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From gaining respect to sparring Prograis - Giorgio Visioli thrives in Stateside training camp
Saturday’s card headlined by the British and Commonwealth middleweight title fight between George Liddard and Tyler Denny, is a showcase of the next generation of British boxing stars.
One of those set to feature on the undercard is English lightweight champion Giorgio Visioli. Unbeaten in 10 professional fights, Visioli is fast becoming an exciting talent after winning the English lightweight title in December against Joe Howarth. He hopes to kick off a big 2026 with a win over Levi Giles this weekend.
In the early stages of his career, Visioli was not afraid to broaden his horizons by taking trips to the United States of America as part of his pre-fight preparations, which had a positive effect on his development.
'To feature on a Ennis undercard was a dream' - Visioli
In just his ninth professional fight, Visioli made his US debut, appearing on the undercard of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ win against Uisma Lima in Philadelphia, and it was an experience that brought an instant smile to Visioli’s face.
“To be on a ‘Boots’ Ennis undercard, he’s one of my favourite fighters, to be on his card was a dream,” Visioli told DAZN News.
“The experience out there was amazing, I got shown a lot of love, Philadelphia is an Italian-American city as well, they showed me a lot of love.”
Whenever a British figure, whether it be sporting or cultural, makes the trip across the Atlantic, the cliched ‘Break America’ phrase is thrown around, and in boxing, it takes a special British talent to build an American fanbase.
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is the most recent British fighter to gain the attention of American fight fans, and while Visioli is at the start of his boxing journey, there is already a fanbase growing Stateside, with his simmering rivalry with Curmel Moton playing a major part.
“Definitely because of the Curmel situation, I’m definitely getting my name out in America for sure.
“Even my social media, I’ve checked the data, I’m half and half between the UK and America. It shows Americans are taking notice, it’s good.”
Ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Giles, Visioli and his trainer Mark Tibbs have once again ventured to the States as a part of training camp, and it’s a trip which Visioli is enjoying.
Recalling his first trip there to train and spar, Visioli spoke about how he needed to gain the respect of the American fighters he was training with.
“The first time I went there, no one really knew who I was. I had to earn respect every time I sparred, which I did.
“When I’ve gone back, they all knew who I was. I did even better this time in terms of sparring, who I sparred, and how I performed.”
Go behind-the-scenes of Visioli's training camp in Las Vegas
Watch Day in the Life | Visioli Takes Camp to Vegas
As a result of his efforts, Visioli has gained the respect of his American counterparts.
“Everyone loves me out there now. Top Rank gym welcomed us; they really wanted to help out, and I’m getting a lot of respect, which is what I wanted.
“I don’t think Brits get a lot of respect in America. I feel like they believe they are the best nation for boxing, but there are Brits out there who are very good as well.
Visioli even got the chance to spar with a two-time world champion.
“I sparred eight rounds with Regis Prograis, four on one day, four on the other. Even though I’m not fighting a southpaw, I could not turn down the opportunity to spar a former world champion.”
These training trips to the States are of benefit to Visioli at such an early stage in his career.
He is not only learning how to gain the respect of his peers, but it’s also giving him a taste of what lies ahead if he continues rising through the ranks.
But first, he must make a successful first defence of his English title against Giles; all of this would have been for nothing.
