Sardinian sport, and not just boxing, mourns the loss of Tonino Puddu, one of our island's greatest boxers and athletes.

Puddu, 81, passed away last night in Cagliari.

His first title came in 1965, when he won the Military World Championship in Munich, followed by the Italian title in 1970. The following year, at Amsicora, Puddu won the European Lightweight title against Spaniard Velasquez, in front of over 25,000 people, and was then carried in triumph to his hometown of Villanova. Puddu was the first Sardinian boxer to win this title.

His final list of honours includes a military world title, an Italian title and five European titles.

© Riproduzione riservata