Also on this card:
Unbeaten Jr. Middleweight contender Mirko Natalizi scored a sixth round stoppage of veteran Tony Dixon. Natalizi was the physically stronger fighter from the outset. In the closing seconds of round two, Natalizi dropped Dixon with a combination of punches to the head, which in part appeared to land after the bell. At the conclusion of the fifth round, Natalizi hurt Dixion with a body shot that again landed after the bell. Dixon’s corner stopped the fight shortly before the beginning of round six. Mirko Natalizi advances to 13-0, with 8 Knockouts. Tony Dixon falls to 13-4, with 4 Knockouts.
Undefeated European Women’s Jr. Bantamweight champion Stephanie Silva scored a ten round unanimous decision over previously undefeated former European Flyweight champion Ewelina Pekalska. A very competitive bout throughout, the difference proved to be Silva’s compact combination and counter punching as she was able to outwork Pekalska to earn the victory in her first defense of her European championship. Official scores were 98-92, and 97-93 (On two scorecards) in favor of Silva. Stephanie Silva advances to 7-0, with 0 Knockouts. Ewelina Pekalska falls to 6-1, with 0 Knockouts.
Francesco Russos gradually broke down Francesco Sarchioto to score an eighth round stoppage to win the vacant Italian Jr. Middleweight championship. Russo put pressure on Sarchioto from the get go and even though he had trouble early with Sarchioto’s movement and combination punching, his power punches, body shots, and overhand rights took their toll. It was an overhand right that put Sarchioto down in the eighth round. Sarchioto’s corner got up on the apron of the ring following the knockdown and appeared to want the fight stopped, but the stoppage was delayed for thirty seconds while Russo continued to dish out punishment. Official time of the stoppage was 2:08 of round eight. Francesco Russo advances to 12-2, with 10 Knockouts. Francesco Sarchioto falls to 15-2, with 5 Knockouts.
In a three round amateur bout between Italian YouTube stars, Street Gorilla scored a third round stoppage of Sim1 Workout. Sim1 appeared to control the action early, but Street Gorilla kept up the pressure even after suffering severe swelling in the second round as a result of an accidental clash of heads. Street Gorilla unleashed a barrage of punches in the third round resulting in Sim1 getting a standing eight count and being counted out on his feet when he did not respond to the referee’s instructions to raise his hands and indicate he wanted to continue.
In a rematch from November of last year in which he scored a majority decision victory, unbeaten Jr. Welterweight Armando Casamonica scored his second victory over a very “Game” Mauro Loli, this time by six round unanimous decision. Although Loli was aggressive and brought the fight to Casamonica from the opening bell, it was Casamonica that landed the cleaner, more effective punches throughout to earn the decision victory. Official scores were 58-55, 58-56, and 58-57 in favor of Casamonica. Armando Casamonica advances to 8-0, with 1 Knockout. Mauro LoliMauro Loli falls to 7-5, with 3 Knockouts.
In a Middleweight bout, Francesco Faraoni scored a four round unanimous decision over Aleksandar Petrovic to begin his professional career. Francesco Faraoni advances to 1-0,! With 0 Knockouts. Aleksandar Petrovic falls to 5-28-4, with 4 Knockouts
Middleweight Mario Manfredi began the evening by successfully making his professional debut by scoring a four round unanimous over previously undefeated Stefan Vlku. Mario Manfredi advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Stefan Vlku falls to 2-1, with 1 Knockout.
This card, which was promoted by OPI Since 82, was the first between the long established Italian promotional company and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc. In recent years, OPI Since 82 has also established a successful collaboration with promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing in staging several cards in association with Matchroom’s Italian promotional branch. With OPI now also working with Top Rank, the winners will be not only be the fighters in OPI’s stable, but will continue to be Boxing fans here in the United States who thanks to the collaboration with Matchroom and now also Top Rank, have increased access to the Italian Boxing scene through each promoter’s respective broadcast deals with digital subscription sports streaming networks DAZN and ESPN+. As fighters like Vianello and Mirko Natalizi to name a few continue to move up the ladder, the depth of talent coming out of Italy will continue to enjoy exposure at a level that prior to the advent of streaming has not been seen before. Something that should be seen as a benefit for the sport.
“And That’s The Boxing Truth. “
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