; besides Rocchigiani was in points advantage in the moment of the sto.
The revenge also saw the success of Michalczewski, this time without polemics,
but the match was beautiful and balanced until the end. Rocchigiani is lanky and
has a good reach but seems to prefer the box to average and short range. Dariusz
Michalczewski is solid and brave as the adversary, the pace is high, many punches
are thrown, only a few wasted, with varied trajectories, technically correct and
stylistically pleasant. Narrow hooks to the face, uppercuts with both hands, hooks
to the sides, taking care of defense above all with a careful guard. Michalczewski
concluded before the limit the 3 quarters of his matches and showed superior power
to Rocchigiani who instead has 50% of his wins by KO. The age and the rust prevent
Rocchigiani to sustain the pace and after the first rounds the number of punches
landed were in favor of the champion. At the end of 8 rounds Michalczewski has
2-3 points of advantage and in the 9th round he succeeds in putting the challenger
down with a hook to the liver obtaining a KD. In the 1 minute interval Emanuel
Stewart recommends to abandon the fight to avoid further punishment. Rocchigiani
has to think about retirement even if he could challenge others fighters with
international titles as he's still a tough guy and a smart fighter. Regarding
Michalzewski there are talks about his challenge to Roy Jones but do they really
wish to organize this big match? Michalczewski has many fans without risking so
much. Roy Jones would be an almost insuperable obstacle being superior in speed,
power and mobility. Only a defect of concentration of Jones, too presumptuous in
some circumstances, would allow the German to surprise him.
Silvio Branco vs Glencoffe Johnson
WBU Supermiddleweight Title
April 15, 2000 in Padova
Johnson introduced himself declaring his defeat against Sven Ottke was undeserved
that aroused many polemics, but he had to discover that to win in Italy is also
difficult as a win in Germany on points. Branco, lost the middleweight WBU title
against Cardamone, changed divisions and got this new 'world' chance without
sustaining meaningful matches. In a first moments it seemed that the Italian had
to face Reginaldo Andrade but in a change he got a more dangerous challenger. As
usual Branco used his good physical, lanky and mighty structure at the same time,
against an adversary 4 inches shorter. His conservative and prudent tactic has
however disgusted the Italian boxing fans despite their support towards a fellow
countryman. The Italian boxer ultimately had his best weapon in the speed, the
sense of timing, the ability to win round after round with a slight advantage but
in the case of Branco this type of attitude exasperated one to the maximum and at
the end of every round a very precise scale is needed for establishing if he won
the round or not. Even this time it was difficult to have a fair verdict: the
Italian commentator Mattioli, had a 8 point advantage for Johnson (according to
the rules WBU that assign 2 points of advantage to the winner of every round),
the 3 judges had Branco winning a unanimous and clear decision. The public in
Padova booed Branco and the judges for a long time. About the match it is better
to stretch a compassionate veil since during the 12 rounds there have been 2 or
3 moments of pathos and for the rest it was the usual accountant work of Branco
against an adversary who wasn't able to attack him with vehemence and who therefore
boxed with the same speculative attitude. The world boxing organizations and the
WBU more than the others, give only their name to organizers which try of to
promote the career of some boxers. The boxer of the organizer enjoys the favorable
attitude of the judges: if he's not kayoed or doesn't suffer a clear dominion from
the adversary, he has a win in the pocket. Branco did not appreciate some comments
from the commentator in the post-match or a really angry was Johnson who rolled
on the ring knowing the verdict. Perhaps the only thing to do is remember the
names of the judges so to be aware in the future: Bloyd (AUS) 238-221, Stone
(GB) 237-221, Rega (ITA) 236-226. If the victory of Branco is very debatable,
the discrepancy of points decreed by the judges is ridiculous. Mattioli has spoken
of theft and the other commentator, ex great champion, Nino Benvenuti also with
the usual attitude 'I say and I don't say' agreed with him.
Cristian Sanavia vs Francesco Pernice
Italian Middleweight Title
April 14, 2000 in Ariano Polesine
The little tank retained the Italian title without problems. Sanavia climbed
into the ring to win by KO and did not take care much about the defense. From the
technical point of view he impressed in less favorable manner that in the match
against Claudio Ciarlante but evidently this foe didn't worry him and he aimed to d
emolish him as his fans invited to do with a banner on the tribune. Pernice, with
9 wins 5 defeats and 1 draw, fought with courage despite suffering a standing 8
count in the first round because of a wide left hook. He got some satisfaction
in the 2th round landing some countering hits on the face of the assaulting
adversary who even if using the usual technique based on the movement of his waist
did not succeed this time to cover himself sufficiently with the guard, usually
hermetic, before attacking. Sanavia finished his work in the 3th round when he
overwhelmed Pernice with a two handed attack in which he landed 4-5 hooks with
adequate accuracy. Pernice was counted out by the referee for the second time and
made sign not to feel good enough to continue so it was ruled a TKO. Sanavia is
unbeaten and probably already thinks toward international titles. His short stature
is the most evident handicap that he has to overcome for obtaining his goals.
Lorenzo Di Giacomo vs. Eric Daponte
Superwelterweight Intercontinental Wbu Title
April 10, 2000 in Montesilvano
A young fighter, 22 years old, unbeaten, against a veteran, 36, who disputed
few more than 40 matches losing half of them. The fight took place in the home turf
of the Italian thanks to the organization of Spagnoli. Di Giacomo is not well known
by the fans despite his already being intercontinental WBU champ of the welters
because he has not faced valid foes to define his value. His last outcomings
disappointed the observers. At first sight Daponte seemed physically stronger but
Di Giacomo shows a slight advantage in agility and speed. Too few to avoid the
attacks of the Frenchman that are not exceptional but seemed dangerous for Italian
who has not the appropriate technique. Di Giacomo did not exploit the advantage
in reach, doesn't throw enough straight punches and above all he seems to improvise
all the actions. Daponte is a clean and concrete boxer but only suceeded in some
rounds in giving continuity to his action. Di Giacomo, wearing jogging shoes (?)
doesn't succeed in avoiding the rather slow action of Frenchman and clearly suffers
from his blows. Between the rounds he complains for pain, as he seems to have
stomach problems, but this won't be the cause of the defeat that comes in the 7th
round, at the end of notable forcing by Daponte who closed with a hook to the
liver. The Italian was soon on his feet but exhausted so the referee declared the
end. After the first 6 rounds, to my notice, Di Giacomo had a 1 point advantage
but he never succeeded in prevailing in a clean manner while Daponte, threw
almost exclusively looping hooks and landed the most meaningful punches.
Johnny Nelson vs. Pietro Aurino
WBO CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE
April 8, 2000, in Bethal Green, London, England
The wrong combination of styles and the lack of determination of the challenger
made ugly a match and disappointing conclusion. Nelson's manager Frank Warren when
asked about the challenger Aurino almost apologized about the match. Explaining
that it was a mandatory defense so they had to meet the Italian: this is the best
statement about the quality of this match. The Italian lefty, who has his weapons
in handspeed and sense of timing, had an adversary with a clear advantage in height
and reach, who fights with a similar style. Nelson has a physique that seems built
for boxing; he is not a big champ because he lacks the necessary consistency and
power but his boxing is very tiresome and he has to be attacked to avoid his
punches. Aurino was never given to action accepting the game of the British champ
who won many rounds despite throwing few and ineffective hits. After all it is not
sure that the Italian boxer could beat Nelson engaging a hard battle. The only
highlight in the match was in fact at the end of the first round, caused by an
uppercut to the face of Aurino which sent Aurino to the canvas, without stunning
him. Aurino doesn't have the power to KO boxers rated among the first ten of the
World: his quitting, in the 7th round after a mutual headbutt, which did not
provoke wounds, seemed a declaration of impotence. Aurino lost the first fight of
his career but he's only 23 years old and will have other occasions if he will
dedicate the correct time to this sport and will unite the desire to suffer and
to win to his sure talent. He was rated number one by the WBO without worth. Nelson
is 33 years old, has 12 defeats and has an unspectacular conservative style but
he's giving his best now and deserves a shot at the real World Championship held
by the Cuban Juan Carlos Gomez.
Michele Delli Paoli vs. Athos Menegola
Italian Lightweight Title
April 7, 2000, Toscolano Maderno, Italy
The champion hardly succeeded in preserving his title thanks to a draw as 2 judges
had 95 even while the third gave a 1 point advantage to the challenger. The match
was mediocre as Delli Paoli is young and unbeaten but keeps disappointing observers.
He shows possibilities to do more than he has already done. A willing Menegola,
technically poor, little punch and not exceptional plan of attack also forced Paoli
to struggle. Delli Paoli was nicknamed "The Cuban" during his amateur boxing career
but he failed to achieve results equal to such definition and it doesn't seem that
he is able to get them as a professional fighter. He has an elegant style but he
completely lacks of consistency both in the offensive and in the defensive phase.
When attacking he's accurate only if he doesn't load up and moreover he doesn't
have power, while defending he has a wide open guard overstimating his ability
to avoid punches with movements from his waist. He succeeded in winning the first
3 rounds landing straight punches against a Menegola who didn't attack with any
decision and opened his guard everytime he tried to throw his looping hooks. Since
Menegola increased the pace Delli Paoli was not able to counter with effectiveness
anymore and struggled to survive. At the end of the 6th round the match returned
in equilibrium but Menegola took a breath. Delli Paoli returned to the fight thanks
to the pace's decrease and the only round clearly in favour of one of the two
contenders was the tenth that saw the challenger attacking with good results.
However the draw may be a fair verdict even if Menegola was sorry, having lost
a good occasion to light up a honest career.
Michele Orlando vs. Pasquale Perna
Italian Welterweight Title
March 24, 2000 In Battipaglia, Italy
The revenge match was resolved with another victory for Perna but this time
it arrived, against all odds, at the end of 10 hard rounds. Orlando constantly
held the initiative not attacking like a Kamikaze, a tactic which cost him with
1st round kayo in the first match. Perna suffered the pressure of the champion but
he answered with better boxing class and obtained the Italian championship again
although the verdict was controversial (1 and 2 points in his favor, the 3th judge
having 2 points for Orlando). Perna got his best results in the phases where Orlando
tried to force the action with power shots. Orlando, taller and with a big reach
advantage, used few and not very well placed the straight shots. Perna is faster
and has good timing which allowed him to be effective especially in the counter-
punching. At the European level Perna has not succeeded in the past and I don't
believe that he will find easy chances today but he deserves a last one. He is 31
years old, has a decent technique but he lacks the physical consistence and above
all the punch to compete with the best continental fighters. Orlando, 26 years old,
showed the usual technical limits: against a skilled boxer he never succeeded in
landing clear and powerful punches at the same time. He is a rough puncher who
can't take a hard punch. For this reason he can't think about winning by power
against weaker but more skilled foes: they take advantage of his deficiencies like
his wide open defense when he tries loading up his punches. The match was a bloody
one with mutual (un-intentional) headbutts and abundance of cuts. A pair of cuts
in the scalp of Orlando flooded the ring with blood, also dirtying a television
camera. To complete the picture cuts on the eyebrows of Perna (who always suffers
this handicap) and a swollen face of Orlando from the first round on. Tough and
rough fight with few good boxing actions, always initiated by the new champion.
Yawe Davis Lule vs Mohamed Benguesmia
March 3, 2000 in Siracusa, Italy
At 38 Davis is still a boxer of international level. The challenger was 8 years
younger and was introduced with a decent curriculum even if the most remarkable
match, against Antonio Tarver, resulted as a defeat. A fading Davis was feared
going to the full distance considering that the Algerian seemed capable to take
the hits of the Ugandian, who became Italian several years ago. In fact Benguesmia
showed a tough chin and also good hand speed and continuity of action. Besides he
exploited what is known to be the weakness of the lefties like the champion: the
vulnerability of their defense towards the straight right. Between two physically
strong boxers, Davis was the stronger: he almost always held the initiative, easily
absorbing the punches of the adversary. Benguesmia moved on his legs more during
the match not being able to sustain the hard exchanges of punches. So in the 12th
round he was even the more tired but lasted the distance to lose on point decision.
Benguesmia boxed well because Davis is a good counterpuncher while he struggles
in pursuing the adversary: Davis doesn't have fast footwork so sometimes he looks
awkward when attacking. At the end the judges had between 6 and 9 points for Davis,
perhaps too many. However indisputable was the victory even if many rounds were
close.
Massimo Bertozzi vs. Salvatore Battaglia
March 3, 2000 in Siracusa, Italy
Bertozzi is 33 years old, a record of 26 wins and 21 defeats. The upset win against
the emergent Cristian Giantomassi allowed him the conquest of an Italian title that
he has held at other times in the lower division. He has never successfully defended
his titles, always losing them at the first challenge and so it was also this time.
The challenger, 8 years younger, was introduced with a record of 11 victories and
1 defeat. He wasn't known as a big prospect and this performance confirmed his
mediocre boxing skills. However he's very determined and aware of his limits.
Salvatore Melluzzo, ex European champ and brave boxer, takes care of him, guarantee
of professional attitude and sacrifice in the gym. The match wasn't beautiful
because it was to one sided: at the end Battaglia piled up an advantage that the
judges have appraised between 9 and the 11 points. The challenger attacked from
the beginning and Bertozzi didn't oppose with valid counterpunching trying to limit
the damages only, backpedaling and throwing isolated punches. The lucky KO punch
succeeded against Giantomassi but, considering that Bertozzi doesn't possess big
power, it was not reasonable to hope for repetition. Battaglia, left-handed, has
draws his strength from rhythm and his courage: always ahead without thinking too
much, throwing punches, often inaccurate, that cut the stamina to his foe and
prevent him from exploiting the light advantage in reach and eventually also in
timing. Really the stamina is missed to Bertozzi in the 5° round when, struck by a
straight left to the stomach, he was also forced to the canvas. Battaglia did not
complet the work for lack of accuracy and because Bertozzi, at that point, lost
every velleity of victory accenting his defensive attitude for the rest of the
fight.
Artur Grigorjan vs. Sandro Casamonica
WBO Lightweight Title
February 19, 2000 in Berlin (Germany)
The Uzbeko Grigorian dominated the fight from the start bringing a big number
of punches more than the Italian. Sandro withstood the punishment for a long time
and tried to react in different occasions with attacks which didn't produce any
decisive effects. Both the boxers lack power and despite an infernal pace and
the many punches landed, no one fell until the 8th round. Obviously Casamonica,
who suffered an avalanche of fists and didn't see favorable perspectives to
continue the match, surrendered. Clearly behind on the cards and not owning the
KO punch, the Italian lost his hope to win and put a knee on the canvas, a prelude
to quitting in the following round. Grigorjan is a left-handed, still unbeaten,
very skilled in the offensive phase thanks to his accuracy and the speed with
which he throws the punches. He is able to impose an high pace to sustain it with
continuity but, as I have said, the power is mediocre despite throwing a left
with a lot of spontaneity and loading up with the weight of the body.
In defensive phase he left too much space to his foe but he absorbed his
punches without making a fold and rather it seemed that he wanted to allow Italian
to attack for surprising him with vehement reactions. After all Casamonica has
evident limits of power and physical strength but is a good boxer from the point
of view of the technique. For Casmonica it is another stop after the defeat
suffered against Billy Schwer. But this time he lost before the limit. To my view
his style is too much 'clean': he makes his moves and leaves the same possibility
to the adversary without the least shrewdness. A much too frontal guard and lack
of gladiator physique also limit him. In the category of the lightweights there
aren't great champions and Grigorjan can face the best but perhaps for the German
organizers it would not be a bargain to challenge Steve Johnston who is good but
it is not famous. Too many risks not appropriately repaid by a possible victory.
My lightweight rankings: 1. Steve Johnston 2.Gregorio Vargas 3. Paul Spadafora
4. Angel Manfredy 5. Cesar Bazan 6. Artur Grigorjan
7. Ivan Robinson 8. Colin Dunne 9. Arturo Gatti
10. Gilbert Serrano
Valter Chiarottini