Fabrice Tiozzo: “I would love to one day participate in the Partouche Poker Tour!”

1.85m and 80kg, 50 professional fights in 18 years of his career of which 48 were victories, Fabrice Tiozzo was one of the terrors of the ring before hung up his gloves in 2006. The World champion of boxing was at the Lyon Vert Casino for the Partouche Poker Tour’s third Super Satellite. A very “punchy” tournament, he told us.

Hello Fabrice, what gives us the honour of your visit to this magnificent Lyon Vert Casino?

It is simple, one hears a lot about poker at the moment. I have watched it a lot on TV but I don’t really know how to play. Some friends are participating in this Lyon Vert Super Satellite, so it was a good opportunity to come and see how such an event works. And I have to say it was worth the trip.

Do you occasionally play poker?

I have not played it at all, but I know the rules. It will take me time to learn before I start playing. Because if I sat at a table now, the players would only have one thought: to liquidate me.

But don’t the atmosphere and the setting make you want to learn quicker?

Of course! I like it! But as I already said, if I start now, I will massacre myself. It would be better to get a good amount of practice and preparation first. Then when I am finally ready, I can jump into the big ring.

You speak of practice and of preparation like you did when you were a boxer, do you see similarities between poker and boxing?

No because in boxing you can’t bluff (laughs). They are two different things but both are just as admirable.

Is there a chance that we will one day see you around a Partouche Poker Tour table?

Yes I think so. If I go somewhere nowadays, it is because it interests me! But I never go into things blind. I came here to soak up the atmosphere, see how it all works. I am taking my time and then we’ll see.

In any case we hope you take part one day!

Yes so do I, because it would be really fun. Poker is a great game and I think I could be quite good at it, especially in the psychological and bluffing departments. I am a very good bluffer. Even when I lie, I am telling the truth! (Laughs)

Thank you Fabrice.