As previously reported on krikya360.com, Devis Boschiero came up positive for COVID-19 and is out of the picture in the April 16 event, which is being staged behind closed doors at Allianz Cloud in Milan by Opi Since 82 and Matchroom. The event will be streamed live by DAZN.
Ukraine’s Vladislav Melnyk (13-3 with 8 KOs) will challenge Belgian Francesco Patera (23-3 with 8 KOs) for the vacant WBC Silver lightweight title over the 12 round distance. The change doesn’t bother Patera, who is a former Belgian and two-time European lightweight champion.
Francesco, have you see any of Melnyk’s fights?
“Only after Opi Since 82 told me that he would take Boschiero’s place. Melnyk is similar to Boschiero: he moves forward and throws many punches. I was ready for Boschiero and therefore I’m ready for Melnyk. I trained at GMG Gym in Liege, as usual, but I also went to Bruxelles to spar with pro fighters.”
Are you confident in victory?
“Of course, I am 27-years-old and I want the big fights against world famous opponents. To get them I must beat Melnyk and win the WBC Silver title.”
Like you said, you are only 27 years old, but you have been in the gym for 14 years and a pro fighter for over 8 years. For how long do you plan to keep on fighting?
“I take my profession seriously and that means being in top shape, being motivated to go to the gym every day, to follow the diet, to get in the ring and fight. The day I am not motivated anymore I will quit.”
The rest of the show will stay the same. In the main event, Fabio Turchi (18-1 with 13 KOs) will challenge French champion Dylan Bregeon (11-0-1 with 3 KOs) for the vacant European Union cruiserweight belt over the twelve round distance.
Also, undefeated super middleweights Ivan Zucco (12-0 with 10 KOs) and Luca Capuano (11-0 with 2 KOs) will fight for the vacant Italian title over ten rounds.