Daniele Scardina, the 32-year-old former professional boxer from Rozzano, Italy, is on the road to recovery after facing one of the most significant challenges of his life. Known for his accolades within the boxing ring, Scardina became headline news not just for his sports achievements but for his near-fatal brain hemorrhage on February 28, 2023. His miraculous recovery has drawn attention, both from the media and his fans, as he not only fights against physical limitations but also reflects on his life choices and personal relationships.
"For the doctors, it's already a miracle I'm still alive... I'm glad to be alive, I don't regret anything about my life, and I continue on the path God has put me on," Scardina expressed with palpable gratitude during interviews after his recovery. This sentiment encapsulates his resilience and determination to push forward.
The incident occurred during what was supposed to be a routine training session when Scardina fainted, leading to the discovery of the brain hemorrhage. He underwent emergency surgery at the Humanitas hospital, where he was initially reported to be in grave condition, slipping brieflyinto a coma. After 45 days, Scardina awoke, signaling the beginning of what he describes as his "new life."
"I feel good, thank you. I’m using a wheelchair, but my rehabilitation is proceeding well, and I am still alive, which is the most important thing: if it weren't for God, I wouldn’t be here," he shared, highlighting the importance of faith and family during this tumultuous time. His recovery involves regular physical therapy at the San Raffaele hospital, where he attends sessions twice per week, coupled with daily exercises at home to strengthen his body and regain independence.
Scardina's daily routine revolves around rehabilitation, prayer, and family support. He starts his days early, engages in training exercises, and rests accordingly. Despite the substantial changes to his lifestyle, he continues to push himself, embodying the fighting spirit characteristic of his boxing career. "I tell everyone to not give up and always believe in themselves," he advises, echoing his commitment to inspire others.
His life outside the ring has also been marked by significant relationships, particularly his high-profile romance with sports host Diletta Leotta. Their relationship garnered substantial media attention from 2019 to 2020, sparking interest not only for their connection but also for how they supported one another through various challenges. Reflecting on their bond, Scardina elaborated on how Leotta filled a void in his life, affirming, "We started our story slowly... but it became important. It filled the emptiness I had inside."
After his health incident, Leotta was one of the supporters who reached out to him, providing strength during his recovery. Although their romantic relationship has ended, Scardina maintains respect and affection for her, stating, "It was a true relationship; we were complicit, and I was in love. I still hold her in high regard."
Meanwhile, Scardina is also set to release his autobiography titled "King Toretto: My Story of Victories and KOs Inside and Outside the Ring" scheduled for January 21, 2025. The book is not just about boxing; it’s about resilience and rediscovery. He describes it as detailing his struggles from humble beginnings in Rozzano to achieving international boxing triumphs and the eventual health crisis which forced him to confront his life anew. "I accepted the proposal for the autobiography without hesitation. It tells my story of redemption: I started from nothing and managed to win international belts," he explained.
Scardina's path reflects the ups and downs of professional sports—achievements along with the sobering realities of health risks associated with boxing. He acknowledges the sport's dangers, admitting, "Today, unfortunately, it is somewhat dangerous...with the hits to the head, one must be very careful." Despite this, he continues to observe boxing matches, mainly American ones, with the occasional jest about more theatrical bouts sparked by entertainment rather than sport.
He remains grateful for the certain supports he has received, from his family to his fans, which he credits for helping him navigate this challenging phase of life. The local community of Rozzano has offered assistance as well, though he’s still waiting for necessary adaptations at home to ease his mobility—further emphasizing the sustained impact of his recovery process on everyday life.
It is this mixture of struggle, hope, and support from loved ones and the community at large, alongside his reflections on past relationships like the one with Leotta, which paint the full picture of Daniele Scardina today. He embodies resilience, with each day serving as both challenge and opportunity, illustrating the power of belief and the importance of personal connections through adversity.
Scardina’s story is inspirational—a tale of survival, growth, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. His message resonates well with anyone facing their trials: perseverance leads to purpose, and hope can pave the way for new beginnings. With each step, both physically and metaphorically, he shows what it truly means to be a fighter.
