On May 9, 2025, Christian Zara reached the pinnacle of European boxing by capturing the EBU European Bantamweight Title. The Italian boxer emerged victorious over fellow countryman Vincenzo Picardi after their bout was halted in the tenth round due to a cut suffered by Picardi. The judges’ scorecards read 96-95, 97-94, 97-94 in favor of Zara, sealing his win via technical decision.

A Fierce All-Italian Rivalry

This title fight marked the third meeting between the two fighters. In the previous two encounters, Picardi had bested Zara — first in 2021, claiming the Italian national title, and again in 2022 during a defense of the EBU Silver belt. However, since those losses, Zara has shown steady improvement, earning the EBU Silver title himself in late 2023 and building momentum leading into this European championship bout.

A Grueling Clash of Styles

From the opening bell, both boxers brought intensity and purpose to the ring. Zara employed constant pressure and sharp combinations, while Picardi responded with the poise and precision of a seasoned veteran. As the fight progressed, a cut opened on Picardi, worsening in the later rounds and eventually prompting the ringside doctor to stop the fight during the tenth.

With the contest halted, the outcome was left to the scorecards. All three judges sided with Zara, awarding him a well-earned victory and the prestigious European bantamweight crown.

What’s Next for Zara and Picardi?

With this triumph, Christian Zara solidifies his status as one of the rising stars of European boxing. Holding the EBU title opens doors to significant title defenses and potentially a world title opportunity. Despite the loss, Picardi remains a respected name in the sport, and his performance proved he still belongs at a high level.

A Milestone Night for Italian Boxing

Zara’s win is more than a personal achievement — it’s a statement for Italian boxing. His journey from national level contender to European champion highlights the depth of talent emerging from Italy. The night in Foiano di Val Fortore will be remembered not just for the belt that changed hands, but for the grit and heart shown by both competitors.