On Friday, February 27, at the Palasport in Cave (Rome), starting at 8:00 PM, in an event promoted by A&B Events – Team Magnesi, Italy’s Manuel Rizzieri (12-3-0) will face Frenchman Rakyb Mohamed Radji (10-1-0) for the vacant EBU Silver flyweight title.
Rizzieri, 24, comes into this crucial bout for his career with solid experience, having already fought twice in title matches despite his young age. The first time, in July 2024, he captured the Italian super flyweight title with a narrow points victory over Ahmed Obaid in Ladispoli. The second time, unfortunately, he suffered a KO defeat against Venezuela’s Jeanfran Medina in his attempt to claim the WBC Youth Intercontinental title.
However, Manuel has fully recovered from that setback and regained momentum in 2025 with three wins in as many tune-up fights—not particularly demanding, but essential to rebuilding confidence ahead of this prestigious opportunity on Saturday.
His opponent Radji, a former French champion and WBC Mediterranean champion, attempted to capture the European flyweight title last summer but suffered a clear points defeat against Spain’s Jairo Noriega.
The undercard is packed with action.
At super lightweight, Benin-born but Marche-based Charlemagne Metonyekpon will take on Colombia’s Andres Perez.
At light heavyweight, Ahmed Boughriba will face Moldova’s Cristi Baluta.
In another super lightweight clash, Civitavecchia’s Giordano Giansanti will meet Trieste-born Luca Grusovin, who resides in Gorizia.
Featherweight Gian Marco Caratelli, from Cori (Latina), will square off against Colombian southpaw Jeison Cervantes, who lives in Valencia.
Before the main event, however, all eyes will be on Michael “Lone Wolf” Magnesi (25-2-0), who will take on Argentina’s Marcos Gabriel Martinez (23-6-0) in an eight-round bout.
This fight is truly special—not only because it represents a solid test ahead of a possible world title shot, but also because it marks Magnesi’s first appearance in the ring since being promoted to No. 1 in the WBC super featherweight rankings on February 3.
It is also special because “Lone Wolf” will fight in his hometown of Cave—his wolf’s den—the town just outside Rome where he grew up as a man and as a champion. By his side, as always, will be his promoter, manager, and wife, Alessandra Branco.
A great opportunity for him to feel the full support of his people.
Tickets are available in advance at Boxol.it.