Francesco Paparo has become an almost permanent fixture in TAF (The Art of Fighting) events.
The 24-year-old from Rho stepped once again into the ring of the Allianz Cloud in Milan to defend his Italian Super Featherweight Title, after winning it against Mohammed Diallo and successfully defending it twice against Nicola Henchiri, whom he stopped both times despite the first verdict being marred by an excess of zeal (Francesco, in a moment of overexcitement, struck his opponent while he was already down on one knee, risking disqualification despite an excellent performance).
Last night, at TAF11, the hometown fighter faced Catalin Ionescu, who entered the bout with a record of 16 wins (6 KOs), 4 losses, and 1 draw.
The 28-year-old, Italian by nationality but originally from Alexandria, Romania, came off a points win over Luka Veljovis. For Ionescu, this was a golden opportunity: despite a few setbacks, TAF11 represented an important showcase and a title chance.
Paparo (11-1-1, 5 KOs) is a technically gifted boxer with great timing — qualities he showcased again yesterday, overwhelming a stubborn and relentless opponent in Ionescu and winning by technical decision in the 6th round after flooring him multiple times. He’s also showing, as his career progresses, that he carries real punching power. Despite a modest KO ratio, in his last four fights Paparo has demonstrated the ability to strike with force, accuracy, and conviction — proof of growing confidence in his abilities and of excellent work in the gym, part of a natural development for a still-young athlete.
The scheduled 10-round fight was entertaining and hard-fought, with the two boxers exchanging continuously at high pace.
Paparo quickly found success with his sharp and snappy left hook, the weapon that destabilized a determined Ionescu. The Romanian-born fighter pressed forward with constant aggression, forcing Paparo into an intense battle. However, his loose defense and Paparo’s superior speed made him an easy target. By the end of the opening round, Ionescu’s right eyebrow was already bleeding from one of Francesco’s hooks.
The pattern continued in the second. Ionescu remained determined but inaccurate, while Paparo repeatedly landed clean shots to the face.
In the third round, Paparo connected with a crisp left-right hook combination that dropped Ionescu. The Romanian got up quickly and tried to close the distance again, but a devastating right hook from Paparo nearly sent him down once more. Miraculously, Ionescu stayed on his feet and charged forward again moments later.
The exchanges between the two were constant, and in such a battle, the faster fighter tends to prevail — and that was Paparo.
Despite the punishment, Ionescu never stopped pressing, trying to turn the fight into a war. As fatigue set in from the fast pace, both began to clinch more often to catch their breath.
Though Ionescu’s aggression cost him accuracy, he did land some good punches, absorbed calmly by Paparo. Soon, however, the Romanian-born boxer was also bleeding from the left brow after another precise right hook from Francesco.
Midway through the fight, things got messy. Paparo had to manage the relentless pressure from his opponent. Ionescu displayed great heart and durability considering the blows he took. Paparo took a short breather, landing more sporadically. Straight punches would have benefited both — one to attack, the other to control distance — but the intensity drove them to trade heavy hooks at close range.
In the sixth round, Paparo landed yet another crushing right hook that buckled Ionescu’s legs. Once again, Ionescu got up, showing remarkable courage. At that point, the referee called in the ringside doctor, who, after examining Ionescu’s cuts, stopped the fight. The bout went to the scorecards, as the cut over Ionescu’s left eye was ruled the result of an accidental headbutt. All three judges scored it 59-54 for Paparo.
The young Milanese confirmed the positive impressions from his previous performances: Francesco won convincingly and showed that he has the tools to aim higher. Now it’s time to raise the level of opposition — tougher opponents will help him gain the ring craft and toughness needed for bigger stages.
Credit to both athletes for the great show and sportsmanship throughout the fight.