OPI Since 82 Promotions: Francesco Cataldo vs. Francesco Versaci RBR

Versaci is a former WBC Mediterranean and Italian national light heavyweight titlist.

 

Round 1

Versaci is carrying both arms low, both to bait Cataldo and to showboat, drawing his left arm up like a well-pail and flicking out long jabs between Cataldo's gloves and then swaying backward at the last second while scissoring his legs to dodge Cataldo's lunging haymaker couners. Versaci is slapping down Cataldo's jabs with his right palm. Cataldo barrels in close and manages to grab Versaci up in a rough clinch but otherwise can't touch him.

10-9 Versaci

 

His corner forgot? Amateur hour.

 

Round 2

Versaci is circling away with a leisurely strut, just slowing down enough to lure Cataldo in and plunking down a 1-2 upon the bridge of his nose. Cataldo pressing in, unimaginatively, no angles or anything, just drifting towards Versaci and trying slow wide lead hooks over & over. Versaci able to snap-pivot clear of Cataldo's advances each time, without needing to be particularly fleet of foot or agile himself. Cataldo's just that lumbering..

10-9 Versaci

20-18 Versaci

 

Well, signore Versaci has officially failed to beat the par set by Tommy McCarthy..

Unsurprising, though, as he only has 5 stoppages in 23 bouts.

 

Round 3

Versaci is shuffling laterally a few steps and then card-sharking out a single left jab into the brow of Cataldo. Lots of spoiling and non-engagement from Versaci. Cataldo at least trying his best to make a fight of it, although failing miserably to cut the ring off and place his fists on his quarry. Versaci content to stick and move, one and done, just kissing him with light gotcha jabs at range. Cataldo starts dipping forward and jabbing himself, on the body, and then rolls inside with some overhands that have the crowd roaring even though Versaci catches them on his arm. Cataldo performs a judoka black-belt hip-toss on Versaci by the ropes.

10-9 Versaci

30-27 Versaci

 

I'm warming up to Cataldo and I think officially rooting for him now. His efforts are sincere at least...whereas Versaci could probably finish this but seems to be kind of a shrinking violet. For a 38 year old with skimpy experience Cataldo absolutely could be doing worse.

 

Round 4

Versaci is flicking out double jabs now at the head, which Cataldo tries evading by turning his cheek, but his timing is a split-second too late so he's getting hit anyway. Cataldo now locating the belt line of Versaci consistently with the jab at mid-range, and occasionally rushing in to force a brawling exchange, invariably ending with Versaci grabbing him and tossing him bodily into the ropes. Versaci tosses a straight flurry at the head with Cataldo pinned on the ropes but gets snookered into a closer brawl, with both lands behind the head.

10-9 Versaci, but closer

40-36 Versaci

 

I think Francesco will win.

 

Round 5

Versaci is pushing outward with his left jab, prodding Cataldo back a step while also jerking his own chin away. They pause to fix tape on Cataldo's glove. Time in. Versaci fends off a few stiff jabs from Cataldo, neutralizing them by punching into their path. Versaci now starts to unload a patter of jabs on the face while rapidly circling around Cataldo, and once more dupes the fans into thinking he's going to give them cause for excitement...but nope. Back on the carousel outside, drawing Cataldo along on a string and jabbing at him from afar.

10-9 Versaci

50-45 Versaci

 

Round 6

Versaci is starting to knock Cataldo around like a weeble, sticking the 1-2 from a safe distance while galloping around him. Versaci never follows up while Cataldo is left swooning, and never throws more than a handful of shots at once, never so much as cementing his feet. Cataldo is stomping after him obligingly, eating up the breadcrumb jabs Versaci leaves in his wake. Some big hooks by Cataldo when he gets close, swiveling his entire body - no dice. Versaci able to clear out long before they can land.

10-9 Versaci

60-54 Versaci

 

People in the Facebook video comments are imploring Versaci to fight like a man.

"Forza, Cicciooooooo, daiiiiiiii!'"

 

Round 7

Versaci still has enough gas left to dance circles around Cataldo, but not indefinitely. He's slowing down and initiating clinches when he tires. Cataldo attempts to bash him with either arm coming down in clubbing blows when he does, but Versaci gets his own arms up in the way to shield himself and shove Cataldo backward to reset. Versaci breathing with his mouth open now and not able to keep his guard up consistently, relying on running & ducking to evade Cataldo's wild attacks.

10-9 Versaci

70-63 Versaci