Ernesto Bergamasco

Ernesto Bergamasco was an Italian boxer. Born in Torre Annunziata in the outskirts of Napoli, he began to work in the municipal slaughterhouse as a boy and, with his uncommon strength, relatives and friends pushed him to start boxing. At 16 he fought in the youth categories and met with Mariano Fabbrocino who, with his helpfulness, enthusiasm and expertise, helped Bergamasco to make headway in the world of boxing.

After two Italian titles, the silver medal at the 1970 CISM World Championships held in Abidjan, and participation at the 1971 European Championships and Mediterranean Games, Bergamasco was chosen for the light-welterweight division at the 1972 Munchen Olympics. On 30 August he debuted against Bantow Srisook, a member of the Thai Navy. Bergamasco, however, acted erratically and conceded the win to Srisook, who only had to take advantage of the Italian’s eccentric behavior. For the first two rounds, in fact, Bergamasco danced throughout the ring without the slightest attack, allowing his opponent to take the advantage. In the third round Bergamasco’s actions were confused and ineffective and Srissok defeated him easily.

After this great Olympic disappointment, Bergamasco turned professional in November 1972 and won his first match by decision against Ottavio Quaresmini. On 25 September 1974 he lost by injury during the second round of his first challenge for the Italian super lightweight title against Bruno Freschi. Four years later he had another opportunity to be Italian champion, but he lost once again by injury against Giuseppe Martinese in Milano in February 1978. It was Bergamasco’s last match, and he recorded a professional record of 31 wins (9 by KO) and 10 losses (6 by KO).

After finishing his active career, Bergamasco became the founder and director of one of the most successful boxing clubs in the Napoli area, the Pugilistica Oplonti, where as a coach he brought to the ring many valuable fighters. Among them were his son Raffaele (an amateur Italian champion) and the professionals Alfonso Pinto and Pietro Aurino, both Olympians.