Today he turns 60 Efrem Calamatia symbol of Arezzo sports, one of the few to have played the role of prophet in his homeland. A boxer in the super lightweight category, he was gifted with an uncommon talent. Quick, technical, he knew how to face more powerful opponents, even if in the ring he did not lack the nastiness to assert himself. The results speak for him: 36 victories, 2 defeats and a draw for an athlete raised on bread and boxing gloves, who carries the city in his soul today as then. A fan of Arezzo, a member of the Porta Crucifera neighborhood, on January 25, 1989 he won the European title at the PalaCaselle in front of three thousand spectators.
Is that the most intense memory of a life spent fighting?
I would say yes, that feat against N’Kalankete was the highlight of my career. Also and above all because the fight was held in front of my people. The judges’ verdict awarded me by a few points, it was an adrenaline rush that I still feel inside.
How much does 60 weigh on someone who is used to never giving up?
Enough, I won’t deny it. But I’ve never complained in my life and I’m certainly not going to start now.
What is Efrem Calamati doing today?
I am the warehouse manager of a company owned by the Zucchi family, I have two children, Gianmaria, 27, and Camilla, 21, and a wife, Tiziana, who needs me. Eleven years ago she had a cerebral hemorrhage that caused her a serious disability, I take care of her. My ailments are manageable, retirement is far away and I don’t think about it at all.
Are there still traces of the Calamati who conquered glory and acclaim in the ring?
Only the memories. When I stopped, I didn’t want to know about it: I never fought again nor did I try to be a coach. Boxing is physically and psychologically tiring, to be in the ring you need balls, courage. And I didn’t see certain qualities in the environment. So I walked away from it to dedicate myself to something else.
What remains in your soul from your life as a boxer?
Every victory brings with it deep feelings, which I usually fully enjoyed two or three days after the match. Before, I was too tired or too bruised to do it. I already said about the European Championship. The fight for the World Championship was also nice, even if I lost it.
Is that your biggest regret?
Yes. If I could, I would face Padilla again tomorrow. Maybe I wouldn’t have won anyway but in the seventh round I hurt my shoulder. The American was very strong and it became impossible to fight him, so I withdrew. Without the injury, who knows… We were in Arezzo, the crowd gave me an incredible push. Oh well, it’s over now.
Who did you think of on this day of celebration for you?
To Rocco Agostino, my agent who was a great guide. To my poor dad Paolo who raised me as a boxer and, as a coach, gave me so much. In the corner I only listened to him.
How would you describe yourself to someone who hasn’t seen you fight?
I was a clean, fresh boxer. I used mostly my left, I was technical but I knew how to hurt. My hook was dangerous.
Have you given more to Arezzo or received more from the city?
I think I gave more but that’s okay, it’s part of the game. I’m 60 years old and, apart from that defeat in the World Cup, zero regrets.
