The man tasked with putting a spanner in the works of a potential matchup of Tyson Fury Vs. Deontay Wilder is the 6 ft 5 inch Francesco Pianeta who will attempt the feat this weekend.
Pianeta, 33, is of Italian descent, born in Corigliano in the province of Cosenza, his family emigrated to Germany when he was six years old.
Starting as a graduate of the martial art Muay Thai, he was a natural to the sport, racking up a record of 8 wins against just one loss but many remarked that he was more suited to the Queensbury Rules.
Taking the advice he found the transition smooth, especially so in his professional career going 28-0-1 over a seven-year span before defeat.
In that time he won the WBC Youth title and the European crown which he defended three times.
Notable wins on his record of Scott Gammer, Johann Duhaupas who has mixed with the likes of Deontay Wilder, Robert Helenius and Alexander Povetkin are accompanied by Matt Skelton, Oliver McCall and Frans Botha.
His first loss came in his challenge for the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO and lineal heavyweight titles against the then dominant Wladimir Klitschko, the fight lasted six rounds before Klitschko put an end to any dreams of taking his mantle with a stoppage win.
He rebounded to win the German International crown over Robert Teuber before again winning the European title against Mickael Vieira defending it successfully once before he again was given the opportunity of a World title.
This time Ruslan Chagaev stood in his way, the fight was for the WBA crown but against Pianeta came up short, this time not even making it out of the first round.
Losses to Kevin Johnson and last time out against Petar Milas followed in a resume that reads 35-4-1, 21 KOs.
Frank Warren on Pianeta
‘The Seferi fight is history and Pianeta is a far better operator than him. His level of opposition tells you that,’ said Warren.
‘Tyson had been out of boxing for a long time and Pianeta is a good opponent for what is Tyson’s second fight back after his break. Tyson had a short rest after fighting Seferi but is back in full-time camp and ready for his challenge in Belfast.
‘He needs rounds under his belt before moving on to the next level and this fight will make him work for his win. I’m sure Pianeta will get into that ring desperate to upset Tyson.’
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