The Italian Job: Giorgio Visioli champions culture and community ahead of US debut

South Philadelphia is a place where boxing, family and tradition runs deep – and ahead of his highly anticipated US debut, British-Italian rising lightweight star Giorgio Visioli immersed himself in the neighbourhood’s rich Italian-American culture, forging powerful new connections that bridge generations, continents and communities.

Accompanied by his co-manager, advisor and former IBF World Flyweight Champion Sunny Edwards, Visioli began the day at one of Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks – the Rocky Steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Filming a new episode of Small Talk Abroad alongside Charlie Parsons, the pair recreated the legendary run made famous by Sylvester Stallone’s Italian-American hero.

“It’s something every fighter dreams of doing,” said Visioli.

“Those steps represent more than just a movie moment – they represent determination, resilience and pride,” he added.

“To run them ahead of my first fight, in a city so steeped in boxing history, made it all the more special.”

However, beyond the bright lights and movie nostalgia, this was a day about roots, identity and giving back.

Across town, Visioli then visited Filitalia International on East Passyunk Avenue, where he was hosted by Sean Frusco, President of the organisation’s South Philadelphia Chapter.

The visit offered a chance to explore the deep history of Italian immigration to the United States and the profound influence Italian-Americans have had on the city’s social, cultural and sporting fabric.

Inside the History of Italian Immigration Museum, Frusco guided Visioli through exhibitions detailing the journeys of over two million Italians who arrived via Ellis Island, seeking new beginnings in the early 20th century.

The museum showcases artefacts, documents and family stories that chart the community’s evolution from arrival to establishment – including a section dedicated to boxing, one of South Philly’s proudest exports.

Among the standout exhibits were robes, gloves and memorabilia donated by legendary Philadelphia cutman-turned-actor Joey Eye, who worked in corners for decades before finding fame in the Rocky and Creed films.

Visioli also visited the nearby Joey Giardello statue, honouring the former World Middleweight Champion who famously defeated Sugar Ray Robinson in 1963 – a symbol of Italian-American achievement through hard work and perseverance.

Speaking about the visit, Sean Frusco described the pride that the local community felt in hosting Visioli and welcoming him into their cultural family.

“It was a real honour to welcome Giorgio to the museum and share our history with him,” beamed Frusco.

“He carries the same values of pride, resilience and family that built this community – and we’ll be supporting him every step of the way as he continues his journey. South Philly will always be behind him!”

For Visioli, the experience provided a personal connection to his family’s story and a deeper appreciation of the shared values that link communities across continents.

“The museum is an incredible tribute to the Italian immigrants who helped shape America,” explained Visioli.

“My grandparents are from Tuscany and learning how families like theirs built lives here in Philadelphia gave me a real sense of pride,” he continued.

“You can feel the same warmth and spirit of togetherness here that we have back home.”

Founded in 1987 by Dr. Pasquale Nestico, Filitalia International is a global charitable organisation committed to preserving Italian heritage and promoting cultural understanding.

With more than 25 chapters across North America and Europe, its mission is guided by three core principles – charity, education and cultural preservation.

From its headquarters on East Passyunk Avenue, Filitalia operates the History of Italian Immigration Museum, offering visitors an insight into the experiences of millions of Italians who journeyed to America in search of a better life.

Alongside this, the organisation delivers language courses, scholarship programmes and a range of community initiatives that empower local leaders, entrepreneurs and grassroots sports groups to make a positive impact within their neighbourhoods.

Later that afternoon, Visioli, Edwards and the Matchroom team visited Boxing on Broad, a community gym founded by Enzo Siciliano – a proud Italian-American boxing coach and entrepreneur supported by Filitalia’s Business Scholarship initiative.

Since its establishment in 2023, the gym has become a hub for young boxers in the area, combining athletic development with community mentorship.

Here, Visioli took part in an open training session with local fighters, offering guidance and technical tips before participating in a Q&A and poster signing session.

The event also featured an appearance from local BKFC fighter Johnny “Cannoli” Garbarino, as South Philly’s fighting community came out in force to show support for the visiting British-Italian contender.

The visit left a lasting impression on both the young boxers and the coaching team, with Boxing on Broad founder Enzo Siciliano emphasising the pride felt within the gym at being recognised by a visiting professional from overseas.

“Having Giorgio here meant a great deal to everyone,” said Siciliano.

“For our members – many of them just starting out – it showed that what we’re doing in this community matters. His willingness to spend time with the kids, share advice and show genuine interest in their progress will stay with them for a long time,” he continued.

“We’re grateful he made the effort to come down during fight week and represent his heritage with such class.”

Alex Le Guével, Matchroom’s Head of Community Development, reflected on the importance of days like this in building bridges through sport.

“This type of engagement highlights the power of boxing to connect people across cultures and generations,” said Le Guével.

“Giorgio’s story shows how shared heritage can help establish relationships between communities and how grassroots gyms like Boxing on Broad play a vital role in inspiring the next wave of fighters,” he added.

“Community events like this also help build genuine, long-term fans – people who feel personally invested in a fighter’s journey because they’ve seen their human side.”

Attention now turns to Saturday night, as Giorgio Visioli prepares to make his US debut on the undercard of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ clash with Uisma Lima in a high-stakes WBA World Super-Welterweight Title Final Eliminator. For the young lightweight, it marks the next step in a journey that has already connected him with new communities, cultures and supporters across the Atlantic.

The backing of South Philadelphia’s Italian-American community will be firmly behind him on fight night – a powerful reminder that boxing, like identity, is built on roots, respect and resilience. From the museum halls of Filitalia to the gym floor of Boxing on Broad, Visioli’s time in the city has shown that shared heritage and community pride remain among the sport’s strongest cornerstones.