The world of journalism mourns the passing of Franco Ligas

The world of journalism mourns the passing of Franco Ligas, who died at the age of 79. A multifaceted figure in the Mediaset sports newsroom, he was heavily involved in boxing.

Ligas made his television debut in 1976 as a sports reporter on Tele Libera Firenze, interviewing Adriano Panatta and Nicola Pietrangeli shortly before their Davis Cup triumphs.

In 1979 he switched to Canale dei Bambini, covering tennis and horse racing. The following year he landed at Elefante TV, where he hosted ‘DDA – Dirittura d’Arrivo’ an eight-hour daily program covering horse racing, boxing, basketball, cycling and other disciplines.

From 1991 to 1993 he commented on boxing on Italia 1 and worked with Tele+, continuing to cover horse racing and soccer for ‘Studio Sport’, often as a correspondent following Fiorentina. He was also a commentator for ‘Pressing Champions League’.

In 2011 he began a year-long collaboration with Sportitalia, alternating with Fabio Panchetti on boxing commentaries.