From the ring to the theatre, Patrizio Vs Oliva. A far from frequent side step. Patrizio Oliva, the 1980 Moscow gold medallist Olympic champion, brought the story of his life to the imaginary ring of the Social Theatre. He did so wearing the actor's clothes, mostly the boxing shorts that made him sportingly immortal. He narrated the years in which he maintained all his concentration in punching, rather than his opponents in the ring, those difficulties of his existence that made his sporting parable unique. Born in Naples in 1959, Patrizio Oliva is one of Italy's most famous boxers, and has rightfully entered the select club of those who have won the combined Olympic gold medal (Moscow 1980) and world title (1986). His amateur record includes three Italian titles, one European title, and the Val Barker cup, a prestigious award given to the best boxer at the Olympics. The theatrical performance has been touring Italy for some time and sees the Sparrowhawk, as he is nicknamed, move around the stage in a number of scenes that summarise as many moments of his life and boxing career, inextricably intertwined.
Publication date: 12/10/2023
