Giovanni Parisi Dies in Car Accident
Thursday March 26, 2009
Former world champ Giovanni Parisi, 41, has died in a car accident near his hometown of Voghera, Italy. Parisi was reportedly killed instantly when the BMW he was driving collided head on with a truck carrying electrical goods. The cause of the accident is being investigated.
Parisi won an Olympic gold medal at featherweight in Seoul in 1988 before turning pro and winning WBO titles at lightweight and light welterweight. His highest profile bout came in Las Vegas on April 8, 1995 when he challenged Julio Cesar Chavez for the WBC light welterweight belt. Chavez retained his title by 12 round unanimous decision.
Parisi compiled a 41-5-1 record with 29 KOs in a pro career that lasted from 1989 to 2006.
Comments
Parisi did quite well winning titles in two weight divisions. Late in his career he lost to Daniel Santos who is again lt middle champ. Shame to die so young.