Florentine Legend: Fabio “Stone Crusher” Turchi

In order to understand the city, its colors and our team you need to understand the people who make it what it is. One of those people who has contributed greatly to the city in recent times and who has brought his love for everything Florence and Fiorentina to the world is a man known as “Stone Crusher”.

Fabio Turchi (17 wins, 1 loss) has accomplished a whole hell of a lot in his 27 years of life. Born to Italian boxing professional Leonardo Turchi, Fabio was almost predestined for boxing greatness. That doesn't mean he hasn’t busted his butt to get to where he is now. He certainly has. If you follow Fabio on social media you will see he enjoys many things, two of the biggest are his training sessions and fishing.

Shortly after meeting his father’s friend, former WBC Cruiserweight Champion Giacobbe Fragomeni, Fabio knew what he wanted in life. Growing up in the land of Calcianti (Calcio Storico fighters), Fabio was conditioned by strength, grit and determination.

As an amateur Fabio won gold in the 2013 Mediterranean Games, silver at the 2010 Youth Olympics and 2014 World Military Championships, and bronze at the 2010 Youth World Championships. By the time he was twenty four, Fabio won the WBC International Silver cruiserweight title. At twenty six, after a decisive knockout against Tony Conquest, Fabio won the WBC International cruiserweight title in front of a home crowd in Florence, dropping Sami Enbom with a VICIOUS left hook to the body. At twenty six years of age, this 6 foot 2 inch southpaw was now on top of the Cruiserweight world.

In a match that ended in a very controversial split decision against Tommy McCarthy, Fabio entered the ring decked out in all Viola, representing his favorite club, Fiorentina.

Home has always been important for Fabio. He isn’t shy of where he comes from and those he represents at home. Fabio had this to say to Worldboxingnews.net in 2018. “Fighting in my city, in front of my fans, is a big thrill for me. In my three previous fights in Florence, thousands of people showed up and I’m expecting my fans to turn up in big numbers again on November 30.”

Join us as we get to know more about Fabio Turchi. Please make sure you give him a follow on his official Instagram and Facebook pages.

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VN: How did you get the nickname “Stone Crusher?”

Stone Crusher: A friend of mine simply suggested it to me since I was having difficulty finding an original nickname and it was not obvious.

ViolaNation: Tell us what it was like growing up in Florence and being a Fiorentina fan?

Fabio “Stone Crusher” Turchi: Football is a passion that I have had since I was a child, especially for organized support that my Uncle Massimiliano handed down to me who, despite cheering for Lecce, immediately made me appreciate the Ultras movement. When I was 15 my parents gave me the first season ticket in the Curva Fiesole and from that moment on, my love for Fiorentina became visceral.

VN: Do you have a favorite game or moment?

Stone Crusher: The match that I remember best and that moved me the most was the Champions League match at the Franchi stadium against Bayern Munich: Fiorentina had a great team that could compete with all the big names in Europe. To hear the anthem of the Champions Cup is something extraordinary.

VN: Who is your favorite player of all time?

Stone Crusher: Since my position when playing football was the tip, I can tell you my all-time favorite player is Batistuta. Luca Toni is my favorite player from my time watching Fiorentina.

VN: What do you think of Fiorentina under Rocco Commisso?

Stone Crusher: This first year of management was very special and luckily, we saved ourselves 4 days early. I’m curious to see how the team will organize for next year. Personally, I have a lot of confidence and I am a fan of both Commisso and Barone.

VN: Have you ever participated in historical football? If so, what was this experience like?

Stone Crusher: Historical football is a great passion that I have always “breathed” in my home since my grandfather and my father were footballers of the green color of San Giovanni. Personally, I would love to take part in the tournament but for a professional choice linked to my sport I have always believed that as long as I am an active boxer I will never go to Piazza Santa Croce. I am proud to have been elected Magnifico Messere two years ago, the character to whom the game is dedicated.

VN: What was it like working with a legend like Evander Holifield in your win against Demetrius Banks in 2017? How different was it to fight as a professional in the United States?

Stone Crusher: It was a dream come true to be able to meet and shake hands with a world boxing legend like Holyfield. Too bad that our professional relationship did not last long despite my victory against Banks. It made the Real Deal promotion and the audience enthusiastic. I hope to be able to fight back in the US soon.

VN: Your last title defense against Tommy McCarthy didn’t go exactly as planned, although the split decision shows how close it was. How are you going to get the belt back?

Stone Crusher: Unfortunately, against McCarthy it was the classic bad night, where he was very good at taking advantage of my mistakes. I think despite this, for a number of factors the fairest result would have been a draw! I hope I can get my revenge on Tommy so I can make it up and take my revenge.

VN: What’s it like to walk the Fiorentina shirt in the ring before knocking out Sami Enbom in the first round in Florence? How important is it to know that the whole team and the whole city are behind you?

Stone Crusher: I am proud to be able to bring my Florentine identity all over the world, so I am happy that the people of Florence appreciate my behavior. I hope one day to be able to fight for the European or world title in the Florence stadium.

VN: Not many fighters debut at the age of 15. What do you remember about your first amateur fight?

Stone Crusher: It was a great satisfaction because I had been waiting for that moment for so many years. I remember that I had a great desire and determination to start my journey!

VN: What is the biggest difference between fighting in amateur tournaments, such as the Mediterranean Games or Military World Championships, and fighting as a professional? What’s your favorite part of each?

Stone Crusher: Basically, I think they are almost two different sports that differ in the number of rounds and in the way you approach combat. In amateurism it is very important to be smart and stylistically good while in professionalism where you get to play up to 12 rounds many other technical but above all mental qualities come into play!

https://www.instagram.com/fabioturchiofficial/?hl=en

VN: What is the next step for Stone Crusher Turchi?

Stone Crusher: Soon we will announce together with Opi since 82, Matchroom Boxing and Dazn Italia my next fight! I can not wait.

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Most recently Fabio faced Martin Vettori, an MMA fighter currently ranked 15th in UFC’s middleweight division at OPI Since 82 Gym in Porta Romana. You can keep up with Fabio on his social media pages - Instagram and Facebook - for all the latest with him. His fights are all announced here.

ViolaNation will continue to cover Fabio as his career continues to grow. No doubt redemption is on his mind as he aims to take back what is his, the WBC International Cruiserweight Belt.

Forza Viola, Forza Stone Crusher!