Feigenbutz vs. De Carolis Redux

Their first fight on October 17 ended with a controversial unanimous decision in favor of Feigenbutz. (Photo: Holger Plautz)

On Saturday, January 9, 2016, at Baden-Arena in Offenburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, interim WBA World super middleweight champion Vincent Feigenbutz (21-1, 19 KOs), from Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, defends his title a second time against Giovanni De Carolis (23-6, 11 KOs), from Rome, Italy.

Their first fight on October 17 ended with a controversial unanimous decision in favor of Feigenbutz. The final scores were 114-113 and 115-113 twice. The unheralded 31-year-old challenger dropped the 20-year-old champion in round one and had him hurt in the fourth. Age won out in the end as De Carolis faded, but his team insisted it was a hometown decision, which prompted the WBA to order a rematch.

It was, all in all, an unimpressive performance by the champion. Even Feigenbutz was dissatisfied with his showing.

“I wasn’t happy with my performance in our first fight,” he said. “Things went wrong and I did not give a full account of myself. I offered Giovanni a direct rematch immediately after the fight and I have stayed true to my word. This time I will prove once and for all that I’m the better boxer, and there will be no question over the result.”

Hopefully Feigenbutz can give a “full account” of himself in the rematch.

“We expect a more aggressive Vincent Feigenbutz who wants to prove himself,” said Italo Mattioli, De Carolis’ trainer. “But I can’t imagine that he’ll be greatly improved when it comes to technique and ring craft. Giovanni, however, can calmly approach the fight because he knows in what areas he’s superior. It won’t be more difficult or easier than the first fight.

“In the first and fourth rounds, Giovanni was very close to an early win. Unfortunately, he let Feigenbutz off the hook. Later we spoke about this. I promise that such a thing won’t happen again. Giovanni knows he can hurt Feigenbutz. He will not miss such opportunities again.”

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.