By Per Ake Persson

The all-Italy matchup between reigning EBU welterweight champion Gianluca Branco and official challenger Leonardo Bundu is now set to take place April 22 at the Nelson Mandela Forum in Florence, Italy.

Super welterweight Orlando Fiordigiglio (23-1, 12KOs) appears in the chief support against an opponent to be determined.

Branco (49-3-1, 24KOs) was all set – or so it was reported – to defend the title against Paulie Malignaggi December 12 but pulled out shortly before due to an injury. It was revealed after the fact that the 45-year old boxer withdrew from the fight long before, but the news apparently never reached the UK promoters.

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Nevertheless, Branco is now promoted by Giulio Spagnoli and trained by Mario Massai. His upcoming defense versus the 41-year old Bundu (32-1-2, 11KOs) will be his first since winning the title in November '14.

Bundu is coming off of an eight-round decision over Mexican journeyman Pablo Munguia last June. The bout was his only ring appearance of 2015 and followed the lone loss of his career, a 12-round shutout to unbeaten WBA welterweight titlist Keith Thurman in Dec. '14. 

Branco vs Bundu is promoted by Boxe Loreni.