Matteo Signani
{{short description|Italian boxer}}
{{use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox boxer
| name = Matteo Signani
| image = Matteo Signani.jpg
| caption = 2020
| real_name =
| nickname = Il Giaguaro (The Jaguar)
| weight = Middleweight
| reach =
| nationality = Italian
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1979|6|5}}
| birth_place = Cesena, Italy
| style = Orthodox
| boxrec = 823704
| total = 42
| wins = 32
| KO = 12
| losses = 7
| draws = 3
| no contests =
| website = https://www.matteosignani.com
}}
Matteo Signani (born 5 June 1979) is an Italian professional boxer who is a former European middleweight title holder.
Professional career
Signani made his professional debut on 1 April 2007, scoring a second-round technical knockout (TKO) victory against Christian Nichitilea at the Palasport in Rimini, Italy.{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Matteo Signani vs. Christian Nichitilea|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/524305/1189202|access-date=1 March 2021|website=BoxRec}}
After compiling a record of 4–2–1 (3 KOs), he defeated Carlo De Novellis via unanimous decision (UD) to capture the vacant Italian interim middleweight title on 12 July 2008, in Sequals.{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Matteo Signani vs. Carlo De Novellis II|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/556419/1321058|access-date=1 May 2021|website=BoxRec}} Signani challenged for the full Italian title three months later, losing via majority decision (MD) against reigning champion Gaetano Nespro on 31 October in Savignano sul Rubicone. Two judges scored the bout 97–93 in favour of Nespro while the third scored even at 95–95.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=1 November 2008|title=Nespro conserva il titolo italiano dei medi|url=https://www.2out.it/11/nespro-conserva-il-titolo-italiano-dei-medi/|access-date=1 May 2021|website=Seconds Out|language=it-IT}}
Following three more victories in 2009–Fares Sawaneh via points decision (PTS) in April; Mugurel Sebe by disqualification (DQ) in June; and Abdelouahed Ben Lelly via PTS in December{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Matteo Signani vs. Fares Sawaneh|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/575076/1405371|access-date=1 May 2021|website=BoxRec}}{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Matteo Signani vs. Mugurel Sebe|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/579574/1424909|access-date=1 May 2021|website=BoxRec}}{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Matteo Signani vs. Abdelouahed Ben Lelly|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/592852/1480288|access-date=1 May 2021|website=BoxRec}}–Signani made a second attempt at the Italian title in a rematch against Nespro on 29 January 2010, at the Seven Sporting Club in Savignano sul Rubicone. Nespro suffered a cut above his eyebrow in the third round, with the referee deeming the cause to be from a legal punch. The bout was allowed to continue after the ringside doctor inspected the cut. The cut reopened in the eighth round, prompting the ringside doctor called a halt to the contest, awarding Signani the Italian title via eighth-round TKO.{{Cite web|date=30 January 2010|title=Pugilato: Matteo Signani Campione Italiano dei pesi medi|url=https://www.2out.it/01/pugilato-matteo-signani-campione-italiano-dei-pesi-madi/|access-date=1 May 2021|website=Seconds Out|language=it-IT}} He made four defences before losing the title against Simone Rotolo via tenth-round TKO on 2 March 2012, in Savignano sul Rubicone.{{Cite web|date=3 March 2012|title=Rotolo conquista il suo secondo titolo nazionale al termine di una vibrante lotta con Signani|url=https://www.2out.it/03/rotolo-conquista-il-suo-secondo-titolo-nazionale-al-termine-di-una-vibrante-lotta-con-signani/|access-date=4 May 2021|website=Seconds Out|language=it-IT}} Signani bounced back with three victories before capturing the Italian title for a second time, defeating Stefano Loriga by UD on 27 July 2013, in Castel Volturno, with the judges' scorecards reading 97–89, 97–92 and 95–94.{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Matteo Signani vs. Stefano Loriga|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/676195/1820032|access-date=4 May 2021|website=BoxRec}}
After a PTS victory against Goran Milenkovic in a non-title fight in December,{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Matteo Signani vs. Goran Milenkovic|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/683695/1853048|access-date=4 May 2021|website=BoxRec}} Signani faced Istvan Szili for the vacant European Union middleweight title on 2 May 2014, in Gatteo. Both boxers suffered cuts resulting from an accidental clash of heads in the second round. Szili's cut worsened in the third, prompting the referee to call in the ringside doctor. Following an examination, the doctor determined the cut was too severe to allow the fight to continue, bringing a premature end to the contest via technical decision to leave the European Union title vacant.{{Cite web|date=3 May 2014|title=Tra Signani e Szili tutto da rifare|url=https://www.2out.it/05/tra-signani-e-szili-tutto-da-rifare/|access-date=4 May 2021|website=Seconds Out|language=it-IT}} Signani made a second attempt at the title on 6 December, facing Ahmed Rifaie at the Palazzo Congressi in Bellaria. In a fight which saw Signani receive a point deduction in the seventh round for illegal use of the head, he dropped his opponent to the canvas in the twelfth and final round. Signani emerged victorious via UD, with one judge scoring the bout 118–110 while the other two scored it 116–110.{{Cite web|date=7 December 2014|title=Signani Nuovo Campione UE|url=http://www.2out.it/12/signani-nuovo-campione-ue/|access-date=4 May 2021|website=Seconds Out|language=it-IT}}
His next fight came against Rafael Sosa Pintos for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title on 8 August 2015, in Gatteo. The contest was halted in the eighth round after Pintos suffered a cut from an accidental clash of heads, awarding Signani a TKO victory to capture his third professional title.{{Cite web|date=9 August 2015|title=Matteo Signani / Campione Intercontinental Wba pesi medi: battuto Pintos (boxe)|url=https://www.ilsussidiario.net/news/calcio-e-altri-sport/2015/8/9/matteo-signani-campione-intercontinental-wba-pesi-medi-battuto-pintos-boxe/630864/amp/|access-date=4 May 2021|website=www.ilsussidiario.net|language=it}}
He scored a TKO victory against Alexander Bojic in a non-title fight in February 2016,{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Matteo Signani vs. Alexander Bojic|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/728045/2044984|access-date=4 May 2021|website=BoxRec}} before facing Emanuele Blandamura for the vacant European middleweight title on 3 December at the Palasport in Colleferro. Signani suffered the fifth defeat of his career, losing via split decision (SD) over twelve rounds, with one judge scoring the bout 115–113 in favour of Signani while the other two scored it 117–111 and 115–114 for Blandamura.{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Matteo Signani vs. Emanuele Blandamura|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/741986/2117261|access-date=4 May 2021|website=BoxRec}}{{Cite web|last=Pisani|first=Leonardo|date=4 December 2016|title=Boxe, Sioux Blandamura si prende lo "scalpo" di Signani ed è campione europeo|url=https://www.ilmattinodifoggia.it/gallery/mediagallery/28824/boxe-sioux-blandamura-si-prende-lo-scalpo-di-stignani-ed-e-campione-europeo-dei-pesi-medi.html|access-date=4 May 2021|website=www.ilmattinodifoggia.it|language=it}}
After bouncing back with two victories, he defeated Riccardo Lecca via ninth-round TKO on 12 August 2018, capturing the vacant IBF Latino middleweight title in Gatteo.{{Cite web|last=Giuliano|first=Rocky|date=13 August 2018|title=Pugilato, Signani campione Latino IBF Battuto Lecca per KOT alla nona ripresa|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/fighting/pugilato/13-08-2018/pugilato-signani-campione-latino-ibf-battuto-lecca-kot-nona-ripresa-290141007975.shtml|access-date=4 May 2021|website=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it}}
Three fights later, and in his second attempt, he captured the vacant European title with a SD victory against Gevorg Khatchikian on 11 October 2019, at the PalaTrento in Trento. Two judges scored the bout 116–112 and 115–113 in favour of Signani, while the third judge scored it 115–114 for Khatchikian.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=11 October 2019|title=Tommy McCarthy Shocks Fabio Turchi With Split Nod Verdict|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/tommy-mccarthy-shocks-fabio-turchi-results--143311|access-date=4 May 2021|website=BoxingScene.com|language=}} In January 2020, it was announced that Signani would make the first defence of his title against Maxime Beaussire on 21 March.{{Cite web|last=Persson|first=Per Ake|date=22 January 2020|title=Euro News: Matteo Signani, James Kraft, Abass Barou, More|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/euro-news-matteo-signani-james-kraft-abass-barou-more--146109|access-date=4 May 2021|website=BoxingScene.com|language=}} However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bout was postponed twice, and eventually took place on 10 October in Caen, France.{{Cite web|last=Persson|first=Per Ake|date=11 March 2020|title=Euro News: Tony Yoka, Coronavirus KO's Signani Defense, More|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/euro-news-tony-yoka-coronavirus-kos-signani-defense-more--147515|access-date=4 May 2021|website=BoxingScene.com|language=}}{{Cite web|last=Persson|first=Per Ake|date=6 July 2020|title=EBU Resumes Company Activities After Lockdown Period|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/ebu-resumes-company-activities-lockdown-period--150003|access-date=4 May 2021|website=BoxingScene.com|language=}} Signani retained his title with a second-round knockout (KO) victory.{{Cite web|last=Persson|first=Per Ake|date=12 October 2020|title=Matteo Signani Stops Maxime Beaussire in Two, Retains EBU Title|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/matteo-signani-stops-maxime-beaussire-two-retains-ebu-title--152413|access-date=4 May 2021|website=BoxingScene.com|language=}}
Signani lost his title to Tyler Denny at Wolverhampton Civic Hall in England on 18 November 2023, via technical knockout after failing to answer the bell at the start of the eighth round.{{cite web|url=https://talksport.com/boxing/1646642/boxing-bizarrely-stopped-time-wasting-tyler-denny-unusual-knockout/|title=‘What has just happened?’ – Boxing match bizarrely stopped after time wasting as Brit Tyler Denny wins European title via unusual knockout|publisher=Talksport|accessdate=9 February 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/tyler-denny-on-ebu-title-win-i-too-quick-too-skillful-everything-too-good--179429|title=Tyler Denny on EBU Title Win: I Was Too Quick, Too Skillful, Everything Was Too Good|publisher=Boxing Scene|accessdate=9 February 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://3kingsboxing.com/tyler-denny-matteo-signani-card-recap/|title=Denny Gets First Stoppage Over Signani; Azim Grabs EBU Title|publisher=3kingsboxing.com|accessdate=9 February 2025}}
Professional boxing record
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=3
|nc=
|ko-wins=11
|ko-losses=1
|dec-wins=17
|dec-losses=4
|dq-wins=2
|dq-losses=
}}
{{clear}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| {{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result !Record !Opponent !Type !Round, time !Date !Location !Notes |
|---|
| 38
|{{yes2}}Win |30–5–3 |align=left|{{flagicon|FRA}} Maxime Beaussire |TKO |2 (12), {{small|1:40}} |10 Oct 2020 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|FRA}} Palais des Sports, Caen, France}} |align=left|{{small|Retained European middleweight title}} |
| 37
|{{yes2}}Win |29–5–3 |align=left|{{flagicon|NED}} Gevorg Khatchikian |UD |12 |11 Oct 2019 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} PalaTrento, Trento, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|Won vacant European middleweight title}} |
| 36
|{{yes2}}Win |28–5–3 |align=left|{{flagicon|CRO}} Frane Radnic |PTS |6 |26 Apr 2019 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Tuscany Hall, Florence, Italy}} | |
| 35
|{{yes2}}Win |27–5–3 |align=left|{{flagicon|BIH}} Nikola Matic |PTS |6 |1 Dec 2018 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Cesenatico, Italy}} | |
| 34
|{{yes2}}Win |26–5–3 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Riccardo Lecca |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}} |9 (10), {{small|1:31}} |12 Aug 2018 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Gatteo, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|Won vacant IBF Latino middleweight title}} |
| 33
|{{yes2}}Win |25–5–3 |align=left|{{flagicon|SER}} Predrag Cvetkovic |TKO |4 (6), {{small|1:46}} |24 Mar 2018 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Gio Boxe Gym, San Giovanni in Marignano, Italy}} | |
| 32
|{{yes2}}Win |24–5–3 |align=left|{{flagicon|CZE}} Anatoli Hunanyan |PTS |6 |9 Jun 2017 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Biki Disco Dinner, Cattolica, Italy}} | |
| 31
|{{no2}}Loss |23–5–3 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Emanuele Blandamura |SD |12 |3 Dec 2016 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Palasport, Colleferro, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|For vacant European middleweight title}} |
| 30
|{{yes2}}Win |23–4–3 |align=left|{{flagicon|SER}} Alexander Bojic |TKO |6 (6) |6 Feb 2016 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Coriano, Italy}} | |
| 29
|{{yes2}}Win |22–4–3 |align=left|{{flagicon|URU}} Rafael Sosa Pintos |UD |8 (12), {{small|1:02}} |8 Aug 2015 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} PalaG, Gatteo, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title}} |
| 28
|{{yes2}}Win |21–4–3 |align=left|{{flagicon|FRA}} Ahmed Rifaie |UD |12 |6 Dec 2014 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Palazzo Congressi, Bellaria, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|Won vacant European Union middleweight title}} |
| 27
|{{draw}}Draw |20–4–3 |align=left|{{flagicon|HUN}} Istvan Szili |TD |3 (12) |2 May 2014 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} PalaSidermec, Gatteo, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|Won vacant European Union middleweight title; |
| 26
|{{yes2}}Win |20–4–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|SER}} Goran Milenkovic |PTS |6 |21 Dec 2013 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Bellaria, Italy}} | |
| 25
|{{yes2}}Win |19–4–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Stefano Loriga |UD |10 |26 Jul 2013 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Ristorante Villa La Tortuga, Castel Volturno, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|Won vacant Italian middleweight title}} |
| 24
|{{yes2}}Win |18–4–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|HUN}} Attila Kiss |TKO |6 (6) |14 Jun 2013 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Savignano sul Rubicone, Italy}} | |
| 23
|{{yes2}}Win |17–4–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|CUB}} Reward Marti |TKO |6 (6) |27 Apr 2013 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Seven Sporting Club, Savignano sul Rubicone, Italy}} | |
| 22
|{{yes2}}Win |16–4–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|HUN}} Ferenc Sárközi |DQ |2 (6) |12 Jul 2012 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Rimini, Italy}} | |
| 21
|{{no2}}Loss |15–4–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Simone Rotolo |UD |10 (10), {{small|2:03}} |2 Mar 2012 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Seven Sporting Club, Savignano sul Rubicone, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|Lost Italian middleweight title}} |
| 20
|{{yes2}}Win |15–3–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|LAT}} Ruslans Pojonisevs |PTS |6 |18 Dec 2011 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Rimini, Italy}} | |
| 19
|{{yes2}}Win |14–3–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|CZE}} Attila Kiss |PTS |6 |11 Nov 2011 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Palasport, Cernusco sul Naviglio, Italy}} | |
| 18
|{{yes2}}Win |13–3–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Lorenzo Cosseddu |UD |10 |26 Aug 2011 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Piazza Costa, Cesenatico, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|Retained Italian middleweight title}} |
| 17
|{{yes2}}Win |12–3–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|FRA}} Martin Owono |PTS |6 |25 Jun 2011 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Porto, Imperia, Italy}} | |
| 16
|{{yes2}}Win |11–3–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Gaetano Nespro |UD |10 |8 Apr 2011 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Seven Sporting Club, Savignano sul Rubicone, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|Retained Italian middleweight title}} |
| 15
|{{yes2}}Win |10–3–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Giovanni De Carolis |UD |10 |5 Nov 2010 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Piazzo Dello Sport, Cesena, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|Retained Italian middleweight title}} |
| 14
|{{draw}}Draw |9–3–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Lorenzo Cosseddu |TD |2 (10) |11 Jun 2010 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Piazza Cavour, Levanto, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|Retained Italian middleweight title}} |
| 13
|{{yes2}}Win |9–3–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Gaetano Nespro |TKO |8 (10) |29 Jan 2010 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Seven Sporting Club, Savignano sul Rubicone, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|Won Italian middleweight title}} |
| 12
|{{yes2}}Win |8–3–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Abdelouahed Ben Lelly |PTS |4 |26 Dec 2009 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Palahockey, Reggio Emilia, Italy}} | |
| 11
|{{yes2}}Win |7–3–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|ROM}} Mugurel Sebe |{{abbr|DQ|Disqualification}} |4 (6) |13 Jun 2009 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Piazza Saffi, Forlì, Italy}} | |
| 10
|{{yes2}}Win |6–3–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Fares Sawaneh |PTS |6 |26 Apr 2009 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Palestra Boni, Mantua, Italy}} | |
| 9
|{{no2}}Loss |5–3–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Gaetano Nespro |{{abbr|MD|Majority decision}} |10 |31 Oct 2008 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Seven Sporting Club, Savignano sul Rubicone, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|For Italian middleweight title}} |
| 8
|{{yes2}}Win |5–2–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Carlo De Novellis |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}} |10 |12 Jul 2008 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Sequals, Italy}} |align=left|{{small|Won vacant Italian interim middleweight title}} |
| 7
|{{draw}}Draw |4–2–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Stefano Loriga |{{abbr|TD|Technical draw}} |1 (6) |9 May 2008 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Palasport Fabrizio Meoni, Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy}} | |
| 6
|{{no2}}Loss |4–2 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Carlos De Novellis |PTS |6 |21 Mar 2008 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Ceccano, Italy}} | |
| 5
|{{yes2}}Win |4–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|HUN}} Antal Kubicsek |{{abbr|KO|Knockout}} |3 (6) |9 Mar 2008 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Rimini, Italy}} | |
| 4
|{{no2}}Loss |3–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|AUT}} Ali Chakiev |{{abbr|PTS|Points decision}} |6 |22 Feb 2008 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|AUT}} Klagenfurt, Austria}} | |
| 3
|{{yes2}}Win |3–0 |align=left|{{flagicon|ITA}} Vincenzo Zarbo |{{abbr|SD|Split decision}} |6 |26 Dec 2007 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Palahockey, Reggio Emilia, Italy}} | |
| 2
|{{yes2}}Win |2–0 |align=left|{{flagicon|ROM}} Ioan Florin |TKO |1 (6) |10 Aug 2007 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Piaza Anco Marzio, Rome, Italy}} | |
| 1
|{{yes2}}Win |1–0 |align=left|{{flagicon|ROM}} Christian Nichitilea |{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}} |2 (6) |1 Apr 2007 |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|ITA}} Palasport, Rimini, Italy}} | |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{boxrec|389445}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-sports}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Regional boxing titles}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-non|reason=New title}}
{{s-ttl|title=Italian middleweight champion
Interim title
|years=12 July 2008 – 31 October 2008
Fought for full title}}
{{s-vac}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-bef|before=Gaetano Nespro}}
{{s-ttl|title=Italian middleweight champion
|years=29 January 2010 – 2 March 2012}}
{{s-aft|after=Simone Rotolo}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Simone Rotolo}}
{{s-ttl|title=Italian middleweight champion
|years=26 July 2013 – 2014}}
{{s-vac|next=Alessandro Goddi}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Emanuele Blandamura}}
{{s-ttl|title=European Union middleweight champion
|years=6 December 2014 – 2015}}
{{s-vac|next=Karim Achour}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Arif Magomedov}}
{{s-ttl|title=WBA {{nowrap|Inter-Continental}} middleweight champion
|years=8 August 2015 – July 2016}}
{{s-vac|next=Nuhu Lawal}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Hector Saldivia}}
{{s-ttl|title=IBF Latino middleweight champion
|years=12 August 2018 – 2019}}
{{s-vac}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Kamil Szeremeta}}
{{s-ttl|title=European middleweight champion
|years=11 October 2019 – present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Signani, Matteo}}
Category:Sportspeople from the Province of Forlì-Cesena