Francesco Damiani

Name: Francesco Damiani
Born: 1958-10-04
Birthplace: Bagnacavallo, Emilia Romagna, Italy
Nationality: Italian
Hometown: Bagnacavallo, Emilia Romagna, Italy
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 6′ 3″   /   190cm
Boxing Record: click

Manager: Umberto Branchini
Trainer: Elio Ghelfi
Francesco Damiani Photo Gallery

Amateur Career

• 1980 Italian Super Heavyweight representative at the Moscow Olympics. Results:
  • Defeated Teodor Pirjol (Romania) 4-1
  • Lost to Piotr Zaev (Soviet Union) 0-5
• 1981 European Super Heavyweight Champion
• 1982 Super Heavyweight Silver Medalist at the World Championships. Results:
  • Defeated Teofilo Stevenson 5-0
  • Lost Tyrell Biggs 1-4
• 1984 Super Heavyweight Silver Medalist at the Los Angeles Olympics. Results:
  • 1st round bye
  • Defeated Willie Isangura (Tanzania) RSC 2
  • Defeated Robert Wells (Great Britain) RSC 3
  • Lost to Tyrell Biggs (United States) 1-4

Professional Career

• Knocked out Johnny DuPlooy in three rounds to become the first WBO Heavyweight Champion on May 6, 1989. Since Mike Tyson was the undefeated WBA/WBC/IBF World Heavyweight Champion at the time, Damiani's WBO title was given little respect.
• Lost the WBO title to Ray Mercer by a ninth-round TKO on January 11, 1991.
• When Mike Tyson pulled out of his November 8, 1991 fight against Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield due to a rib injury, Damiani was chosen as his replacement. The fight was to take place on November 23, but Damiani withdrew a week before the fight because of an ankle injury. Bert Cooper replaced Damiani.
• Retired after an eighth-round TKO loss to Oliver McCall on April 23, 1993.

Preceded by: Inaugural Champion

WBO Heavyweight Champion 1989 May 6 – 1991 Jan 11

Succeeded by: Ray Mercer