by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: FVG councilor for environment, Fabio Soccimarro; Luca Zorzenon, Regional President for the national boxing federation
For the first time in more than seven decades, Italy’s premier amateur boxing competition is returning to Trieste. The Italian Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships will be held Dec. 12–14, 2025, marking a historic homecoming for a sport tightly woven into the city’s athletic identity.
City and regional officials presented the event Friday at a press conference in the Sala Giunta, emphasizing both its symbolic significance and its scale. More than 400 athletes, coaches, officials and referees are expected to arrive from across the country, with about 1,000 spectators anticipated over the three days of competition at the Palachiarbola sports arena.
“This is an important moment for Trieste,” said Elisa Lodi, the city’s sports councillor. Hosting the championships again, she said, underscores the city’s longstanding connection to boxing and offers young people an opportunity to see the sport’s values embodied by top athletes. “For the history of boxing in Trieste and for the memory of Nino Benvenuti, these championships bring added meaning.”
Mayor Roberto Dipiazza recalled the excitement surrounding Benvenuti’s visits to the city when he was a boy. Trieste, he said, has always viewed boxing as a part of its cultural fabric. “Hosting the Italian Elite Championships is a source of pride for a city that is accelerating its development,” he added.
The last time Trieste held the national championships was in 1952. The 2025 edition will also coincide with the 50th anniversary of ASD Trieste Pugilato, founded in 1975 by Enzo Battimelli. Over the decades, the club has trained prominent fighters including Nevio Carbi, Stefano Zoff and Biagio Chianese, continuing a tradition inspired by earlier local champions such as Tiberio Mitri, Duilio Loi, Aldo Pravisani and Benvenuti himself. This year’s event will include a special award dedicated to Benvenuti, one of Italy’s most celebrated boxers.
A conference introducing the championships and outlining the upcoming season for Italian boxing will take place on Dec. 11 at the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Hall of Representation. Organized by the Italian Boxing Federation, it will bring together local authorities and figures from the national boxing community and will include a media session for interviews and questions.
In the lead-up to the competition, Trieste Pugilato has launched an educational program called “Boxando si impara,” aimed at introducing boxing’s core values—discipline, respect, inclusion and courage—to school-age children. Supported by the Pittini Foundation, certified instructors will visit local schools, and participating students will attend the championship finals as guests.
Throughout the championship weekend, Trieste will host several parallel events, including a photographic exhibition dedicated to Benvenuti and a documentary celebrating the boxing club’s 50-year history. Local residents, schools and associations are encouraged to take part.
Schedule of main events
Dec. 11, 2025: Presentation conference and media session
Dec. 12: Quarterfinals (free admission)
Dec. 13: Semifinals (tickets available in advance)
Dec. 14: Finals and awards ceremony (tickets available in advance)
