After Claudio Squeo’s world title shot against the killer Jai Opetaia, another bolt from the blue: another Italian boxer is called to face a daunting challenge. One of those impossible missions that are so fascinating every fighter dreams of them from the moment they first lace up gloves: 10 rounds at Madison Square Garden.
On July 26, Gianmarco Cardillo, two-time Italian heavyweight champion with a record of 12 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, will take on a fearsome opponent—if not unbeatable—Uzbek phenomenon Bakhodir Jalalov, two-time Olympic champion with a record of 15 wins, 14 of them by KO. A forbidding fight that the boxer from Cassino accepted immediately, with all his pride and tenacity.
Author’s note: “Let me preface this a bit. I’ve known Gianmarco since I first put on gloves at the gym. A great guy—I’ve followed his pro career and his titles. This is certainly the toughest bout of his life, an impossible one indeed, but as a fellow Cassinate and a friend, it’ll be something magical to see him under those lights.”
So I had a chat with him before he flew overseas, to understand his feelings and journey toward a dream that’s coming true.
Gianmarco, it’s almost time! Tell us, how did this match come about? In the past, you were already close to the U.S., nearly landing a shot at the EBU Silver Title. Now finally, the call every fighter dreams of—under the lights of Madison Square Garden. How did this dream, as you’ve always rightly called it, become reality?
Yes, in the past there was a chance to fight in the U.S., but it never materialized. Right now I’m without a manager, and this summer everything happened suddenly. In early June, my wife—who is the president of Janula Boxe in Cassino—received a call with the proposal for the July 26 fight in the U.S., although the location wasn’t confirmed yet. But we knew who the opponent was, and honestly I accepted right away. Given the short notice, I started training immediately. Then they told us it would be at Madison Square Garden, and that just boosted my motivation even more.
Training for a match like this is obviously crucial. I’ve seen you’ve changed some things compared to previous camps, including choosing high-level sparring partners. Can you tell us about your prep with the Janula Boxe team in Cassino?
Yes, like I said, due to the tight schedule, we doubled up on training the day after it became official. In the morning, we focused on athletic conditioning in the gym and pool. In the afternoon, it was all about technical and tactical work. Together with Oscar Di Luzio and Marco Guglielmi, we selected specific sparring partners, because I know exactly how tough this bout will be and we have to give everything in the gym. I know my opponent—he’s tough and dangerous—so we chose the best: Guido Vianello, Abbes Mouhiidine, Diego Lenzi. I truly thank them for their availability.
The Madison Square Garden, New York, a two-time Olympic champion as an opponent—the pressure must be huge. How are you handling the mental side of things right now? Surely your beautiful family and your many friends and supporters are giving you a massive boost, but what does this match mean to you and how are you living it?
So far, I’m handling it calmly—I’m at peace and feeling good physically. Yes, I have my beautiful family and many friends supporting me. I’m really grateful to them because it’s thanks to their support that I can go through all this with a clear mind. I’m really calm and pumped up!
Inevitably, this fight places you on the biggest stage of all. What do you expect from your post–New York future?
I don’t want to think about what comes next—I’m too focused on preparing for this fight. Of course, stepping into the ring at Madison Square Garden will be a powerful emotion, and it’ll be hard to manage it, but I’m sure I’ll give everything I’ve got. Like you said, it’s a global stage—very important—and I’ll need to give the performance of my life. And then who knows? Maybe another international fight. I don’t know. For now, I’m focused on July 26.
Gianmarco, we wish you the best of luck. Final question: from 0 to 100, how much do you believe in pulling off the upset?
Honestly, I do believe in it. I’ll go there trained and eager to win and perform well. Like I said, he’s a tough opponent, we’re preparing hard, but in this sport anything can happen. The punch can come from him or from me. I’ll give it everything I’ve got.