Gloria Peritore: “The European title is much more than a belt. It’s the confirmation of deep personal growth.”
Just days after her triumph for the EBU bantamweight European title, we had the honor of interviewing Gloria Peritore, who shared with us her emotions, the journey that brought her to this achievement, and her vision for the future of boxing and inclusion through sport.
With her determination, intelligence, and deeply human approach to combat, Gloria reaffirms herself not only as a top-level athlete but also as a spokesperson for strong, necessary values.
What did it feel like to solidify your place as European champion?
For me, this title is much more than a belt: it’s the confirmation of growth—both personal and professional. Seeing my progress take shape in the ring was the real achievement. I was coming off three KO wins, but I knew this European title fight would be incredibly tough. And it was. That’s why I’m also proud of how I handled it mentally: it was a passionate, intense fight, and experiencing it fully like that was the greatest reward.
Are you already preparing for your next match? Do you usually adapt your training depending on your opponent? And how do you find sparring partners who truly match your level?
At the moment, I’m not preparing for my next match yet because I fractured my fourth metacarpal during the title fight. Fortunately, the surgery went well, and I expect to return to the gym next week. Right now, it’s time to listen to my body and allow myself the proper time to recover. Then, together with my manager Alessandro Chierchi, Opi 82, and my coach Manuele, we’ll evaluate the next steps.
As for sparring partners, I try to face as many different athletes as possible—I don’t exclude anyone. Every round, every style, every person has something to teach. It’s precisely in this variety that I find the drive to grow and improve. The goal isn’t to find someone “on my level,” but rather someone who can challenge me in the right way to help me evolve. I did over 100 rounds in two months for this preparation, with a wide range of athletes.
How important was your team and the people around you in achieving this result?
My team was fundamental to this result. Manuele Raini, who is also my partner, along with Milo Raini, taught me over time to be flexible and independent in my training. Unexpected events are part of the process—injuries, sparring changes—and without a strong mindset, you risk being overwhelmed. For this match, we truly gave it our all: we even went to the U.S. to raise the bar further, and every detail of the preparation was carefully crafted.
I had incredible professionals by my side, but above all, people who truly listened to the athlete’s needs. I’m thinking of Federico Angotti, my nutritionist, and Brando Bojano, my strength coach: they aren’t in the spotlight, but they work tirelessly behind the scenes. Anytime I needed them—day or night—they were there. This preparation was longer, tougher, and deeper. And they were my safe harbor. I’ll never stop thanking them.
Is there a boxer you particularly respect, inside and outside the ring? And who would you like to fight in the future?
I respect all Italian fighters, both men and women. But when I think of Italian boxing, one figure I particularly admire is Fabio Turchi. I met him years ago when I was still at the beginning of my kickboxing career, and we were training at the same gym in Florence. I saw many of his early matches, and I was always struck by his deep respect for his opponents. Even when he was clearly stronger in power and technique, he knew how to control himself and avoid inflicting unnecessary damage. That kind of gesture is rare to see.
He has a style I admire greatly, and his recent match in Australia confirmed that. I truly wish him all the best.
As for future opponents, I don’t have specific names in mind in Italy—I love to test myself against international athletes, and I hope to fight abroad. I believe that international challenges are what can really help Italian boxing grow and gain recognition. My manager has always had a global vision, and that motivates me every day to look further, improve, and step into more important rings.
Let’s talk about “The Shadow Project.” Its mission is to promote combat sports as tools for personal and social growth, supporting anti-violence and inclusion. We live in a world that still seems slow to absorb these messages. Do you think the project can keep growing? Could involving more boxers help strengthen it even further?
I’m truly proud of these first four years with The Shadow Project. Often, from the outside, people associate combat sports with violence, but in reality, I’m meeting more and more people who share our vision: using these sports as tools for personal growth, inclusion, and the fight against violence.
The association is still in a growth phase, especially since I’ve dedicated so much time to competition over the last few years. But together with Manuele Raini, who is now also vice president, we’ve laid the foundation with great passion and dedication. I believe the best is yet to come: we’ve planted many seeds, and now we’re ready to make the project grow even more.
Events like “Fight the Violence” have given us great visibility and allowed us to spread the values we believe in: respect, inner strength, and social change. Involving more boxers and ambassadors will definitely be one of the next steps, but what makes me happiest is seeing that these values are already being shared by many people—even outside the organization.
For me, The Shadow Project is an open, inclusive space that belongs to anyone who believes in its mission. Anyone who wants to join, share, or contribute will always be welcome.
With her strength, clarity, and commitment both inside and outside the ring, Gloria Peritore is the symbol of a journey marked by resilience, awareness, and a desire to change the rules—not only in sports but also in society.
Her journey continues, with eyes set abroad but roots firmly grounded in the values she believes in. And now more than ever, her example can inspire new generations of athletes and people alike.
