Patrizio Oliva: “Never Surrender in the Life!”

Boxing champion of the Moscow Olympic Games, 1980, has kindly agreed to give me an interview by phone. Our conversation took place on July 16, 2018. Incidentally,  I met Mr. Oliva for the first time in Formia, Italy, on May 12, 2010.  The Italian pugilist’s opinions are displayed below in the form of an audio file and text.

Patrizio, what do you think about Kazakhstan and Italy in boxing? Are we friends with Italy? What do you think about our boxers, Kazakh boxers? 

For me, for me at this moment the Kazakhstan Team is the best team in the world, for me. But, there is also Cuba — is the very strong team.

Patrizio, how you become so good an actor? You participate in movies, it is very good! You sing beautiful songs, cantante. 

It is the new activity, the new work for me — actor of theatre and cinema.

Patrizio, just one last question. What do you think about Sylvester Stallone, his movie “Rocky”? Is it a good movie? 

I think, the movie for younger boxers, for motivation. Because, surrender never in the life.  This is the meaning of Stallone’s film.

Thank you very much!

Mr. Oliva is one of the best pugilists in the history of boxing. He won the Val Barker Trophy as “Outstanding Boxer” at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, being the winner in the Light Welterweight (– 63.5 kg) division. He captured the WBA Light Welterweight Title in 1986. Mr. Oliva has also been a successful coach. Paolo Vidoz — a bronze superheavyweight medalist at the Sydney Olympic Games, 2000 — and  Giacobbe Fragomeni — a holder of the WBC cruiserweight title from 2008 to 2009 — are among his trainees.

Moreover, he has made a contribution to arts and humanities as an actor. Mr. Oliva also beautifully sings popular Italian songs. It is fittingly symbolic. He courageously won his opponents in the ring. Now, Patrizio elegantly win our hearts as a gifted artist.

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