Giulian Ilie

Ilie became the new IBF International cruiserweight champion, after scoring a split decision win over the rough stablemate, Cristian Dolzanelli (16-2-1, 10 KOs) on November 26, 2011, at the Local Sport Hall in Rezzato, Italy. It was a stunning upset, unheralded warrior Ilie outscored favorite Dolzanelli over twelve rounds, with a football-like atmosphere with competing fans screaming loudly to support their hero, the brave Dolzanelli was knocked down in the seventh round and was able to survive only thanks to his great lion heart. The local warrior tried to re-enter in the fight but Ilie was simply too strong and consistent during the others rounds and despite a strong final round from Dolzanelli, Ilie hung on to take the fight 114-113, 116-111, 113-114 on the judges’ scorecards. For the Romanian it was the first title of his pro career.[2]

On 16 September 2011, Ilie, as underdog, stopped previously unbeaten Salvatore Erittu of Italy in round two and clinched the vacant IBF Inter-Continental title at 200 lbs. Ilie was coming from another win on Italian soil, having defeated Cristian Dolzanelli in December last year. Erittu (now 21-1) was supposed to restore the Italian pride but clearly Ilie had other plans as he started at full speed and tried to bring the fight to the much taller Erittu. After an even first round, Ilie was able to find his distance and connected with a clean right hook to Erittu’s chin: the Italian contender was up but still wobbled and, after another barrage by Ilie, referee Vincent Dupas of France stopped the fight for good.[3]

• Boxing record for Giulian Ilie from BoxRec (registration required)