Gianfranco Rosi
Gianfranco Rosi (born August 5, 1957 in Assisi, Italy) retired Italian boxer who was a two-time world champion in the light-middleweight division.
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 outpointing the undefeated Darrin Van Horn. He went on to successfully defend 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 No Contest. In 1997 he lost a rematch to Phillips and retired.
In 2003 he came out of retirement, and finally retired in 2006 at the age of 49 with a pro record of 62 wins (18 KOs), 6 losses, and 1 draw.
| Achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vacant Title last held by Gilles Elbilia |
EBU Welterweight Champion 7 July 1984 - 5 January 1985 |
Succeeded by Lloyd Honeyghan |
| Preceded by Lupe Aquino |
WBC Light Middleweight boxing champion 2 October 1987 – 8 July 1988 |
Succeeded by Donald Curry |
| Preceded by Darrin Van Horn |
IBF Light Middleweight boxing champion 15 July 1989 – 17 September 1994 |
Succeeded by Vincent Pettway |
Amateur career
Rosi had a record of 94 wins - 2 losses - 4 draws Highlights:
1976 Italian Light-Welterweight Champion
1977 Italian Welterweight Champion