Belgium has a rich tradition of boxing and has produced some of the world’s greatest boxers over the years. From the legendary Jean-Pierre Coopman to current heavyweight champion Tony Bellew, Belgium has a proud history of producing world-class boxers.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best boxers Belgium has to offer, from current champions to the all-time greats. From the legendary Jean-Pierre Coopman to the current world champions, this article will take a look at the best boxers Belgium has to offer.
1. Ryad Merhy
Ryad Merhy is a world-renowned professional boxer from Belgium. He was born in Cote d’Ivoire but moved to Belgium at a young age. He rose to international fame in 2021 when he won the World Boxing Association (WBA) Cruiserweight Championship.
This title is awarded to the boxer who wins the cruiserweight division, which is a weight class in between light heavyweight and heavyweight. As champion, Ryad Merhy defended his title for a year, until he relinquished it in 2022.
During his reign, he was known for his powerful punches and agile movements in the ring. His accomplishments have earned him a place among the pantheon of great boxers in history.
2. Jean-Pierre Coopman
Jean-Pierre Coopman was a Belgian boxer who had a successful career before his retirement. He is best known for his title fight in 1976 against Muhammad Ali in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ali was an American professional boxer and one of the most famous boxers in the world.
The fight was the main event of the night and was a much-anticipated event. Coopman put up a fierce fight but was ultimately knocked out by Ali in the fifth round. This was Ali’s final title fight before his retirement, and it was a memorable event for both boxers.
Coopman is remembered as a talented and courageous boxer who was not afraid to take on the best in the world. The fight in San Juan was a testament to his bravery and skill in the ring.
3. Stephane Jamoye
Stephane Jamoye is a highly talented boxing champion from Belgium. He has enjoyed a successful career that has seen him win multiple titles. In 2012, Jamoye claimed the European bantamweight title, which he held until 2013.
He was not content to rest on his laurels, however, and in 2014 he made two attempts to add even more titles to his collection. Specifically, he challenged for the WBC bantamweight title and the WBA super bantamweight title.
Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful on both occasions, but it demonstrated his ambition to be a successful boxer at the highest level.
4. Joseph Vissers
Joseph Vissers was a Belgian boxer who had a successful career in the Lightweight division. He was born in Belgium and began his career as a young athlete. He trained hard and eventually reached the top of the Lightweight division in his country.
He competed in several international tournaments and gained immense fame and recognition. Throughout his career, Joseph Vissers was known for his impressive skills in the ring. He was known for his agility, quickness, and his ability to think on his feet.
He was also admired for his focus and discipline in training and in the ring. His career was characterized by numerous victories and titles, which he achieved despite facing some of the toughest opponents in the Lightweight division.
Joseph Vissers was an inspiration to many aspiring boxers. He proved that hard work and dedication can take you to the top, no matter who you are or where you come from. He was an example of what can be achieved with determination and a never-say-die attitude.
He is remembered as a great athlete and an example of what can be achieved when you put your heart into it.
5. Gustave Roth
Gustave Roth was a professional boxer from Belgium. Born and raised in Brussels, he was determined to make a name for himself in the boxing world. He had an impressive record in the ring, winning several amateur titles in Belgium.
He eventually turned professional in 1950 and soon became one of the most prominent boxers in the country. He competed in a number of championships in Belgium and Europe and was also a multiple-time European champion.
His most notable achievement was his victory in the European Lightweight Championship in 1953. He fought a total of 42 professional fights, winning 33 and only losing 9. After retiring from the ring, Roth became a respected boxing coach and trainer.
He worked with some of the top boxers in the country, and his expertise was highly sought after. He also served as a referee for some of the biggest boxing matches in Belgium.
Roth’s legacy as a boxer and coach lives on in the country, and he is still remembered as one of the greatest boxers to ever come out of Belgium.
6. Jean Delarge
Jean Delarge was a highly accomplished welterweight professional boxer from Belgium. He was born in Liège, a city in the southeastern part of the country.
During his career in the 1920s, Delarge achieved remarkable success, winning the gold medal in the welterweight category at the 1924 Summer Olympics. In the final, Delarge defeated Héctor Méndez, ensuring his place in sporting history.
Delarge’s victory was a great achievement for Belgium, as the nation had not won gold in boxing since the 1920 games in Antwerp.
The victory was also an important milestone for Delarge himself, as it was the crowning moment of his career and a testament to his skill and determination.
7. Joseph Beecken
Joseph Jules Beecken was an accomplished Belgian middleweight boxer in the 1920s. He was able to achieve great success in the ring, most notably at the 1924 Summer Olympics where he won the bronze medal in the middleweight category.
In the semi-final of the tournament, he was defeated by American boxer John Elliott. Although he was unable to win the gold medal, he was able to secure the bronze medal by defeating Leslie Black in the bronze medal bout.
His impressive accomplishments in the ring demonstrate his hard work and dedication to the sport of boxing.
8. François Sybille
Francois Sybille was a Belgian boxer who had the honor of competing in the 1924 Summer Olympics. He was a bantamweight boxer, and in the first round of the competition, he was successful in his fight.
However, in the second round, he was eliminated after he lost his fight to the eventual bronze medalist, Jean Ces. Despite Francois Sybille’s loss, it was an amazing achievement for him to be able to compete in the Olympics.
He was able to show his skill and strength against a talented opponent, and he can be proud of his performance. It was an amazing experience for him, and he should be remembered for his courage and strength.
9. Raoul Degryse
Raoul Degryse was a talented Belgian boxer from Oudenaarde. He attained the opportunity to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics and was placed in the flyweight class.
Unfortunately, he was eliminated in the quarter-finals after he lost his fight to Gavino Matta who would later become the silver medalist. Degryse was highly skilled and talented but was eventually bested by Matta in the Olympics.
Despite not getting the medal, Degryse’s participation in the Olympics was a testament to his talent and skill as a boxer.
10. Victor Schelstraete
Victor Schelstraete is a professional Belgian boxer who made history at the 2021 AIBA World Boxing Championships.
He competed in the cruiserweight event and was awarded the bronze medal, making him the first and only person from his country to win a medal at the prestigious tournament. The achievement was especially significant as it marked the first time in history that a Belgian boxer had medalled in the AIBA World Championships.
Schelstraete’s win was a monumental moment for the sport and for his country, and it was celebrated nationwide.
His success has inspired countless other Belgian boxers to reach their goals and strive for excellence. The 2021 AIBA World Boxing Championships was held in Russia and was attended by some of the best boxers in the world.
Victor Schelstraete was able to rise to the occasion and secure a bronze medal, which speaks to his dedication and determination.
He has since become an inspiration to young boxers in his country and around the world. Victor Schelstraete’s win is a testament to the hard work and commitment required to succeed in the sport of boxing.
His achievement has broken down barriers and opened the door for more Belgian boxers to make their mark in the sport. His legacy is sure to live on for years to come.
11. Albert Robbe
Albert Robbe was a Belgian professional boxer who participated in the 1936 Summer Olympics. He was in the heavyweight class and was unfortunately eliminated in the second round of the competition. His elimination was a result of losing his fight to Ferenc Nagy of Hungary.
Robbe was an experienced boxer, having trained long and hard in preparation for the Olympics. He was an athlete who was determined to do his best and give his all in the competition.
Despite his loss, Robbe was proud to have represented his country and to have been part of such a prestigious event.
12. Karel Sys
Karel Sys was a Belgian boxer who had a successful and impressive career. Starting out as a welterweight, Sys was able to make it to the heavyweight division and become a champion of Europe.
He won his first title in 1943, and he had the distinction of winning the championship again in 1952, nine years later. This was an incredible accomplishment that proved to be a testament to his determination and skill.
Throughout his boxing career, Sys was highly regarded and respected by his peers; he was a true champion in every sense of the word.
His accomplishments will be remembered for years to come, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest boxers to ever come out of Belgium.
13. Pierre Charles
Pierre Charles was a highly successful Belgian boxer.
He had a long and impressive career, during which he achieved two separate reigns as the heavyweight champion of Belgium and the European champion of the International Boxing Union. Charles first achieved the title of Belgian champion in 1926 and reigned until 1927.
He regained the title in 1935 and held onto it until 1936. Additionally, he was the European champion of the International Boxing Union for three separate periods: from 1929 to 1931, 1932 to 1933, and 1935 to 1936.
This impressive feat was a testament to his skill and determination as a boxer. During his career, Charles fought many famed opponents, including Joe Beckett, Henri Deglane, and Max Schmeling.
He was renowned for his defensive skills, and his ability to dodge punches and counterattack with powerful punches of his own. Despite his success in the ring, Charles was often overlooked by his peers and the media due to his humble origins.
Despite this, he was still able to rise up to become one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in Belgian history.
14. Léonard Steyaert
Léonard Emiel Steyaert was a highly accomplished Belgian boxer. He competed in the 1928 Summer Olympics, where he had the honour of representing his country. Steyaert earned a bronze medal in the middleweight class, showcasing his impressive skills in the ring.
Steyaert’s remarkable achievements in boxing were met with great admiration and respect from his fellow athletes and countrymen. He was an inspirational figure and his success will be remembered for decades to come.
Outside of his Olympic achievements, Steyaert was also highly successful in the amateur boxing scene. He was a multiple-time Belgian champion in the middleweight division and was praised for his technique and athleticism.
Steyaert was known for his strong will and dedication, which earned him the respect of fellow boxers, coaches and fans alike. He was a true champion and a role model to many.
Léonard Emiel Steyaert’s accomplishments in the boxing world are a testament to his hard work and tenacity. He was a true champion who achieved greatness through sheer determination and skill. Steyaert’s legacy in the sport will live on for years to come.
15. Joseph Cornelis
Joseph Cornelis was a Belgian boxer who participated in the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin. He was a bantamweight boxer, meaning he was a small to middleweight fighter. In this Olympic games, Cornelis made it all the way to the quarterfinal before being eliminated.
His defeat came at the hands of Ulderico Sergo, the eventual gold medalist. Cornelis was not able to advance any further in the tournament, and his Olympic journey ended there.
Despite not being able to secure a medal, it is still a remarkable feat to make it to the quarterfinal of an Olympic event. Many athletes don’t ever make it that far in their careers, and Cornelis should be proud of his accomplishment.
16. Yves Ngabu
Yves Ngabu is a professional boxer from Belgium. He has made a name for himself in the world of boxing, becoming a European champion in the cruiserweight division from 2017 to 2019.
Ngabu first stepped into the ring in 2006 and has since gone on to compete in over 40 professional fights.
He has an impressive record, with 35 wins, 4 losses, and a draw. Ngabu has achieved a lot of success in the cruiserweight division, which is a weight class for boxers between 200 and 220 pounds.
He was given the chance to fight for the European cruiserweight title in 2017, and he rose to the challenge. By the end of 2019, Ngabu had successfully defended the title three times and was a two-time European champion.
Ngabu is highly respected among his peers and is seen as a role model for aspiring boxers. He has been featured in the media and has received numerous awards for his accomplishments in the sport.
Ngabu has also been involved in many charitable activities and has made a positive impact in the community. His success in the ring has made him a household name in Belgium, and he continues to inspire aspiring boxers around the world.
17. Jean Neys
Jean Neys was an Olympic boxer from Belgium. He was a lightweight boxer, meaning he was in the lightest weight class for boxers.
He was a competitor in the 1920 Summer Olympics, an international multi-sport event that is held every four years and is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. Neys was one of many athletes who represented Belgium in the Summer Olympics that year.
He was likely looking to make a name for himself in the sport of boxing and prove his abilities on the world stage. Neys’ participation in the Summer Olympics was a testament to his dedication to the sport and his ambition to represent his country proudly.
18. Sugar Jackson
Jackson Osei Bonsu is a Belgian welterweight professional boxer who is of Ghanaian descent. He began his boxing career in Belgium and has since made a name for himself in the sport. He is known for his aggressive style and powerful punches.
To honor one of his favorite boxers, Sugar Ray Robinson, Jackson Osei Bonsu took on the nickname “Sugar”. Robinson was a welterweight professional boxer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
The nickname is a reference to the legendary boxer and a way for Jackson Osei Bonsu to pay homage to him. Since taking on the nickname “Sugar”, Jackson Osei Bonsu has continued to fight in the welterweight division and has had success in the ring.
He has won several titles and continues to be one of the best welterweight boxers in the world. He has also become a role model for aspiring boxers, showing them that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve their dreams.
Jackson Osei Bonsu’s story is an inspiring one, and it serves as a reminder of how far you can go if you stay true to yourself and work hard to achieve your goals. He is a great example of how a nickname can become an important part of an athlete’s identity and legacy.
19. Adrien Anneet
Adrien Anneet was a Belgian boxer who was born in Brussels. He had the opportunity to compete in the 1928 Summer Olympics, representing his home country. During the Olympics, he was in the welterweight class and faced off against Cor Blommers in the second round.
Unfortunately, Anneet lost the match and was eliminated from the tournament. Despite his elimination, Anneet was still able to make a name for himself in the boxing world. He gained recognition for his skills and commitment to the sport.
His performance in the Olympics also showed his commitment to representing his country at the highest level. Even though he didn’t win, Anneet’s presence in the Olympics provided a strong inspiration to future Belgian boxers.
20. Said Ouali
Said Ouali is a Belgian professional boxer who competes in the welterweight division. He is well-known in his home country for his impressive skill and technique in the ring.
Ouali’s boxing career has earned him three nicknames: “Prince”, “The Crowd Pleaser” and “The Maaseik Sledgehammer”. The first nickname, “Prince”, reflects his status as a national boxing hero in Belgium.
The second nickname, “The Crowd Pleaser”, speaks to his ability to entertain the crowd with his exciting and dynamic style of boxing.
The final nickname, “The Maaseik Sledgehammer”, is a reference to his hometown of Maaseik, Belgium, and is a testament to the power of his punches. Ouali’s boxing career has been one of success and admiration, and he is a beloved figure in the Belgian boxing community.
21. Jean Paternotte
Jean Paternotte was a Belgian boxer who made his mark in the boxing world by competing in the 1952 Summer Olympics. He was selected to represent his nation in the men’s light welterweight event, a category of boxing which is between lightweight and welterweight.
During this time, the light welterweight competitors had to weigh between 141 and 147 pounds. Jean Paternotte was one of the few Belgian boxers who had the honor of competing in the Olympics and his participation in the event was thought to be a great achievement for his country.
He was an incredibly talented athlete and trained hard in order to prepare for the competition. He was determined and committed to giving it his best, and his efforts paid off as he was able to make it to the finals.
Unfortunately, he was defeated by the eventual gold medalist and thus did not win a medal at the Olympics.
Nevertheless, Paternotte’s performance was an impressive feat and a testament to his hard work and dedication. Jean Paternotte’s legacy lives on in the boxing world, as his accomplishment is still remembered and celebrated by many.
He was an inspiring figure who showed that anything is possible if you put in the hard work and dedication. He was a true champion in every sense of the word and his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.
22. Georges Simonon
Georges Simonon was an accomplished Belgian boxer. He had a successful career, competing in many professional boxing matches.
He was also the first Belgian to compete in the Olympics when he competed in the men’s middleweight event at the 1920 Summer Olympics. Simonon was an ambitious athlete, determined to make a name for himself in the world of boxing.
He trained hard and worked diligently to hone his skills and technique. His hard work and dedication paid off when he was selected to compete in the 1920 Summer Olympics.
It was a great honor for a Belgian boxer to be chosen to represent his country in such a prestigious event. Simonon was a popular boxer at the time, and his presence at the Summer Olympics brought him a great deal of recognition.
He put up a good fight at the Olympics but unfortunately was not able to take home a medal.
Despite this, his participation in the Olympics was a great achievement, and he earned the respect of the boxing community. Simonon’s legacy lives on today, as he is remembered as the first Belgian to compete in the Olympics.
He was an inspiration to aspiring boxers, and his story continues to motivate athletes who dream of competing in the Olympics. His determination and dedication to his craft are an example to all, and his legacy in Belgian boxing is something to be proud of.
23. Raymond Van Rumbecke
Raymond Van Rumbecke was a Belgian athlete who specialized in the sport of boxing. He was chosen to be a part of the Belgian team at the 1928 Summer Olympics and was selected to compete in the men’s bantamweight event.
Unfortunately, his Olympic dreams were not to be, as he lost in his match against the Argentine boxer Carmelo Robledo. This was a great disappointment for Van Rumbecke, but it did not discourage him from continuing his passion for the sport.
He went on to compete in many other competitions and even won a few. His legacy is still remembered today and he is an inspiration to many aspiring boxers.
24. Édouard Bombart
Maurice Bombaert was a Belgian boxer who had the opportunity to compete in the 1948 Summer Olympics. His event of choice was the men’s welterweight division. At the Olympic games, he faced off against Hank Herring from the United States.
Unfortunately, Maurice did not come out on top, losing to Herring. This marks the only time that Maurice competed in the Olympics, and it was not enough to bring him a victory.
Despite this, Maurice Bombaert can be proud of his accomplishment of making it to the Olympics and representing his country in the men’s welterweight division.
25. Pierre Wouters
Pierre Wouters was a Belgian professional boxer and Olympic athlete. He was born in Antwerp, Belgium in 1929 and became a professional boxer in 1951.
His boxing career was short-lived but his best achievement was competing in the men’s welterweight event at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.
He competed against nine other boxers from different countries but was ultimately unsuccessful in advancing to the next round. His Olympic performance was a great achievement, however, as he was the first Belgian boxer to ever compete in the Olympics.
In addition to his Olympic career, Pierre Wouters also had a successful amateur boxing career. He won the Belgian Amateur Welterweight Boxing Championship in 1950 and soon after turned professional.
He competed in professional bouts between 1951 and 1952, before his Olympic appearance. During this time, he achieved a notable win against Belgian champion, Karel de Beul. Pierre Wouters retired from boxing in 1952 after competing in the Olympics.
He returned to Antwerp, where he worked as a grocer until his retirement. He passed away in Antwerp in 1998 at the age of 69. He was remembered fondly by the Belgian boxing community for his Olympic performances and his contribution to the sport.
26. Fernand Delarge
Fernand Delarge was a Belgian boxer who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics, held in Paris, France. He was born in Liège, Belgium. At the 1924 Olympics, Delarge competed in the light heavyweight class, which is one of the heavier weight classes in boxing.
He was unfortunately eliminated in the first round of the competition due to a loss to Sverre Sørsdal, who would eventually go on to win the bronze medal. Delarge’s loss was a disappointment, but it was also a testament to Sørsdal’s skill as a boxer.
27. Marcel Van De Keere
Marcel Van De Keere was a Belgian boxer who made a name for himself competing in international competitions. He is most notably remembered for his participation in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. At the time, he was competing in the men’s lightweight event.
He was one of the first Belgians to compete in the Olympics, and his effort made him a national hero. Van De Keere was a skilled and dedicated boxer, and he trained hard for his Olympic debut.
He had already achieved a certain level of fame in Belgium, as he had won several national titles. He was determined to do his country proud at the Olympics, and he was determined to win a medal. Unfortunately, Van De Keere was not able to bring home a medal from the Olympics.
He was eliminated in the quarter-finals, and he was not able to advance further. Despite this, his participation was an important milestone in Belgian sports history.
He was the first Belgian to ever compete in the Olympics, and his story has become an inspirational one for all Belgians. He will always be remembered as one of Belgium’s most beloved athletes.
28. Remi Lescrauwaet
Remi Lescrauwaet was a Belgian boxer who had the opportunity to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics. He competed in the featherweight class and made it to the second round of the competition.
Sadly, he was eliminated from the tournament after losing the fight to the eventual bronze medalist Josef Miner. This loss marked the end of Remi’s Olympic journey. Remi was an incredibly talented boxer who was able to make it to the second round of the Olympics.
His skill and determination was admirable, and his loss to the eventual bronze medalist was a testament to the high level of competition in the tournament. Despite the loss, Remi still had a successful career in boxing and continued to compete in other tournaments.
He was an inspiration to many young boxers, showing them that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
29. Simon Dewinter
Simon Dewinter was a Belgian boxer who had the opportunity to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics. He was placed in the lightweight class and made it to the second round.
Unfortunately, he was not able to progress any further in the competition, as he lost his fight against Andrew Scrivani. This was a tough defeat for Dewinter, as he had been training for months in preparation for the Olympics.
However, despite this defeat, Dewinter was still able to take a lot away from the experience. He was able to gain valuable skills and strategies which he could use in his future boxing matches, as well as the confidence that he could compete at an Olympic level.
While he may not have achieved the result that he wanted, Simon Dewinter definitely achieved something great by competing in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
30. Milo Sarens
Emiel “Milo” Sarens was a Belgian boxer who competed in the middleweight event at the 1960 Summer Olympics. Despite his best efforts, Sarens was defeated in the first round.
Despite this setback, Sarens was able to achieve a career highlight when he faced off against the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson at Sportpaleis, Antwerp in 1963.
While Sarens was ultimately defeated, it was a historic moment for him as he was able to share the ring with one of the greatest boxers of all time. It was a moment that Sarens could be proud of, as it cemented his place in the history of boxing.
31. Vasile Usturoi
Vasile Usturoi is a Romanian-born Belgian amateur boxer who made history at the 2022 European Championships. Usturoi won the gold medal, becoming the first Belgian to win a European boxing title since 1951.
This remarkable feat was a huge success for Belgium and a source of great pride for Usturoi. Usturoi’s victory was all the more impressive considering his humble beginnings. Born and raised in Romania, Usturoi moved to Belgium and began training as an amateur boxer.
His dedication and hard work paid off when he won the gold medal at the 2022 European Championships. Usturoi’s win not only meant a personal victory for him but also a national victory for Belgium.
It was the first time since 1951 that a Belgian boxer had won an European boxing title and it was a moment that will be remembered for generations. Usturoi’s win was a testament to his commitment and dedication.
He had overcome many obstacles to reach the pinnacle of his sport and his success will serve as an inspiration to aspiring boxers. Usturoi’s story is one of courage, determination, and perseverance, and it will surely be an example for many in the years to come.
32. René Devos
René Devos was a Belgian footballer who played an important role in the Belgium national football team’s success. He was born in 1919 and began his football career at an early age, playing for various clubs in Belgium, such as Club Brugge, Lierse SK and Standard Liège.
Devos made his international debut for the Belgium national football team in 1945 and played in six matches until 1946. During his time with the team, he was known for his technical skill and ability to read the game.
He was a reliable defender who could also contribute to the attack when needed. Off the field, Devos was known for being a humble and dedicated professional. He was respected by his teammates for his professionalism and commitment to the team.
He retired from football in 1950 and went on to become a successful coach. Devos’ legacy in the world of football lives on.
He is remembered for being an influential player and a dedicated professional who played an important role in the success of the Belgium national football team. He will always be remembered as one of the most respected players in Belgian football history.
Conclusion
The best Belgian boxing players have proven themselves to be some of the most talented and successful athletes in the world. They have won numerous titles and have consistently found success in the ring.
From the very talented and successful heavyweight boxer Jean-Pierre Coopman to the up-and-coming lightweight boxer Yves Ngabu, the best Belgian boxers are sure to keep Belgium in the world of boxing for years to come.
