Frank Buglioni: The next British superstar? - Doghouse Interview
 By John J. Raspanti, Doghouse Boxing (Feb 11, 2014)
 |
Image by © icheehuahua (Chee), Doghouse Boxing Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
After only 11 professional fights, undefeated Frank “The Wise Guy” Buglioni has captured the imagination of many British boxing fans. The handsome Buglioni, 24, looks more like a model than a pugilist. His accessibility ensures that his popularity will grow, that is, as long he continues to deliver.
Personable and affable as he can be outside the ring, the 168-pound boxer can be ruthless inside it.
A few months ago he captured the WBO European super middleweight belt by stopping Stepan Horvath with a body shot. Many believe he has the goods to be the next British world champion.
Buglioni grew up in Enfield, London. From early on, he loved athletics.
I competed at quite a few sports as a youngster, predominantly swimming, football and tennis, which I enjoyed greatly,” Buglioni told this writer on the phone a few weeks ago. “But when one of my dad's friends suggested I try boxing to increase my fitness and strength for football, I jumped at the chance.
“After a couple of sessions, I was hooked.”
Buglioni was 13 at the time. It didn’t take long for his natural talent to shine. After 70 amateur fights he decided that his pressure style was more suited to the professional ranks.
“All the way through the amateurs I had a close affiliation with the pros,” said Buglioni.”I was always watching professional boxing. Then, as I grew older, I was able to go to pro gyms for sparring and training and I loved the atmosphere and the intensity in that pro-environment.
“That's probably what shaped my fighting style too,” he added.
That style is up-beat and filled with action. Bugolioni debuted in 2011 by scoring a first round knockout.
By his fifth fight, Buglioni was building a rabid fan base. The enthusiasm was catching fire. His punching power created a buzz. Boxing and baseball fans share similar traits. They admire the single and double hitter, but love home runs. Buglioni can crack. Out of his 11 victories, eight have been by knockout.
“I owe a lot of thanks to my close friends and family,” said Bugolioni. “They really go out of their way to sell tickets. It started at my debut. Everyone that came had a great time and we've managed to get a really good bunch of people together.
“People want to make noise and see a good fight and on my fight nights they get a chance to experience that,” he added.
What is it about boxing that attracted Buglioni?
“The adrenaline rush and the buzz of fight night is something that always drew me to boxing,” said Buglioni.”As I progress in the pros I enjoy the pressure and occasion even more. I also love the discipline and dedication, after a hard day's training, knowing you've pushed yourself to the limit.
“Your body is tired and your mind is relaxed, you can sleep very well at night.”
Buglioni grew up admiring Arturo Gatti, and seven-division world champion Oscar De La Hoya.
“Gatti was a human highlight reel,” Buglioni said. “He was never in a dull fight and left everything in the ring when he fought. I always admired his courage and enjoyed his fights. De La Hoya was a great technician and a showman, but he also had an exciting style, throwing lots of punches with venom and speed.”
Such excitement sometimes has drawbacks. In his last bout, Buglioni was tagged with several right hooks. He acknowledged the flaws in his technique.
“Yes, I would definitely say my defense needs work,“ said Buglioni. “I've been caught with right hands in quite a few of my fights and although I have never been troubled with shots, there will come a time when I step up and face fighters that can punch as hard as myself.
“I have been tightening my defense with trainer Mark Tibbs and, slowly but surely, I am evading the right hands and rolling with them," Buglioni said.
Buglioni is determined to be a versatile fighter.
“I'm not an out-and-out puncher and neither an out-and-out boxer,” Buglioni said. “I think it's fair to say I can do a bit of both, but I work hard in the gym to improve both aspects of my game and the counter punches are starting to come together now.”
Winning the European belt has been a heady experience for Buglioni.
“It still hasn't really sunk in, to be honest,” said Buglioni. “It's a very good achievement, but it's made me even hungrier to go on and win more titles. My training has stepped up a notch, and so too has my dedication to the sport.”
Buglioni returns to the ring February 15 to make the first defense of his title against fellow Italian Gaetano Nespro at the Copper Box Arena in London, England.
“He’s definitely going to come to win,” Bugioni told IFL TV last month. “I’ll be looking for the victory.
One thing’s sure.
There’ll be a lot of English fans cheering his every move.
- TO WRITE FOR DOGHOUSE BOXING: E-mail John now at: marlow_58@hotmail.com
John J. Raspanti responds to all his emails. Please send all questions and comments to John at: marlow_58@hotmail.com |
© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing Inc. 1998-2014
|
