Frank Buglioni: Making Waves in Boxing with them Coming to the Shores of the United States Very Soon
By Ian Kerr
Recently I had the pleasure of speaking with the U.K’s Frank Buglioni, the current WBO European Super Middleweight Champion who sports a record of 15-1, 11 KO’s.
Not too often does a fighter come along that is as popular as this man. He is educated, the ladies love him and is one of the nicest guys in the sport today. Also, this man can fight! He swept his way through the British domestic scene with ease. Winning almost every round and knocking out all but three of his opponents along the way to winning his first European title. During this decimation of everyone put in front of him Frank built a huge army of fans that are loyal and loud!
The London fighter with Italian heritage stated that one day he would love to fight over in the U.S and is confident he will take his army of supporters with him.
“I would love to go fight over in the states, a lot of British fighters have gone over there (US) and done really well. The likes of Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe. It’s a dream of mine to travel the world, go to America and fight in the big fights. My fans keep asking me for an away trip, even if it takes me six months or 3 years I want to do it for them.”
Frank is currently in preparation for the defense of his WBO European Super Middleweight Title against Ivan Jukic, 21-3, 14 KO’s. Jukic recently lost to Chris Eubank, JR., 18-1 13 KO”. Frank is under the tutorage of former world champion Steve Collins.
“Jukic got that fight against Eubank on very short notice, everyone who knows boxing will know that you get different fighters on different nights. He’s had plenty of notice for this fight with me, he’s of good pedigree I’m expecting a much better fighter on the night. One thing I won’t be doing is going in there trying to better what Eubank did. I have my own game plan. I will dissect him and look to beat him up over however many rounds it takes. I will be looking for the stoppage. I’m always looking to hurt my opponents. I will be clinical about this and when I land and hurt him I will have the killer instinct to get him out of there.”
I then asked Frank about his relationship with promoter Frank Warren.
“I have a fantastic relationship with Frank (Warren) before I turned professional he knew a lot of my extended family. We have a close bond. I have a lot of time and respect for Frank Warren. It doesn’t seem like we are doing business when we are. He’s been great for me. I owe him a lot of thanks for building me up after my defeat I always will. Long may our relationship continue.”
Buglioni’s only defeat came at the hands of the tough and tricky Serghey Khomitsky, 29-11-, 12 KO’s. In an even fight Buglioni was stopped on his feet in the 6th round.
“That defeat was the best thing that has ever happened to me, without a doubt. You can look at it one of two ways. Firstly, give up and do something else or take the defeat and use it to make you stronger. I’ve opted for the latter. I learned from it it’s made me hungrier and a hell of a lot more spiteful. There was times in that fight where I could have had him out of there but didn’t. I will now be more clinical and calculated, take my chances and leave nothing to chance. He hit me with some huge shots and I took them. The ref stopped the fight, I was on my feet. I know I take a good shot. My inexperience at the time prevented me from maybe holding on but instead I opted for a war. If I get the rematch I will be doing a number on him and getting him out of there, no doubt.”
Frank is on a run of 3 straight wins ahead of the defense of his title. I have no doubt his dream of the big world title fights is just around the corner for “The Wise Guy” So, how did this nickname come about?
“Well, me and my agent were discussing favorite films. Goodfellas came into the frame and then the reference to the wiseguy. I’m by no means a gangster but my agent said ‘Let’s mix it up a bit, you have been to university, your educated let’s make it about that, especially with your Italian heritage.’ “So we did. Frank “The Wiseguy” Buglioni” why not? It’s catchy!”
Outside of the ring Buglioni has recently worked with American Designer John Varvatos. So, his face fits and it’s only a matter of a time before the US will see “The Wiseguy” make an appearance in the ring on your shores. Believe me he will be huge!
