Vianello, Natalizi, And Silva Victorious In Rome, Italy

2016 Italian Olympian and current undefeated Heavyweight prospect Guido Vianello scored a workmanlike eight round unanimous decision over veteran Jay McFarlane on Friday night at at the Pala Atlantico in Rome, Italy. McFarlane’s best moment of the bout came in the opening seconds of the fight when he caught Vianello off guard with a solid overhand right to the head. From that point in the fight on however, Vianello showcased his Boxing ability keeping McFarlane at distance with his longer reach, landing combinations and using movement as well as tying McFarlane up on the inside whenever McFarlane was able to get close. Official scores were 79-73, and 80-72 (On two scorecards) for Guido Vianello. Guido Vianello advances to 10-0-1, with 9 Knockouts. Jay McFarlane falls to 13-7, with 5 Knockouts.

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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De Carolis KO’s Scardina In 5 In Milan, Italy

 Super-Middleweight contender Giovanni De Carolis scored an exciting five round knockout over previously unbeaten Daniele Scardina on Friday night at the Allianz Cloud in Milan, Italy. De Carolis badly staggered Scardina with a right hand to the head in the first round. In round two, he began to mix hooks to the head into his offense. In round three and most of round four, Scardina appeared to be getting into a rhythm and did manage to hurt De Carolis with a left hook to the body in the third round, but things suddenly changed late in round four when a right hand to the head followed by a flush left hook to the jaw sent Scardina down hard on the canvas. Clearly badly hurt, Scardina managed to get to his feet on very unsteady legs. There appeared to be some confusion following the knockdown as the bell rang with about seven seconds remaining in the round. Due in part to the confusion, there was a question briefly as to whether the fight was stopped and some clarification with ringside officials prior to the start of the fifth round. Despite being inadvertently given extra time to recover, Scardina had nothing left and De Carolis promptly pounced on him at the start of round five flooring him for a second time with a barrage of unanswered punches forcing the fight to be stopped. Official time of the stoppage was :10 of round five. Giovanni De Carolis advances to 31-10-1, with 15 Knockouts. Daniele Scardina falls to 20-1, with 16 Knockouts. 

 

Also on this card: 

 

Women’s European Jr. Featherweight champion Mary Romero scored a ten round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Maria Cecchi. A very ugly bout that saw almost constant grappling and roughhouse tactics, usually initiated by Cecchi, Romero simply did what she needed to do to retain her title. Cecchi was penalized two points in round seven for intentionally headbutting Romero with her head facing the opposite direction. The result was Romero being sent to the canvas and a gash over her left eye. Although this would have been grounds for disqualification, Cecchi was able to continue to the final bell. Official scores were: 100-88, (On two scorecards) and 98-90 in favor of Romero. Mary Romero advances to 8-2, with 2 Knockouts. Maria Cecchi falls to 7-1, with 2 Knockouts.  

 

Welterweight Luis Romero scored a come from behind seventh round stoppage of Maxim Prodan. Romero used lateral movement and a slick Boxing style to dictate the combat for much of the fight. Just as it appeared Romero was comfortably ahead, Prodan decked him hard with a left hook to the head in the closing seconds of round six. Romero struggled, but did manage to get to his feet and survive the round. As it appeared Prodan was on the verge of finishing Romero off at the beginning of round seven, Romero responded by staggering Prodan with a right hand to the head that set off a barrage of unanswered punches that resulted in a standing eight count being implemented by the referee. Romero pressed forward at the conclusion of the eight count and continued his assault resulting in the referee issuing a second standing eight count. This time Prodan was walking away as the referee counted and the bout was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 1:15 of round seven. Luis Romero advances to 11-5-1, with 7 Knockouts. Maxim Prodan falls to 19-2-1, with 15 Knockouts. 

 

Cruiserweight Oronzo Birardi had a tough test to earn the fourth victory in as many pro bouts in being forced to go the distance for the first time of his career in scoring a six round unanimous decision over Ovidiu Enache. Birardi had success in keeping the fight at a distance where he could get his jab working as the focal point of his offense. As the fight progressed however, Enache came on and landed hard hooks to the head with both hands that appeared to have Birardi stunned down the stretch, the unbeaten Birardi was able to hang on to earn the hard fought decision victory.  Official scores were: 59-55, (On two scorecards) and 58-56 in favor of Birardi. Oronzo Birardi advances to 4-0, with 3 Knockouts. Ovidiu Enache falls to 6-10, with 1 Knockout. 

 

Unbeaten Middleweight Joshua Nmomah  scored a workmanlike eight round unanimous decision over veteran Gabor Gorbics. Nmomah was in control from the opening bell and appeared at times as though that he may have been able to force a stoppage of the fight, but Gorbics hung in there until the final bell. Official scores were: 80-72 (On all three scorecards in favor of Nmomah. Joshua Nmomah advances to 12-0, with 3 Knockouts. Gabar Gorbics falls to 26-27-2, with 16 Knockouts.  

 

Super-Middleweight Daniele Reggi began the evening by successfully making his professional debut by scoring a third round stoppage of a very “Game” Luca Barbessi. A fight fought at a furious pace from the outset. Reggi wore Barbessi down with body shots and got knockdowns in rounds two and three with left hooks to the body. It was after the second knockdown that the bout was stopped at :53 into round three. Daniele Reggi advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Luca Barbessi falls to 0-4, with 0 Knockouts.  

 

What was billed as perhaps the fight of the year to be held in Italy in 2022, Givonni De Carolis, who briefly held interim/regular championship status in the WBA Super-Middleweight ratings several years ago, has catapulted himself back into the discussion of contenders in the division off of an upset knockout victory over Daniele Scardina. With the status of the Undisputed Super-Middleweight world championship perhaps in limbo following undisputed champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’ recent loss to WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol last week in Las Vegas, NV, there might be room to maneuver if Alvarez does seek a rematch with Bivol and perhaps the undisputed championship is broken up due to the championships that make up the crown not being defended within a certain timeframe. While that is a subject for another time, Givonni De Carolis has re-established himself as a player in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. 

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.” 

 

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Signani Successfully Defends European Middleweight Championship Over Diaz In Rome

 

Forty-two year old European Middleweight champion Matteo Signani scored a workmanlike twelve round unanimous decision over forty-one year old former European Middleweight champion Ruben Diaz on Friday night at the Palazzetto Dello Sport in Rome, Italy. In what was Signani’s second title defense in his second reign of the championship he won for the second time back in October 2019, Signani’s greater activity proved to be the difference in a fight that was fought at a methodical pace. Diaz was able to have moments periodically throughout the twelve round championship bout, but was simply out worked as the fight progressed in a fight that while not necessarily the most entertaining, was a solid performance by two fighters over the age of forty. Official scores were: 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113 all in favor of Signani. Matteo Signani advances to 31-5-3, with 11 Knockouts. Ruben Diaz falls to 26-3-2, with 17 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

A battle for the European Featherweight championship saw champion Mauro Forte and challenger Francesco Grandelli fought to a twelve round split decision draw. An extremely close and competitive fight from the outset saw both fighters attack in short spurts and seemingly match each other punch for punch. This resulted in many of the rounds being very close and neither fighter really being able to stand out from the other. Official scores were 116-113, (Forte) 115-113, (Grandelli) and 114-114 (Even) resulting in the split decision draw.

 

Jr. Middleweight Tony Dixon scored a scary one punch first round knockout of Francesco Russo. Russo began the fight aggressive and pushed Dixon against the ropes. Dixon however, landed a flush right hand to the top of Russo’s head that sent him down shaking on the canvas. The bout was immediately stopped without a count. Official time of the stoppage was 1:03 of round one. Tony Dixon advances to 12-3, with 4 Knockouts. Francesco Russo falls to 10-2, with 8 Knockouts. Russo was able to get to his feet after a few minutes and did leave the ring under his own power.

 

Undefeaed Italian Women’s Jr. Featherweight champion Maria Cecchi scored an eight round unanimous decision over “Game” veteran Bec Connolly. Cecchi’s greater polish, accuracy with her offense and consistent success landing left hands throughout led to Cecchi earning the convincing unanimous decision. Official scores were 80-72, (On two scorecards) and 79-73 in favor of Cecchi. Maria Cecchi advances to 6-0, with 1 Knockout. Bec Connolly falls to 3-11, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Jr. Welterweight Armando Casamonica moved to 4-0 in his career by scoring a hard fought six round majority decision over Mauro Loli. A competitive fight throughout where both fighters had their say, Casamonica’s quicker hands and cleaner offense were ultimately able to earn the nod on two official judges to earn the majority decision victory. Official scores were 57-57, (Even) and 58-56 (On two scorecards in favor of Casamonica. Armando Casamonica advances to 4-0, with 0 Knockouts. Mauro Loli falls to 5-3, with 2 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Light-Heavyweight prospect Hrvoje Sep pounded out a convincing six round unanimous decision over former two-time European Light-Heavyweight champion Serhiy Demchenko. From the opening bell, Sep implemented an attack to the body and head of his opponent and had particular success in landing his right hand throughout. Demchenko hung in there for all six rounds, but he simply could not land anything to keep Sep off of him. All three official judges scored the fight 60-54 in favor of Sep.  Hrvoje Sep advances to 11-0, with 8 Knockouts. Serhiy Demchenko falls to 23-16-1, with 15 Knockouts.

 

Light-Heavyweight Voldy Toutin began the evening by successfully making his professional debut with a six round unanimous decision over Jovan Smilic. Voldy Toutin advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Jovan Smilic falls to 0-6, with 0 Knockouts.

 

This card, which was promoted by promoter Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing’s Italian promotional branch in association with Italian promoter Christian Cherchi’s OPI Since 82 provided a look at one fighter who could very well be challenging for a European championship in her near future in Maria Cecchi, one European champion in Matteo Signani, who at age forty-two is still competing at a high level in the sport, and quite possibly a “Knockout of the Year” candidate in Tony Dixon’s one punch knockout of Francesco Russo. While all three fighters are at different stages, as 2022 nears, all three should be in the view of Boxing fans as fighters to watch.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

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Scardina Stops Doberstein In 5 In Milan, Italy

 

Undefeated WBO number twelve rated Super-Middleweight contender Daniele Scardina gradually broke down veteran Juergen Doberstein before stopping him in five rounds on Friday night at the Allianz Cloud in Milan, Italy. Before a crowd of 1,200 socially distanced spectators due to the ongoing circumstances of the global COVID-19 epidemic, Scardina, who was fighting for the first time in nearly two years due to both the aforementioned circumstances as well as his own bout with the COVID-19 virus, was frustrated in the early rounds due to the elusiveness of Doberstein, who opted to make lateral movement the focal point of his strategy as he attempted to make full use of the ring while attempting to attack Scardina and execute his offense in sporadic spurts. While this strategy did indeed prove effective for a period of time as the bigger Scardina, a fighter who has become known for his punching power, had significant difficulty early on in cutting the ring off to limit Doberstein’s movement.

In round three however, Scardina’s pressure gradually created opportunities to land his offense. Scardina was able to find particular success in attacking Doberstein with hard thudding body punches and mixing offense to the head as well at this point in the fight. Although Doberstein tried to step up his aggression and fight Scardina off by force with his punches, he simply could not land anything to discourage him from pressing forward. After a particularly tough fourth round in which Doberstein was rocked on more than one occasion with body shots as well as some punches that Scardina was able to land to his head, an exhausted Doberstein informed his corner at the end of the fourth round that he did not want to continue. Even though technically there was no fifth round, the fight was officially stopped after the bell rang for round five resulting in Scardina earning a fifth round stoppage. Daniele Scardina advances to 20-0, with 16 Knockouts. Juergen Doberstein falls to 26-5-1, with 7 Knockouts.

Also on this card:

In a battle of former European Lightweight champions, Francesco Patera scored a third round stoppage of Devis Boschiero. Boschiero attempted to bring the fight to Patera early, but Patera landed a left uppercut to the head in the second round that opened a deep gash on the right eyelid of Boschiero. By mid-way through the third round the referee seeing the damage to the eye called time to have the cut examined by a ringside physician, who determined that Boschiero was not able to continue and could not see out of the right eye. Official time of the stoppage was 1:32 of round three. Francesco Patera advances to 25-3, with 9 Knockouts. Devis Boschiero falls to 49-7-2, with 22 Knockouts.

An all-out war for the Italian Welterweight championship saw undefeated champion Nicholas Esposito score a hard fought ten round unanimous decision over former Italian Welterweight champion Emanuele Cavallucci. Despite neither fighter being known for punching power or as brawlers, this fight saw the two fighters trade the ebb and flow of the combat with near non-stop action for all ten rounds where neither fighter really got a clear upper hand for an extended period of time as whenever one fighter would land significant offense, the other would respond immediately with offense of his own. What was frankly a Fight of the Year candidate not just in regard to Italian Boxing, but in the entire sport saw Espositio outwork Cavallucci down the stretch to earn the unanimous decision victory. Official scores were: 98-92, 97-93, 96-94 in favor of Esposito Nicholas Esposito advances to 15-0, with 5 Knockouts. Emanuele Cavallucci falls to 12-5-1 with 4 Knockouts.

In a Women’s Jr. Welterweight bout, 2018 Commonwealth Gold medalist Sandy Ryan advanced to 2-0 in her brief pro career by scoring a fourth round knockout of Aleksandra Vujovic. Ryan strategically placed her punches throughout until round four when she scored a knockdown of Vujovic with a left hook to the body. Vujovic was able to get up, but Ryan followed with a double left hook to the body that sent Vujovic down for a second time. This time, Vujovic was unable to beat the count. Official time of the stoppage was 1:47 of round four. Sandy Ryan advances to 2-0, with 1 Knockout. Aleksandra Vujovic falls to 4-15-2, with 1 Knockout.

Jr. Middleweight Samuel Nmomah survived a stern test in his unbeaten career by scoring a fourth round stoppage of Craig O'Brien. An entertaining bout in which both men had their say and were more than willing to engage in close, Nmomah brought a sudden end to the fight in the fourth round when he connected with a flush overhand right over a jab from O’Brien that badly staggered him and set off a flurry of unanswered punches that compelled O’Brien’s corner to throw the towel in and stop the fight. O’Brien was irate at his corner for stopping the bout. Official time of the stoppage was :42 of round four. Samuel Nmomah advances to 16-0, with 5 Knockouts. Craig O'Brien falls to 12-3, with 1 Knockout.

Undefeated Jr. Featherweight Vincenzo La Femina battered Oleksandr Yegorov over five one-sided rounds to earn a stoppage victory. La Femina implemented a systematic attack gradually walking his opponent down and landing hard thudding shots. A highlight came in round three when La Femina appeared to score a knockdown of Yegorov with a short left hook to the jaw, but was mysteriously ruled a slip by the referee. Late in round five, La Femina was credited with an official knockdown with a right hand along the ropes. The bout was finally halted at the conclusion of round five when Yegorov’s corner signaled that they were not going to allow their fighter to suffer any more punishment. Vincenzo La Femina advances to 10-0, with 5 Knockouts. Oleksandr Yegorov falls to 20-7-1, with 10 Knockouts.

The card began with unbeaten Welterweight Reshat Mati scoring a workmanlike eight round unanimous  decision over veteran Vladyslav Baranov. Mati generally forced the action and landed the cleaner, more effective punches throughout against Baranov, who appeared content to be in survival mode at times to go the distance.  Official scores were 80-72 (On two scorecards) and 78-74 for Mati. Reshat Mati advances to 11-0, with 7 Knockouts. Vladyslav Baranov falls to 7-11-2, with 5 Knockouts.

While much of this card centered on the premise of some of the rising stars of Matchroom Boxing’s Italian promotional branch in conjunction with Italian promoter Christian Cherchi’s OPI Since 82’s stable of Italian boxers as seeing whether or not the fighters that appeared on this card could serve as a springboard/spark to rejuvenate what some may call a decline of Italian Boxing, what this card offered should be viewed as a little of everything. Competitive fights, knockouts, showcasing fighters at varying stages, and even a sleeper Fight of the Year candidate, that might have otherwise gone unnoticed beyond those in attendance at the Allianz Cloud and to be more specific the country of Italy thanks to the advent of streaming technology and the fact that this card was showcased on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN, which is a global platform.

Whether or not a perceived “Decline” in the Italian Boxing scene is a legitimate stance or not, the future does look bright even as the world continues to grapple with the circumstances of an uncertain global crisis. Hopefully, as the Boxing calendar inches closer to 2022, the Boxing world will be able to be treated to more cards such as this from the country of Italy. Any nation’s sports scene regardless of what particular sport, is always benefited more when that sport is allowed to be as active as possible with hopefully as few constraints in terms of staging events as possible. The reality is the world will not truly get to that point until the crisis known as COVID-19 is behind us. One can only hope that point is one that the world will get to sooner than later.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

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Turchi-Bregeon Weights From Milan, Italy

  Official weights for Friday’s Matchroom Boxing Italy / OPI Since 82 promoted card at the Allianz Cloud, took place earlier today in Milan, Italy. The weights for the entire card, which will be headlined by a battle between Fabio Turchi and Dylan Bregeon for the vacant European Cruiserweight championship, and will all be televised globally by digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN are as follows.

 

Main Event: Vacant European Cruiserweight championship – 12Rds.

 

Fabio Turchi 199lbs. vs. Dylan Bregeon 197lbs. 

 

Vacant Italian Super-Middleweight championship – 10Rds.

 

Ivan Zucco 167 1/2lbs. vs. Luca Capuano 167lbs.

 

 Lightweight – 8Rds.

 

Francesco Patera 137 1/4lbs. vs.  Nicola Henchiri 137 1/4lbs.

 

*Featherweight – 6Rds.

 

Mauro Forte 126 1/4lbs. vs. Cristian Narvaez 128lbs.*

 

(* Narvaez two pounds over the 126lb. Featherweight limit. Fight will go on as scheduled as of this writing.) 

 

*Jr. Middleweight – 8Rds. 

 

Samuel Nmomah  156lbs. vs. Kassimou Mouhamadou 157lbs.

 

(*Both fighters over the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight limit. Fight will go on as scheduled as of this writing.)

 

*Jr. Welterweight – 6Rds.

 

Armando Casamonica 140 1/4lbs. vs. Matija Petrinic 142 1/4lbs.

(* Petrinic two pounds over the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight limit. Fight will go on as scheduled as of this writing.)

 

*Jr. Bantamweight – 6Rds. 

 

Mohammed Obbadi 116 1/4lbs. vs. Joel Sanchez 121 3/4lbs.

 

(*Both fighters over the 115lb. Jr. Bantamweight limit. Fight will go on as scheduled as of this writing.)

 

 

Turchi vs. Bregeon takes place tomorrow night (Friday, April 16^th) at the Allianz Cloud in Milan, Italy. The entire card can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 1:30PM ET/10:30AM PT (U.S. Time.) For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. Check listings for local start times internationally.

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

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