Francesco Damiani defeated Johnny du Plooy on May 6, 1989, at the Stadio Nicola De Simone in Syracuse, Italy, to become the inaugural WBO heavyweight champion, knocking him out in the third round to make history as the first man to hold the new title. Damiani (born October 4, 1958) is an Italian former professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 1993. He held the WBO title from 1989 to 1991 and previously held the European heavyweight championship from 1987 to 1989. Before turning professional, Damiani enjoyed an exceptional amateur career. He won silver medals in the super-heavyweight division at both the 1982 World Championships and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, famously defeating Teofilo Stevenson in Munich before losing a controversial decision to Tyrell Biggs in the Olympic final. Ranked the world’s number one super-heavyweight by AIBA in 1984, Damiani was a two-time European champion and competed in the 1980 Moscow Olympics as well. Turning pro in 1985, Damiani built an unbeaten record of 27 victories. He avenged his amateur defeat by stopping Tyrell Biggs on a cut before claiming the newly created WBO heavyweight crown. His reign came to an end in 1991 when he faced 1988 Olympic gold medallist Ray Mercer in Atlantic City. Damiani was leading on the scorecards but suffered a broken nose from a Mercer uppercut in the ninth round and was counted out. Earlier that year, he had been lined up to face Evander Holyfield for the undisputed heavyweight championship, but injury forced him to withdraw. Damiani returned to defeat former champion Greg Page in 1992 but retired the following year after quitting against Oliver McCall in the eighth round. Outside the ring, Damiani later served as the Italian boxing team’s coach for the 2012 London Olympics. His career remains notable for his strong amateur pedigree, solid professional record, and his historic status as the first WBO heavyweight champion.

05/06/1989 - Francesco Damiani

Francesco Damiani defeated Johnny du Plooy on May 6, 1989, at the Stadio Nicola De Simone in Syracuse, Italy, to become the inaugural WBO heavyweight champion, knocking him out in the third round to make history as the first man to hold the new title. Damiani (born October 4, 1958) is an Italian former professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 1993. He held the WBO title from 1989 to 1991 and previously held the European heavyweight championship from 1987 to 1989.

Before turning professional, Damiani enjoyed an exceptional amateur career. He won silver medals in the super-heavyweight division at both the 1982 World Championships and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, famously defeating Teofilo Stevenson in Munich before losing a controversial decision to Tyrell Biggs in the Olympic final. Ranked the world’s number one super-heavyweight by AIBA in 1984, Damiani was a two-time European champion and competed in the 1980 Moscow Olympics as well.

Turning pro in 1985, Damiani built an unbeaten record of 27 victories. He avenged his amateur defeat by stopping Tyrell Biggs on a cut before claiming the newly created WBO heavyweight crown. His reign came to an end in 1991 when he faced 1988 Olympic gold medallist Ray Mercer in Atlantic City. Damiani was leading on the scorecards but suffered a broken nose from a Mercer uppercut in the ninth round and was counted out. Earlier that year, he had been lined up to face Evander Holyfield for the undisputed heavyweight championship, but injury forced him to withdraw. Damiani returned to defeat former champion Greg Page in 1992 but retired the following year after quitting against Oliver McCall in the eighth round.

Outside the ring, Damiani later served as the Italian boxing team’s coach for the 2012 London Olympics. His career remains notable for his strong amateur pedigree, solid professional record, and his historic status as the first WBO heavyweight champion.