Carlo Saraudi

Carlo Saraudi was an Italian boxer and coach who was the Italian light-heavyweight amateur champion in 1923 and 1924. He then represented Italy at the 1924 Paris Olympics where, having reached the semi-finals after two wins on points, he met the British boxer, Harry Mitchell, losing on points in a controversial decision. In protest against the referee’s decision, the Italian Boxing Federation immediately withdrew its athletes, and Saraudi was unable to fight for the bronze and settled for fourth place.

Saraudi turned pro in 1925. He was unbeaten after seven matches in Civitavecchia and Roma, and left to seek his fortune in the United States. With the pseudonym of Jack Moresco he fought 15 matches, with 9 wins, 4 draws, and 2 defeats. Saraudi returned to Italy in 1928 where he served as a sparring partner for Vittorio Tamagnini, who would win the gold medal in bantamweight at the 1928 Amsterdam Games.

Saraudi then returned to the ring, winning six consecutive bouts. On 10 February 1931, in Torino, he faced Preciso Merlo for the vacant national light-heavyweight title, but lost on points. Saraudi retired in 1932 with a professional record of 20 wins, 3 losses, and 7 draws.

Saraudi later embarked on a career as a coach with the Civitavecchia boxing club. Among the boxers he trained were his sons Giulio Saraudi and Vittorio, both among the top Italian light-heavyweights of the 1960s. On his death, Civitavecchia named its sports field after him, now Parco Saraudi. In 2015 the Civitavecchia Boxing Gym was officially dedicated to him.