Giorgio Visioli looks to carve out a major opportunity for himself, but must first defend his English lightweight title against Levi Giles this Saturday.
The unbeaten southpaw will feature on the undercard of George Liddard vs Tyler Denny, having headlined his own show against Joe Howarth in December.
Back then, the 22-year-old claimed his English title with an impressive unanimous decision victory, before flying out to the Top Rank Gym, Las Vegas, in preparation for his next outing.
Over there, he sparred a selection of talented prospects and crafty veterans, while even sharing a few rounds with former two-time world champion Regis Prograis.
Speaking with Boxing News, Visioli said he knew nothing of Prograis’ showdown with Conor Benn on April 11, but ultimately came away from their sparring session with plenty of confidence.
“I didn’t know he was fighting Conor Benn at the time. He was sparring southpaws, so I was thinking he must have a southpaw [opponent] lined up.
“I didn’t even really need to spar him, because he’s a southpaw [and Giles is orthodox], but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity.
“I don’t want to speak bad on his name but I was a bit too sharp for him – I had youth on my side.
“He couldn’t really react to my counters but he was strong, knows all the tricky moves and it was great work.”
While training at the Vegas gym, Visioli was suddenly confronted by a familiar face.
It was, of course, Curmel Moton, a 19-year-old prospect whose young career is being guided by none other than Floyd Mayweather.
Visioli and Moton had previously exchanged barbs via social media, giving contrasting accounts of a prior sparring session, but now, the pair finally had the chance to settle their differences in the gym, albeit with their mouths rather than fists.
Recalling their war of words, Visioli proposed that a slot on the undercard of Mayweather’s rematch with Manny Pacquiao, which takes place on September 19, could offer the best solution, with Moton reportedly fighting on that card either way.
“They definitely found out I was training [at the Top Rank Gym], but he just said a few words and did some sparring.
“When he got out the ring, he was very pumped and just stuck it on me, giving it all this and that. I just kept my cool, giving it back to him, and I loved every moment of it.
“I’ve had the chats with my manager – Eddie Hearn [Visioli’s promoter] wants the fight; [Matchroom CEO] Frank Smith wants the fight – so it’s just on their side, really, if they want to do it on that Manny Pacquiao undercard.
“I think it would build our profiles massively. All the eyes would be on it, especially on a card like that, and I think it’s big enough to be on [the Mayweather-Pacquiao undercard].”
Regarding Moton’s skills in the ring, it is fair to say that Visioli was not exactly blown away.
“I think it’s way too much hype, because he hasn’t really proven himself in the ring yet.
“He’s just stuck some footage up online of him beating up novices, and that’s how he’s built his name – through viral videos like that.
“That’s why I don’t care if I leak [their sparring] footage, because he’s been doing it for years.
“He’s a good fighter, but there’s levels.”
While a clash with Moton makes plenty of sense, and may develop into a compelling rivalry, Visioli could equally see himself challenging for British honours later this year.
The Lonsdale Belt at 135lbs is currently held by Louie O’Doherty, another unbeaten operator, and regardless of whether the title remains in his possession or becomes vacant, Visioli believes this to be a natural next step.
“That’s the plan, definitely. I’ve had that chat with my team and we want the British title at the end of the year. That could be against Louie, or he might decide to vacate and push on.”
Clearly, Visioli is not short of options as he continues to progress in the professional game, with many already tipping the promising stylist for world title success.
