Diego Lenzi and Dmytro Tonyshev are two emerging heavyweights on the national scene who already faced each other in vests just over three years ago, producing an exciting spectacle. One day their paths may cross again in the professional ranks, but apparently that day is not yet close. According to Christian Cavazza, head coach of the Sempre Avanti gym in Bologna and Tonyshev’s trainer, OPI Since 82 — which currently manages Lenzi’s career — turned down the fight when presented with a concrete proposal. We spoke with Christian by phone to understand exactly what happened, in his own words.
Let’s start with the facts. What kind of proposal was made to Lenzi’s team and what was their response?
Leonardo Bizzo, who together with his son Riccardo promotes the fights of heavyweight Angelo Morejon, is organizing a show on April 18, centered around one of Angelo’s bouts, and of course he wants to put together a worthy undercard as well. He therefore thought about including Lenzi vs Tonyshev on the bill. I know Bizzo well, because several of my fighters have already boxed on his professional shows. Some time ago I told him that, with proper notice and a suitable purse, the fight could be made. About ten days ago, matchmaker Massimo Brognara asked me whether I was available to have Dmytro fight Lenzi, and I immediately said: “No problem. Just tell me when it can happen and how much money the kid will earn.” He said he would get back to me, then contacted Alessandro Cherchi and proposed making the fight a semifinal for the Italian title. Cherchi initially said he needed to think about it. Then, after two or three days, Brognara called me back and told me they had declined. I asked him whether an adequate purse had been offered, and he said yes, that the money was good, so I honestly don’t know the reason for the refusal. To be completely honest, I believe this is a fight in which Dmytro would start slightly at a disadvantage, because Lenzi is probably a step above Tonyshev. Still, I would have accepted it anyway, because I believe in my fighter and even if the odds wouldn’t be in his favor, I certainly wouldn’t see him as beaten before the opening bell.
Lenzi and Tonyshev faced each other in December 2022 in the final of the Italian amateur championships, with Lenzi coming out on top. What is your assessment of that fight, and why do you think a rematch today in the pros could have a different outcome?
I watched the fight, even though Tonyshev wasn’t training with me at the time. In my opinion, Lenzi did have a slight edge. But Dmytro has grown a lot since then, also thanks to sparring sessions with Angelo Morejon. Tonyshev and Lenzi know each other well: Diego had even invited him to Milan for sparring when he was still with TAF, but we never managed to make it happen. Dmytro would have accepted the fight immediately, but to be fair, I don’t think it was Lenzi himself who didn’t want it. I think Cherchi considers it premature: he probably believes that a fight like this should necessarily have a title on the line.
In the current Italian heavyweight rankings issued by the FPI, Diego is ranked one spot ahead of Dmytro, despite having fought two fewer pro bouts. How do you explain that? Do you think Lenzi’s media exposure plays a role in these decisions?
I’ve always seen it as a consequence of his participation in the Olympics. I believe that achievement gave him an extra boost in the eyes of those who compile the rankings. However, now that the opportunity to organize this fight has come up and they declined it, I think it would be fair to give priority to Tonyshev for the next title opportunities that arise.
What do you see as Tonyshev’s main strengths at the moment, and in which areas do you think he can still improve?
In my opinion, the area where he needs to improve the most is mentally. Maybe he still doesn’t fully believe in himself. Since he also works as a physiotherapist, he can’t devote himself 100% to boxing, so even though he manages to train every day, it’s not always easy to fit everything in. As for his strengths, I couldn’t really single out one above all the others. People say he hits quite hard, but given my personality, I tend to focus more on what needs improvement rather than on the positives, in order to push my fighters to always do better.
Given the impossibility of securing a fight with Lenzi in the immediate future, what goals will you pursue next?
As I also told Brognara, I would really like Bizzo to give me the chance to include Tonyshev on his April 18 show. Then I hope Loreni will get him two more fights in the near future before aiming for the Italian title. Today it tends to be somewhat underestimated, but I remain convinced that the Italian title is a very important showcase to aim for, and I care deeply about it. At the moment, among Italian heavyweights — aside from Angelo Morejon, who in my opinion is on a different level — I don’t see anyone Tonyshev couldn’t compete with. Of course, you win some and you lose some, but these are fights that can be made. The only one who is clearly a step above everyone else is Angelo; I’ve always said that and I’ll keep saying it. We train with him often — just last Saturday we were guests at Emanuele Orlando’s gym in Porretta Terme. Dmytro and Angelo know and respect each other. Apart from him, Tonyshev can fight anyone in Italy, and we’re ready to accept any challenge, as long as it’s offered with proper notice.