Genius and recklessness, talent and indolence — the entire career of Italy’s last notable heavyweight, Paolo Vidoz from Gorizia, was marked by the contrast between his excellent technical fundamentals, which earned him an Olympic bronze medal, and a professionalism that wasn’t always exemplary. On June 11, 2005 — exactly 20 years ago — “Paolone” pulled off his biggest win by capturing the European title in Germany, defeating the towering German Timo Hoffmann. On the anniversary of that dazzling victory, we take you back to the fight that raised the Italian flag over the European heavyweight division for a year.
The Ups and Downs of Vidoz and His “Titanium Jaw”
A European silver medal, two World Championship bronzes, and an Olympic bronze — these were the most significant achievements Vidoz earned as an amateur, justifying the optimism of Italian fans when he turned pro. The Sydney Olympics in particular saw the Gorizian boxer clearly defeat opponents who would go on to make a name for themselves, like Calvin Brock and Samuel Peter, before falling in the semifinals to Britain’s Audley Harrison.
However, in the pro ranks, Vidoz’s performances were inconsistent from the very beginning. His American stint ended with a disappointing loss to the modest Zuri Lawrence, while his first shot at an international title — in Germany against the enormous Russian Nikolay Valuev — saw the Italian run out of steam and crumble under his opponent’s blows. It was the surgery following that brutal KO that gave rise to Vidoz’s nickname: due to a jaw fracture, he had a titanium plate inserted, and was subsequently introduced as “Titanium Jaw.”
Timo Hoffmann: “The Best of the Real Germans”
Just over two meters tall and weighing nearly 120 kilos, Hoffmann looked like a fairytale villain come to life — no wonder he was nicknamed “The German Oak.” The German boxing scene had great faith in him, and his team included a world-renowned trainer in former world champion James “Buddy” McGirt — whose guidance has benefited top-tier fighters over the years and who, in 2002, was named “Trainer of the Year.”
Hoffmann caused quite a stir with his bold claim to be “the best heavyweight among real Germans,” a jab at the naturalized athletes of that era who had foreign roots. Among them was Luan Krasniqi, born in Kosovo, with whom Hoffmann had fought to a draw six months before facing Vidoz. While fairly limited in technique, Hoffmann could always rely on his iron chin — which had allowed him to hear the final bell against Vitali Klitschko back in 2000.
Stronger Than the Judges, with Kalambay in His Corner — Vidoz Crowned New Champion
If the German corner could boast the experience and wisdom of McGirt, the Italian side was just as solid: Vidoz had the guidance of former world champion Sumbu Kalambay. It took Kalambay only a few moments to notice how slow and predictable Hoffmann’s left jab was — something Paolo could systematically counter. Vidoz followed the advice to the letter and delivered a brilliant start in the first three rounds: his punches rained down from all directions while the German Oak’s monotonous and repetitive shots constantly missed the mark.
A confused and disoriented Hoffmann only began to find some rhythm in the fourth round, helped by a drop in energy from the Italian, who was beginning to feel the effects of his early efforts. After two closely contested rounds, the German’s hopes of a comeback were crushed by a true bolt from the blue: a sensational right hook from Vidoz sent Hoffmann crashing to the canvas, boosting Paolo’s confidence and putting him firmly back in control of the fight.
Vidoz wisely avoided getting carried away. Knowing he didn’t have the stamina to fight twelve high-paced rounds, he slowed the tempo, using his superior technique to manage the action. Then, every so often, he would unleash sudden two-handed combinations — enough to unsettle his opponent and rack up points.
After a particularly gutsy ninth round, the Italian boxer began to pay the price for his earlier work, partially succumbing to the clumsy attacks of a desperate Hoffmann. McGirt had already made it clear to his fighter: the only chance left was a knockout. But knockout power and killer instinct weren’t among the German’s weapons. His all-out assault proved mostly ineffective — in fact, it was Vidoz who finished the final round stronger, despite both men being utterly exhausted.
Vidoz’s victory had been clear and undeniable, and in a fair world, it would have been sealed by a wide unanimous decision. But given the habitual protection German fighters received from home judges, the announcement of the result came with an air of suspense. Incredibly, one judge had the nerve to give the fight to Hoffmann — drawing boos from the local crowd — but the other two, though by narrow margins, did the right thing and awarded the win to Paolone: Vidoz was the new European champion, celebrating through tears of joy!
His reign atop the continental throne lasted just over a year. After being dethroned by the powerful Ukrainian Volodymyr Vyrchys, the Gorizia native failed in four further attempts to reclaim the EBU belt. Still, that triumphant night at the BigBox Arena in Kempten will forever remain etched in his memory — and ours!