favorite Italian boxer ?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by outtieDrake, Jan 23, 2026.

  1. outtieDrake

    outtieDrake Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Graziano and Marciano.

    I just notice we don't see that many good Italian boxers anymore, in america or italy.
     
  2. OBCboxer

    OBCboxer Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Italians were largely poor immigrants back in the early 20th century which is why a lot of them became boxers. Anyway always loved watching old fights of Marciano.
     
  3. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Giardello and Canzoneri are probably my favorite Italian fighters
     
  4. Mastrangelo

    Mastrangelo Active Member Full Member

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    Did those guys mentioned in this thread so far - consider themselves Italian? All were born in the United States, after all.

    I'm going to go with a true born and bred Italian, Giaccobe Fragomeni. He turned pro very late, at 31 - after long amateur career, but still put together a very respectable pro campaign.
    He was involved in some excellent fight on the Euro scene, gave young David Haye a good fight, managed to come back and win a World title, defended it in an underrated banger against Wlodarczyk. He then lost it in a close affair to Erdei moving up from Light Heavyweight. From there it went downhill, as You can expect with his age, closing on 40 already.

    I always liked his craft and inside game. He looked small for a Cruiserweights, would probably fit better in the old 190 limit, wasn't very strong or imposing - but He was very effective in close quarters due to his good defence and precise, short punches.
     
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  5. Mike Cannon

    Mike Cannon Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Hi Guys.
    Easy choice for me, the handsome, smart boxing, very eloquent, Nino Benvenuti, followed closely by the aggressive, fieice, mauraduing , Sandro Mazzinghi, they were just before my time , but both were standout fighters from Italy.
    stay safe guys, chat soon.
    Mike.
     
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  6. scartissue

    scartissue Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I was always a sucker for Vito.
     
  7. Ike

    Ike Active Member Full Member

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    If we're talking about American fighters of Italian origins (like Graziano and Marciano) I'd say Willie Pep (Guglielmo Papaleo). If we're talking about Italian boxers I'd say Duilio Loi.
     
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  8. salsanchezfan

    salsanchezfan Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I can’t deal with Benvenuti. Such an ugly fighter to watch. He’s not as bad as Rosi, but still.