Graciano Rocchigiani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Graciano Rocchigiani |
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Rocchigiani in 2009
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| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | Rocky |
| Rated at |
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| Height | 1.85 m |
| Reach | 189 cm |
| Nationality | German |
| Born | 29 December 1963 Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany |
| Died | 1 October 2018 (aged 54) Belpasso, Italy |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 48 |
| Wins | 41 |
| Wins by KO | 19 |
| Losses | 6 |
| Draws | 1 |
Graciano Rocchigiani (born December 29, 1963 – died October 1, 2018) was a German professional boxer. He was known for his exciting fighting style. He competed in boxing from 1983 to 2003.
Graciano became a world champion in two different weight classes. He held the IBF super-middleweight title from 1988 to 1989. Later, he won the WBC light-heavyweight title in 1998. He also held the European light-heavyweight title. Graciano was the younger brother of another famous boxer, Ralf Rocchigiani.
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Becoming a Professional Boxer
Graciano Rocchigiani started his professional boxing career in 1983. Before that, he was a very successful amateur boxer. In 1982, he won the German National Amateur championship. He competed in the light-middleweight division.
In 1988, Graciano won his first world title. He became the IBF super-middleweight champion. He defended this title three times. After these wins, he decided to move up to a heavier weight class. He wanted to challenge for the light-heavyweight title.
Challenging for More Titles
Even though he became the European light-heavyweight champion, Graciano couldn't get a world title shot in that division right away. So, in 1994, he moved back down to super-middleweight. He challenged Chris Eubank for the WBO title. The fight took place in Berlin, Germany. Graciano lost the fight by a decision from the judges.
In 1995, Graciano moved back up to light-heavyweight. He fought Henry Maske for the IBF title. Many people thought Graciano fought very well. He made Maske struggle during the fight. However, the judges decided that Maske won. Graciano fought Maske again later that year. He lost the rematch as well.
In 1996, Graciano fought Dariusz Michalczewski for the WBO light-heavyweight title. Graciano was disqualified in the seventh round. This happened because he hit Michalczewski after the referee called for a break. Many people believed Michalczewski acted to get out of the fight.
Winning a WBC World Title
In March 1998, Graciano Rocchigiani won another world title. He defeated Michael Nunn to win the vacant WBC light-heavyweight title. The fight was very close. However, the WBC later said Graciano was only an "interim champion." They claimed it was a mistake in their paperwork.
This situation led Graciano to take legal action against the WBC. He believed he was the true champion. He won his lawsuit against the WBC. The court ruled that he was indeed the champion. This was a huge victory for him outside the boxing ring.
Graciano had another fight against Michalczewski in 2000. By this time, Graciano was older. He fought bravely but lost the fight. He retired from boxing in 2003 after a short return.
Life After Boxing
Graciano Rocchigiani is remembered for his boxing skills. He is also remembered for his important legal win against the WBC. This lawsuit showed his determination. It also helped change how boxing organizations work.
Graciano's younger brother, Ralf Rocchigiani, was also a world champion boxer. Ralf even helped train Graciano later in his career.
Graciano Rocchigiani passed away on October 1, 2018. He was in Belpasso, Italy, when he was hit by a car while walking.
See also
- List of boxing families
