Farewell to an Italian Boxing Legend – World Boxing Association

“Farewell to Nino Benvenuti, an extraordinary champion and a symbol of a proud, courageous Italy that knows how to rise again. My heartfelt thoughts go out to his family and to all who loved him. Thank you, Nino, for your battles in the ring and for standing up for what’s right. Italy will never forget you.”

With these words, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni captured the grief of a nation—and of the boxing world—mourning the loss of Giovanni “Nino” Benvenuti, the former super welterweight and middleweight world champion who passed away in Rome on Tuesday, May 20, at the age of 87. The cause of death remains unknown.

For Italian boxing, Benvenuti wasn’t just a champion—he was the champion. To many, he stands above all others who ever laced them up for Italy: Primo Carnera, the brief heavyweight world champion in the early 1930s; Olympic gold medalist Piero Toscani; Sandro Mazzinghi, whom Benvenuti defeated twice for world titles; Olympic flyweight champ Fernando Atzori; and standout names like Duilio Loi, Aureliano Bolognesi, Carmelo Bossi, Sandro Lopopolo, and Francesco Damiani. Nino stood alone at the summit.

A Brilliant Amateur

Born on April 26, 1938, in Isola d’Istria—then Italian territory, now part of Slovenia—Benvenuti was introduced to boxing at a young age, reportedly encouraged by his father, a modest amateur fighter. It didn’t take long for his natural talent to shine. As an amateur, Benvenuti was nearly unbeatable, amassing an astounding record of 119 wins and just one loss.

His crowning amateur achievement came at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Fighting in front of a raucous home crowd, Benvenuti captured gold in the welterweight division, defeating Jean Josselin (France), Ki Soo Kim (South Korea), Chichman Mitzev (Bulgaria), Jimmy Lloyd (Great Britain), and Yuri Radonyak (USSR)—all by decision. His performance was so dominant that he was named the tournament’s Best Boxer, edging out none other than Cassius Clay, who would later become Muhammad Ali.

Benvenuti also claimed Italian and European titles in both the welterweight and light middleweight divisions before turning pro.

A Hall of Fame Career

His professional debut came on January 20, 1961, in Trieste, where he stopped Ben Ali Allala in four rounds. A decade later, on May 8, 1971, he would end his career in a punishing rematch against the great Carlos Monzón, capping a pro record of 82 wins (35 by KO), 7 losses, and 1 draw.

In between, Benvenuti delivered some of the most memorable performances in Italian boxing history. He defeated fellow Italian Sandro Mazzinghi twice—first by TKO in round 6 on June 18, 1965, and again by decision on December 17 that year—to become the unified WBA and WBC super welterweight champion.

In 1966, he bested American Gene Fullmer in a non-title bout and later lost his super welter crown to Ki Soo Kim in Seoul. But his defining trilogy came against Emile Griffith. On April 17, 1967, Benvenuti outpointed Griffith to capture the middleweight championship. Griffith would win the rematch that September, but Nino regained the title in their March 1968 rubber match, becoming a two-time middleweight world champion.

The Monzón Wars

And then came the two fights that sealed Benvenuti’s legacy—not just in Italy, but in the pantheon of all-time greats.

On November 7, 1970, in front of 18,000 fans at Rome’s Palazzetto dello Sport, Benvenuti defended his WBA and WBC middleweight titles against Argentina’s Carlos Monzón. At 32, Nino entered the bout with a record of 82–4–1. Monzón, four years younger and largely unknown outside South America, came in with a 67–3–9 ledger and 44 KOs.

From the opening bell, it was clear: this was going to be war. Benvenuti fought smart, calm, and collected—his trademark style—but Monzón’s stoic aggression and relentless pressure gave him the edge. Though Benvenuti was narrowly ahead on some scorecards, the tide turned decisively in round 12. Monzón launched a ferocious two-handed attack that ended with a thunderous right hand, dropping the champion flat. The referee counted ten, but the outcome was never in doubt. Benvenuti was done.

The rematch came six months later, on May 8, 1971, in Monte Carlo. It was brutal and brief. Monzón dropped Benvenuti in the second round and again early in the third. With his fighter badly hurt, Nino’s corner mercifully threw in the towel at 1:05 of round three.

Shortly after, Nino Benvenuti hung up his gloves for good, knowing he had nothing left to prove. He moved on to a successful career in business and broadcasting, and spent his later years enjoying a quieter life.

The Final Bell

Now, 54 years after his final fight, the great Nino Benvenuti has answered the final bell.

Italy, Europe, and the global boxing community say goodbye to a true champion—one whose elegance, courage, and class defined an era.

With deep sadness and the utmost respect, we say: Ciao, Nino.

May you rest in peace.