Gianluca Ceglia (22-6-1), born in Sarno, 36 years old, lightweight, has decided to say goodbye to active boxing after sixteen years in the professional ranks.
Three days ago, in Spain, in Bilbao, at the Pabellón La Casilla — a historic venue in the Basque city — he stepped into the ring in the co-main event of the evening, with the vacant EBU Silver lightweight title on the line, facing the tough 26-year-old Jokin Garcia (14-2-1).
The bout was won on points by the Spanish fighter.
The official scorecards (119-108, 120-107, 119-108) left no room for doubt or controversy.
Following the verdict, still in Spain, Gianluca Ceglia announced his retirement through a video shared on social media, stating among other things:
“From today I am a former boxer. I will dedicate myself 100% to my gym. At a certain point you have to use your head and understand when it’s time to stop, and now my moment has come.”
It should be noted, however, that Ceglia fought ten title bouts during his career.
His achievements
On September 24, 2016, he won the Italian title with a unanimous decision victory over Vincenzo Finiello.
On June 30, 2017, he captured the IBF International Lightweight title, again on points, defeating Spain’s Eloy Iglesias in front of his home crowd.
On March 29, 2019, in Rome, he became EBU European Union lightweight champion by knocking out Pasquale Di Silvio in the seventh round.
On March 15, 2024, in Nocera Inferiore, he claimed the EBU Silver lightweight title with a majority decision win over Peruvian-born, Barcelona-based Frank Urquiaga.
After learning of his retirement, the Federazione Pugilistica Italiana (FPI) wrote on its official website:
“Dear Gianluca, the entire national boxing movement can only honor you and thank you for carrying the name of Italian boxing high in Italy, in Europe and around the world over these 16 incredible years spent between the ropes… Thank you, indomitable warrior of the ring.”
At Boxe Punch, we can only wish him all the best in life and thank him for the emotions he has given us.