Nino Benvenuti was the most popular Italian boxer because he achieved successes that no other Italian has ever achieved. Starting from his amateur career that did not record any defeats at the two Gold medals at the European championships in Prague and Lucerne, to the gold at the Olympic Games in Rome 60. As a professional, in addition to the Italian title, he obtained the European title and the memorable World Middleweight Title won at Madison Square Garden in New York on April 17, 1967. The historic fight against the champion Emile Griffith kept Italy awake to listen to the radio commentary by Paolo Valenti. But he was also world champion in the super welterweight category and the two challenges with Sandro Mazzinghi that divided Italy as in the days of Coppi and Bartali remain memorable. Since the 60s he has relaunched and represented the best image of the noble art. Athletically he was perfect for the three categories in which he competed (welterweight, super welterweight and middleweight). Technically, with a preference for long and medium distance, he represented stylistic elegance,
executive timing and effective precision.
Excellent general culture. Never cocky, never boastful! Always respectful of the opponent and of Fair Play.
His Istrian origins and the forced abandonment of his native land were experienced in the memory of the foibe and in the severe condemnation of the regime that carried them out.
He was the champion of reconciliation and magnanimity by going to support Emile Griffith in precarious physical and financial conditions.
Excellent general culture. The desire to learn and to document himself was equal to the generous willingness to transmit his competent technical intuitions during pleasant sports conversations and especially during the RAI commentaries that led him to successfully support Mario Mattioli for many years.
He was a true ambassador for the promotion of Italian boxing and the numerous phone calls and messages that arrive from many admirers testify to his popularity throughout the world.
You will remain a monument in the sporting history of our country and I personally will never forget that brief period at the National Center of Fiuggi in 1969, when you were preparing for the World Championship against the American Scott, with Maestro Toni Caneo I had the privilege of taking care of your athletic preparation.