Coronavirus Triple Tragedy: European Cruiserweight Champion Angelo Rottoli, Mother, Brother Die
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Ponte San Piedro Lombardy, Italy (March 30th, 2020)– In The first major professional boxing fatality attributed to the Novel Coronavirus since the pandemic began, former Italian and European Cruiserweight champion Angelo Rottoli has died from COVID-19 at age 61 at the polyconic in Ponte San Piedro Lombardy, Italy. A native of Bergamo, Lombardia, Italy, Rottoli boxed professionally between 1981 to 1990, and compiled a professional record of 29-3-2 with 15 knockouts. Rottoli’s mother and brother also died from coronavirus.
What information from Italy which is available is Italy is in the midst of the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus pandemic. Over 102 thousand people have contracted the Coronavirus in Italy, with over 12 thousand Italian citizens dead from coronavirus. 15 thousand Italians have recovered, while another 75 thousand Italians are still fighting for their lives.
A small heavyweight who converted himself to cruiserweight, Rottoli challenged the late World Boxing Council Cruiserweight champion Carlos De Leon in 1987 but was stopped on cuts in February 1987 in Bergamo, Italy. After four straight wins, Rottoli beat Bash Ali by 12 round decision to win the World Boxing Council International Cruiserweight title in 1988 in San Pelligrino Terme, Italy. Next, in 1989, Rottoli stopped Norwegian Magne Havnaa in five rounds to win the vacant European cruiserweight title. However, he retired for good after decision losses in 189 and 1990 in his last two pro bouts.
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