Toni Filipi was not crowned European heavyweight champion under 22 years at the recently finished European Championship in Romanian Braila, but his second place exceeded expectations
Better than Filipi was the French Olympian from Rio Paul Omba-Biongolo. Better by just a hair, as Omba was victorious by referee decision 3-2 (29:28, 30:27, 30:27, 28:29, 28:29), Jutarnji List reported on March 21, 2017.
Referees from Israel and Poland voted for Filipi, while those form Romania, England and Italy were for the Frenchman. In fact, Toni continues to collect silvers. Last year he won the silver medal and the World Championship and now another at the continental meeting. His coach Tomo Kadić, who knows him best in the boxing sense, says: “I am satisfied with the finale, he has exceeded all expectations for this calendar year.”
The slight edge for the Frenchman may have come in the very first round. Toni did hold the centre of the ring, but the impression was that he focused more on defence. In that round Omba was more aggressive, although without much damage to the Croatian boxer, but the referees ruled in favour of Omba.
The second round saw a much more agile Toni. Filipi brought down his right cross, but Omba knew how to defend from his attacks. The second round went to Toni. The third was the most even, and since these are heavyweights (up to 91 kg), caution from the both is logical as a moment of negligence and a precise strike brings down the opponent.
Although the referees were slightly in favour of Omba, the silver medal of the younger Filipi (his older brother is a fight with the WSB) is an excellent score.
