In Abruzzo, precisely in Cepagatti (province of Pescara), during the event organized by De Carolis Promotions, the European female super lightweight title was on the line.
The bout featured Silvia Bortot (12 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw) against Sonia Fracassi (5 wins, no defeats).
The two boxers have a 10-year age gap and completely different backgrounds. Bortot had already been European Champion in 2019, but that title was revoked after a positive doping test, which led to a two-year suspension. Fracassi, on the other hand, comes from MMA and was fighting in her fifth professional boxing match.
In the end, the more experienced Silvia Bortot came out on top with a unanimous decision from the judges.
A quick note: it’s always heartwarming to see the great coach Mattioli — this time in Fracassi’s corner — get emotional in the ring for such important titles!
The first bell rings, and the usual feeling-out phase lasts only a few seconds before the exchanges begin. Bortot lands a sharp jab and a solid left hook, while Fracassi, composed and with high guard, fires back with quick combinations.
In the second round, Fracassi tries to press forward, but Bortot remains highly focused. The two continue in an engaging face-to-face battle.
In the third round, they stay in the center of the ring. Bortot’s left hook is truly impressive, though Fracassi replies with persistent straight rights.
In the fourth, Fracassi starts at a fast pace, throwing plenty of two-handed combinations. Bortot stays composed, trying to contain her and responding with precise punches.
In the fifth, after Fracassi’s high pace, Bortot begins to move more with her legs and upper body to avoid being pushed back. Fracassi, undeterred, keeps advancing with courage.
The sixth round is a real war — neither fighter seems willing to hold back. It’s an open, intense exchange. Nonstop punches from both sides make the judges’ job anything but easy tonight.
In the seventh, Fracassi looks to have endless stamina, always throwing with both hands, always pressing forward — great courage. Bortot seems to slow down physically but still tries to keep the center of the ring, and her counterpunches are sharper than those of her opponent.
In the eighth, both athletes begin to tire. Fracassi keeps giving everything she has, while Bortot chooses to throw single, well-placed shots.
In the penultimate round, neither of these women has given up for even a second. Bortot’s left hook and jab — which repeatedly slowed Fracassi’s advance — deserve special mention. The ninth follows the same pattern: Fracassi always pushing forward with two-handed combinations.
Final bell. The crowd rises to its feet for the last two minutes of this all-Italian war for the European belt. The two fighters, both with huge hearts, finish the match at center ring, exchanging nonstop punches.
Two lionesses with opposite styles who delivered a thrilling, fiery bout — a real battle. Our Italian fighters truly honored the ring and the European title. It was an all-Italian, all-female derby framed by a great evening and the strong desire for redemption from the new European Champion.