Graciano Rocchigiani
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Graciano Rocchigiani (born December 29, 1963 in Duisburg-Rheinhausen, Germany), was a professional boxer in the Light Heavyweight (175lb) division.
Rocchigiani turned pro in 1983 after a successful amateur career in which he was the 1982 German Light Middleweight National Amateur Champion. In 1988 he captured the Vacant IBF Super Middleweight Title by TKO'ing Vincent Boulware and defended the title three times before vacating his Title to step up to the Light Heavyweight Division. After limited success, he moved back down and in 1994 took on WBO Super Middleweight Title holder Chris Eubank, but lost a decision. Rocchigiani moved back up to light heavyweight, and took on Henry Maske in 1995 for the IBF Light Heavyweight Title. He lost the fight, and the rematch later in the year, by unanimous decision. In 1996 he lost via disqualification to WBO Light Heavyweight Title holder Dariusz Michalczewski. In 1998 he captured the Vacant WBC Light Heavyweight Title by upsetting heavy favorite Michael Nunn by split decision, but was later stripped of the belt. In 2000 Rocchigiani rematched Michalczewski for the WBO belt, but lost via a 10th round TKO. After a short lived comeback in 2003 after a two year layoff, he retired from boxing.
Although he was a notable champion, perhaps Rocchigiani's most significant achievement was his victory in a lawsuit in 1998 against the WBC, in which he was awarded a $31 million judgment for damages over the loss of his light heavyweight title. When the WBC announced its intentions to dissolve, he settled for an undisclosed sum[1].
In 2006, he was sentenced to five months in jail for hitting a taxi driver [2].
Graciano is the younger brother of Ralf Rocchigiani, who also served as Graciano's trainer during the latter stages of his career.
| Preceded by Chong-Pal Park (Vacated) |
IBF Super Middleweight Champion 11 March 1988–1989 Vacates |
Succeeded by Lindell Holmes |
| Preceded by Roy Jones, Jr. |
WBC Light Heavyweight Champion 21 March 1998–1998 Stripped |
Succeeded by Roy Jones, Jr. |
