Italian Superwelter Championship. Paolo Bologna confirms himself: "A step forward for his career"

An intense match, fought without reserve from the first to the tenth round, in a heated atmosphereAllianz Cloud in Milan with over four thousand attendees. A unique emotion for the Florentine Paul Bologna, 28 years old, who graduated last December 6th Italian super welterweight champion, challenged on this occasion by the thirty-one year old Roman Damiano Falcinelli, also winner, four years ago, of the tricolor belt. The match ended in a draw (96-94, 95-95, 94-96) confirming Bologna as tricolor champion.

"It was a very tough match - confesses the Florentine "The Gladiator", kicker of the Azzurri - but fighting in that context, when entering the ring, made me cry. It was the first time I met Damiano but I knew he was a very solid boxer. We didn't hold back and put on a show, supported by the warmth of a literally crazy crowd". The best shots of each. "For me the left hook, the right uppercut and the jab; he also hit often with the left hook; we exchanged very heavy punches and the marks on our faces prove it".

Draw: a fair verdict? "I started very strong and imposed the pace in the first three rounds, from the fourth to the sixth Damiano brought the match back to balance, then until the ninth round I regained the initiative while in the tenth I had some difficulty. It is obvious that I would have preferred to win but for a reigning champion a draw is like a victory because it keeps the title, so it's fine like this. Also because this match represents a big step forward for my career". Over 350 people followed him: his teammates from the Azzurri and his friends from Ponte di Mezzo, his neighborhood. "Now a long rest, then back to training, this time for Calcio Storico".

Franco Morabito