Gianfranco Rosi

Gianfranco Rosi (born August 5, 1957 in Assisi, Italy) was an Italian boxer at middleweight.

Professional career

Rosi turned pro in 1979 and won the WBC Light Middleweight Title in 1987 by decisioning Lupe Aquino. He lost the belt in 1988 when he was dominated by Donald Curry. Rosi was down once in 2nd, 4th and 8th and down twice in 7th, failing to answer the bell starting the 10th round. In 1989 he won the IBF Light Middleweight Title by decisioning undefeated Darrin Van Horn. He went on to defend successfully the title an impressive 11 times. In 1994 he had a technical draw against Vincent Pettway, and in the rematch later that year Pettway KO'd Rosi, ending his long reign. In 1995 he took on WBO Light Middleweight Title holder Verno Phillips, and won a decision, but Rosi failed a drug test and Phillips was reinstated as champion. The result of the bout was changed to a draw. In 1997 he lost a rematch to Phillips and retired. In 2003 he came out of his retirement, and as of 2006 was still fighting at the age of 49.

Amateur career

Rosi had a record of 94 wins - 2 losses - 4 drawsHighlights:

1976 Italian Light-Welterweight Champion

1977 Italian Welterweight Champion

See also

External links

* [http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=414 Boxing Record]