Gianluca Branco Beats Colin Lynes For European Boxing Title In Italy

European Light Welter Champ Colin Lynes went to Pala Ruffini in Torino, Italy to defend his crown against former titlist and two-time world title challenger Gianluca Branco last night but the wily 37 year old Italian proved to have too much experience for the Londoner, who was relived of his title via split decision in the headlining bout of a big Friday night show.

Lynes used his youth advantage to start off well and even canvassed the seasoned ex-champ in the second frame but expended too much energy in the process and was outfought in the middle and later periods of the contest.

Branco, who gave Arturo Gatti a tough fight in a failed bid for the WBC belt four years ago, convinced two of the three judges of his superiority, but just, as they both turned in a 114-113 card in his favor while the third judge had it 115-113 for Lynes.

With the win, Branco improves to 41-2-1 (21), and regains the European Light Welter title after a six year hiatus.

Lynes, 31-4 (12), sees his five fight win streak snapped but at age 30 should still have time to regroup and make another run at the Continental crown, perhaps even a rematch with Branco given the closeness of the decision.

The undercard saw Canada based Irishman Martin Lindsay,12-0 (4), stay perfect as he outpointed ex-English Super Bantam titlist Marc Callaghan, 19-13-1 (4), in an eight round featherweight clash.

There were big names on display in a quartet of six rounders as former IBF Welterweight Champion Michelle Piccirillo, 49-4-1 (30), defeated Patrik Hruska, 10-31 (3), at light middleweight, ex-European Heavyweight titlist Paolo Vidoz, 25-4 (14), knocked out Paul Butlin, 12-7 (3), in two frames, European Union Light Welter kingpin Giuseppe Lauri, 46-6 (27), finished off Ratislav Kovac, 26-13-1 (9), in four during a non-title affair and Naoufel Ben Rabah, 25-3 (13), came off two consecutive losing bids for the IBF Light Welter title to post a decision over Laszlo Komjathi, 28-19-1 (11).