Graciano Rocchigiani

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Graciano Rocchigiani (29 December 1963 – 1 October 2018) was a German professional boxer who competed from 1983 to 2003. He held world championships in two weight classes, including the IBF super-middleweight title from 1988 to 1989, and the WBC light-heavyweight title in 1998. At regional level he held the European light-heavyweight title from 1991 to 1992. He was the younger brother of former cruiserweight world champion of boxing, Ralf Rocchigiani.

Professional career

Rocchigiani turned professional in 1983 after a successful amateur career in which he won the 1982 German National Amateur championship in the light-middleweight division. In 1988 he captured the vacant IBF super-middleweight title by stopping Vincent Boulware, and defended the title three times before vacating to step up to the light-heavyweight division. Despite becoming European champion, Rocchigiani failed to secure a world title shot at light-heavyweight and moved back down to super-middleweight in February 1994 to challenge WBO champion Chris Eubank in Berlin, Germany, losing a unanimous decision.

After boxing to a draw with Frederic Seillier for the European super-middleweight title in December 1994, Rocchigiani moved back up to light-heavyweight to challenge the 26-0 Henry Maske IBF title in May 1995 at the Arena Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen. He lost by a disputed unanimous decision despite having Maske reeling numerous times towards the end of the fight, and lost a rematch later in the year, again by unanimous decision. In August 1996 Rocchigiani lost via disqualification to WBO light-heavyweight title holder Dariusz Michalczewski after hitting Michalczewski on the break during round seven. Michalczewski's prolonged, theatrical reaction to the punch was seen by manyScript error: No such module "Unsubst". as way of getting out of a fight he was losing. Initially the result was a technical draw, later changed to a disqualification.

Three weeks after the Michalczewski bout, it was reported that Rocchigiani had tested positive for traces of ephedrine and methylephedrine. However, the German boxing association did not request a follow-up test.[1]

In March 1998, Rocchigiani captured the vacant WBC light-heavyweight title by defeating Michael Nunn by split decision at Max Schmeling Halle, Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, but was demoted to "interim champion" three months later after the WBC inexplicably claimed its references in promotions and contracts to the Rocchigiani-Nunn fight as a championship bout, and to Rocchigiani as the champion in its rankings, had been "typographical errors".[2] A match with WBC title holder Roy Jones Jr. was scheduled for November 1999 after Rocchigiani filed a lawsuit against Jones' promotional companies M&M Sports and Square Ring Promotions Inc due to Jones' reluctance to box Rocchigiani.[3] However, the match was canceled by Jones' promoter Murad Muhammad after Rocchigiani missed a press conference. After initially threatening to strip Jones of his title if he didn't arrange another match with Rocchigiani,[4] the WBC stripped Rocchigiani outright and removed him from their rankings due to inactivity, which prompted Rocchigiani to file a lawsuit against the WBC. Rocchigiani won the suit and he was awarded $31m by a federal judge. Rocchigiani would agree to the WBC's pleas for a smaller 10-year payment plan so the WBC could avoid bankruptcy.

Rocchigiani again challenged Michalczewski for the lineal and WBO titles at Preussag Arena, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany in April 2000. By this time Rocchigiani was an aging fighter and, despite a strong performance, he lost via corner retirement after nine rounds. After a short lived comeback in 2003 after a two-year layoff, he retired from boxing.

Outside of boxing

Although he was a notable champion, Rocchigiani's most significant achievement was his victory in 2003 in the lawsuit against the WBC, in which he was awarded a $31 million judgment for damages over the loss of his light-heavyweight title.[5] The court ruling also retroactively declared him champion from when he beat Nunn until his rematch defeat to Michalczewski.[6] When the WBC announced its intentions to dissolve, he settled for an undisclosed sum.[7]

In 2006, he was sentenced to five months in jail[8] for assaulting a taxi driver.[9]

Graciano was the younger brother of former WBO cruiserweight champion Ralf Rocchigiani, who also served as Graciano's trainer during the latter stages of his career.

He died on 1 October 2018 in Belpasso, Italy when he was run over by a car while taking a walk.[10][11]

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
48 Loss 41–6–1 Thomas Ulrich UD 12 10 May 2003 Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For vacant WBC International light-heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
47 Win 41–5–1 Willard Lewis UD 8 10 Feb 2001 Estrel Hotel, Berlin, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
46 Loss 40–5–1 Dariusz Michalczewski TKO 10 (12), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 15 Apr 2000 Preussag Arena, Hanover, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For WBO light-heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
45 Win 40–4–1 Michael Nunn SD 12 21 Mar 1998 Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant WBC light-heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44 Win 39–4–1 John Scully UD 10 22 Mar 1997 Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43 Loss 38–4–1 Dariusz Michalczewski DQ 7 (12), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 10 Aug 1996 Wilhelm-Koch-Stadion, Hamburg, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For WBO light-heavyweight title;
Rocchigiani disqualified for punching after a clinchScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42 Win 38–3–1 Pietro Pellizzaro PTS 10 6 Apr 1996 Stadionsporthalle, Hanover, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41 Loss 37–3–1 Henry Maske UD 12 14 Oct 1995 Olympiahalle, Munich, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For IBF light-heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 Loss 37–2–1 Henry Maske UD 12 27 May 1995 Westfalenhallen, Dortmund, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For IBF light-heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Template:DrawDraw 37–1–1 Frederic Seillier PTS 12 10 Dec 1994 Sportforum Hohenschönhausen, Berlin, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For European super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Win 37–1 Willie Kemp KO 2 22 Oct 1994 Hansehalle, Lübeck, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Win 36–1 Charles Oliver TKO 6 (10) 28 May 1994 Tivoli Eissporthalle, Aachen, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Loss 35–1 Chris Eubank UD 12 5 Feb 1994 Deutschlandhalle, Berlin, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For WBO super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Win 35–0 Ricky Thomas PTS 8 15 Oct 1993 Sporthalle Schöneberg, Berlin, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Win 34–0 Kevin Whaley-El TKO 6 (8) 11 Sep 1993 Tivoli Eissporthalle, Aachen, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Win 33–0 Lester Yarbrough PTS 8 26 Jun 1993 Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Hamburg, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Win 32–0 Alex Blanchard TKO 9 (12) 13 Sep 1991 Düsseldorf, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained European light-heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Win 31–0 Crawford Ashley SD 12 28 Feb 1991 Philips Halle, Düsseldorf, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant European light-heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 30–0 Mike Sedillo PTS 8 7 Dec 1990 Berlin, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Win 29–0 Rodrigo Benech KO 3 (10) 7 Sep 1990 Sporthalle Charlottenburg, West Berlin, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Win 28–0 John Keys KO 2, 2:15Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 1 Dec 1989 Hotel InterContinental, East Berlin, East GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Win 27–0 Thulani Malinga UD 12 27 Jan 1989 Deutschlandhalle, West Berlin, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained IBF super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Win 26–0 Chris Reid TKO 11 (12), 2:39Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 7 Oct 1988 Deutschlandhalle, West Berlin, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained IBF super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Win 25–0 Nicky Walker UD 15 3 Jun 1988 Deutschlandhalle, West Berlin, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained IBF super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Win 24–0 Vincent Boulware TKO 8 (15), 2:11Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 11 Mar 1988 Philips Halle, Düsseldorf, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant IBF super-middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 23–0 Mustafa Hamsho TKO 1, 1:02Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 5 Dec 1987 Philips Halle, Düsseldorf, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 22–0 John Held PTS 8 30 Oct 1987 Electoral Palace, Mainz, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 21–0 Lahcen M'Hamdi TKO 3 17 Oct 1987 Sporthalle, Gifhorn, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Win 20–0 Tommy Taylor PTS 8 3 Oct 1987 Zoo Safaripark, Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Win 19–0 Ahmed Laghlali TKO 2 14 Sep 1987 Tennishalle, Bad Homburg, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Win 18–0 Manfred Jassmann PTS 12 3 Oct 1986 West Berlin, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won German light-heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Win 17–0 Ian Lazarus KO 8 (8) 12 May 1986 Tennishalle, Bad Homburg, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Win 16–0 James Cook PTS 8 1 Mar 1986 Cologne, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 15–0 Antoine Alcantara KO 2 29 Nov 1985 Frankfurt, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Win 14–0 Rudiger Bitterling TKO 3 8 Nov 1985 Düsseldorf, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant German middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Win 13–0 Moussa Kassongo Mukandjo UD 10 31 Aug 1985 West Berlin, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 12–0 Steve Johnson PTS 6 26 Apr 1985 Festhalle, Frankfurt, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Win 11–0 Tony Jenkins TKO 6 (8) 9 Mar 1985 Düsseldorf, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Win 10–0 Philippe Seys PTS 8 1 Dec 1984 Düsseldorf, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Win 9–0 Tony Britton PTS 8 5 Oct 1984 Frankfurt, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Win 8–0 Butangi Nzolameso PTS 6 15 Sep 1984 Dortmund, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Win 7–0 Franz Dorfer TKO 2 27 Apr 1984 West Berlin, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Win 6–0 Mick Morris UD 4 24 Feb 1984 Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Hamburg, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 5–0 Mauro Hernandez da Cruz PTS 6 10 Feb 1984 Sporthalle Süd, Frankfurt, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Win 4–0 Chaed Ringo TKO 2 14 Jan 1984 Düsseldorf, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Win 3–0 Jan Lefeber PTS 4 5 Nov 1983 Mannheim, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 2–0 Marnix Heytens TKO 1 7 Oct 1983 Frankfurt, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Win 1–0 Esperno Postl TKO 2 (6) 10 Sep 1983 Cologne, West GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

See also

References

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  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Rocchigiani v. World Boxing Council, Inc.
  3. ↑ The Cyber Boxing Zone Newswire, 3 October 1999
  4. ↑ WBC lawyer: Roy Jones Jr. has to fight Rocchigiani
  5. ↑ Rafael, Dan., Bankruptcy could spell doom for WBC, USA Today, 2004-06-13, Retrieved on 2007-04-26.
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ AP., New life for WBC, USA Today, 2004-08-25, Retrieved on 2007-04-26.
  8. ↑ Boxing: Ex-champ jailed over fight, Taipeitimes.com, 2006-08-13, Retrieved on 2007-04-26.
  9. ↑ Rocchigiani handed assault charge, CNN.com, 2004-12-07, Retrieved on 2007-04-26.
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

Sporting positions

Template:S-text Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Georg Steinherr 		German middleweight champion
8 November 1985 – October 1986
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Andreas Prox
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check German light-heavyweight champion
3 October 1986 – March 1988
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Gerhard Schoberth

Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Tom Collins 		European light-heavyweight champion
28 February 1991 – September 1992
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Eddy Smulders

Template:S-text Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Park Chong-pal 		IBF super-middleweight champion
11 March 1988 – 22 September 1989
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Lindell Holmes

Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Roy Jones Jr. 		WBC light-heavyweight champion
21 March 1998 – July 1998
Stripped Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by

Template:Authority control

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