by James Slater – There have been a number of surprising ring comebacks over the years, but it’s still somewhat shocking to read how Frenchman Christophe Tiozzo, now aged 46, is possibly going to be fighting again this year. This is the word according to BoxRec and a number of other sources, and the man who was the WBA 168-pound champ from March of 1990 to April of ’91 is to box for the first time in well over a decade on Feb. 7th; against an opponent to be named..
The accomplished French hero, who also won a bronze medal at the 1984 Olympics (at light-heavyweight) last fought in May of 1996, a win over Philippe Michel. A pro since 1985, the brother of former WBC light-heavyweight, WBA cruiserweight and WBA light-heavyweight champion Fabrice Tiozzo, Christophe currently has a record of 33-2(23). It’s not know why the 46-year-old is planning to fight again – whether or not the ex-champ is in need of money or simply misses the ring – but it goes without saying how risky it can be for any man past the age of 40 to box. (barring a few amazing exceptions, of course)
During his fine career, Tiozzo went in with excellent fighters, James Kinchen, In-Chul Baek, Victor Cordoba and Jeff Harding. The Frenchman beat Kinchen and In-Chul Baek, but he lost his WBA 168-pound to Cordoba, and later lost a WBC light-heavyweight title challenge of Australian “Hitman” Harding. The 1992, 8th-round TKO loss at the hands of Harding looked like the last fight of Tiozzo’s for a time, but he returned in 1995, winning three on the spin. Full retirement then seemed to follow in ’96 – until now.
Things could change, and maybe Tiozzo will not actually fight in his homeland on Feb. 7th. But if he does, and whoever it’s against, there is no guarantee the veteran will either win or look good doing so. Always in great shape in his prime years, perhaps Tiozzo has kept himself in the gym over the years, who knows? It’s not yet been made official what weight Tiozzo will fight at (if he does indeed fight), but his last few bouts, seemingly an age ago now, were up at cruiserweight.
Other than his loyal fans in France, it’s not likely too many people will get excited when they read about Tiozzo’s plans. Indeed, we already have more than enough aged former greats fighting on today. It now looks like we can add Tiozzo’s name to the list.