Professional boxing in Italy over the past decades has had to navigate countless difficulties: lack of funding, inconsistent and often insufficient attention from television, “state amateurism” that has swallowed up talent, and the infighting and short-sightedness of some of the figures who could have helped change the course. In this context, those athletes who, despite the obstacles, still managed to earn major international honors deserve special praise, as they prevailed against all odds through sheer determination, driven by an inner fire. Among these fighters, Stefano Zoff — “The Pirate” from Monfalcone — will never be forgotten. Over nearly twenty years in the professional ranks, in addition to dominating the domestic scene, he managed to win the European title three times and a world title once.
On the occasion of his 60th birthday, I contacted Stefano, who kindly allowed me to republish this interview I conducted with him several years ago, retracing some of the most memorable moments of his remarkable career.
A professional career spanning 18 years, from your debut at 23 to your retirement at 41, always at the highest level. What’s the secret to staying competitive and successful for so long?
It takes great willpower and great passion for this sport. On the other hand, not having outstanding technical skills, you either rely on your determination or you don’t make it.
The first title fight you contested ended in a points loss to Gianni Di Napoli for the Italian featherweight title. From that setback, you managed to come back stronger, defeating Di Napoli in the rematch and launching yourself toward the European title. How important is it to learn from mistakes in order to grow and improve?
First of all, I want to say hello to Giannino: he’s part of my story just as I’m part of his. Honestly, I don’t think I even lost the first fight, but in any case that defeat gave me the desire and determination to move forward and truly become aware of my abilities.
Around your thirties, your career went through a difficult phase, with three losses in four fights. Others might have become discouraged; instead, you moved up in weight and, in just over two years, won the WBA lightweight world title. What gave you the push to achieve such a feat?
There was the awareness that I could still do it. That weight class (featherweight) was no longer part of my life or my story because I couldn’t make the limit anymore. It’s advice I give to all young fighters: one or two kilos more don’t make a difference. So if making weight becomes too hard, I recommend moving up.
Throughout your career, you were never afraid to fight abroad in hostile environments. Your first European title and your world title were both won away from home. What does it feel like to fight with the crowd against you?
I believe that was one of my greatest strengths. Maybe it was even a world-class quality: not only could I fight abroad, I actually performed even better. Besides fights abroad, I also remember the match in Sardinia against Cappai, which I won by knockout in the fourth round. Going there and beating Cappai in a few rounds… well, I think that was a great achievement too.
If you had to choose a single magical moment from your long and rewarding career — the one that gave you the most joy and pride — which would it be and why?
Saying “the world title” would be obvious, but winning the European title against Stephane Haccoun is the moment I remember as the most important, because that’s when I truly realized I could reach the top.
It’s been almost twenty years since you decided to hang up your gloves. How has your life developed since then, and what do you do now?
Retiring is hard. A boxer remains a boxer for life. Now I live what I call “a parallel life.” What I miss most isn’t the money, but the great emotions: now life is flat, an ordinary life like any other person’s. Today I work as a dock worker, live a normal life as a father, and continue my great passion for fishing.
Thank you for your time and best of luck with your future projects. Would you like to say hello to the readers of Boxe Punch?
Of course: greetings to all the friends of Boxe Punch and all boxing fans. Enjoy boxing, everyone, and see you next time!