The challenger for the Italian title tells himself: "Boxing has taught me to know myself."

In the ring, as in life you win and lose. Up there everything seems to work in reverse to win you always go towards pain, suffering and punch but I, through boxing, have managed to transform the walls into openings, possibilities and passion.

Professional boxing is a competitive world, sometimes arrogant, always ruthless and almost never completely transparent. I fought for the GBA & GBU titles in Germany, and for two IBF titles first in South Africa and then in London, I debuted as a Professional in the States in my third match as a Pro I walked the ring of Radio City Music Hall, then first in Japan for training to finally get to fight in Mexico with Saul Alvarez's team.

I have had different experiences and despite my 32 years, today I feel like a mature boxer, ready, with clear and concrete goals. But I never forgot wherever I was what made me stay, at 15, every day at the Metropolis of my Salerno instead of on the street. Those punches given to the bag made me dream of redemption, the winning blow, the one from KO, a moral and emotional boost that has always supported me and that I then found in every boxer I met in the world.

You soon realize, however, that boxing is "friction"; a challenge against a perpetual wear and tear generated by the effort you make to stay alive and to fight the other who, in turn, wants to live and wants to fight.

There is really something essential, primal about boxing, even more remote than animality. It is the ability to fix the clear idea that whatever happens, you "don't give up". Whatever happens you are there. Perhaps, is it the primary instinct of every living being, to hold out despite everything?

In fact, on many occasions, conditions such as growing up on the street, hunger or the prospects of misery have made stragglers into boxing champions like Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather.

Gyms today should have this function, teach this art of living, that of not giving up whatever happens with discipline, respect and loyalty.

Currently, I am the challenger to the FPI Italian Welterweight Title, held by Tobia Giuseppe Loriga. The match to be held in Mantua on 13 November 2020 live on RAI sport.

I am preparing for Fortitudo Boxe Roma with many girls and boys with whom I share the same trust and devotion for this noble art made of respect for everyone, regardless of the competitive level that has been reached.

Dario Socci The Italian Trouble