Finland is known for its rich boxing culture and proud heritage in the sport. It has produced some of the best boxers in the world, from champions to Olympic medalists.
This list features the greatest Finland boxers of all time, from revered legends like Lennart Jansson to current greats such as Robert Helenius. These are the boxers who have made Finland proud and have put their name in the history books.
1. Robert Helenius
Robert Gabriel Helenius is a Finnish professional boxer who has had a successful career. He has held multiple regional championships in the heavyweight division, including the European title twice between 2011 and 2016.
This demonstrates his hard work and dedication to the sport. Helenius also had a successful amateur career, winning a super-heavyweight silver medal at the 2006 European Championships. This feat further showcases his impressive boxing ability and his dedication to the sport.
He is a true example of a talented athlete who has dedicated himself to his craft and achieved success.
2. Eva Wahlström
Eva Ulrika Birgitta Räsänen is a Finnish former professional boxer who had a successful ten-year career spanning from 2010 to 2020. She made a name for herself in the boxing world by becoming the WBC female super-featherweight title holder from 2015 to 2020.
Prior to this, she also held the European female super-featherweight title from 2012 to 2015. Räsänen had a successful career in boxing and won a number of titles in her ten-year career.
Her most notable achievement was winning the WBC female super-featherweight title in 2015, which she held until 2020. Before this, she was also the regional European female super-featherweight title holder from 2012 to 2015.
Räsänen’s success in boxing was highlighted by her impressive list of titles. She was a respected fighter in the boxing world, and her accomplishments in the sport will always be remembered.
3. Joni Nyman
Joni Nyman is an accomplished retired boxer from Finland. He is best known for his Welterweight Bronze medal win at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He was the first Finnish boxer to ever win an Olympic medal.
After his success at the 1984 Olympics, Nyman went on to compete in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. Unfortunately, he was defeated in the quarterfinals, ending his Olympic ambitions. Despite this, Nyman’s impressive career was far from over.
He would go on to win several European titles and ended his career with a record of 70 wins and 7 losses. Nyman’s inspiring story of success and determination has made him a well-known figure in Finland and beyond.
4. Matti Tammelin
Matti Tammelin was a Finnish professional boxer who was active in the 1940s. He was a featherweight fighter, meaning he competed in the weight class of 126 to 132 pounds.
Tammelin was selected to represent Finland at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, England, where he competed in the men’s featherweight boxing event. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful and did not win a medal.
Nonetheless, he was still honored to be part of the Olympic experience and to represent his home country of Finland.
Throughout his career, Tammelin achieved numerous accolades, including being the Finnish featherweight champion from 1945-1947 and the Nordic featherweight champion from 1947-1948. He was beloved by many in the boxing world and his legacy lives on today.
5. Tarmo Uusivirta
Tarmo “Tare” Tapani Uusivirta was a renowned Finnish professional boxer who was active in the sport from 1982 to 1992. He was an accomplished fighter and had a distinguished career, during which he was able to challenge for the European super-middleweight title once, in 1991.
Uusivirta was known for his impressive skill in the ring and his powerful boxing style. He was a fan favorite in Finland and was admired by many for his dedication to the sport.
His career was marked by numerous victories and he was able to make a name for himself in the boxing world. Uusivirta’s accomplishments as a boxer earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike.
After retiring from the sport in 1992, Uusivirta continued to be involved in boxing in different ways, such as coaching and mentoring younger boxers.
He also made appearances at boxing events in Finland, which further solidified his status as a respected figure in the boxing community. Even today, Uusivirta is remembered for his impressive career and is a role model for aspiring boxers.
6. Jussi Koivula
Jussi Koivula is a Finnish professional boxer who has achieved success in the boxing world. He has competed in the European welterweight division for the past two years and has twice challenged for the European welterweight title.
In 2016 and 2017, he has put himself up against some of the toughest competition in the division and has come close to achieving his goal of becoming the champion.
Despite falling short on both occasions, Koivula has proven that he is a serious contender in the welterweight division and is sure to continue striving for success in the future.
He is a great example of a fighter who is willing to put in the hard work and dedication necessary to reach the top, and his determination is sure to serve him well in the years to come.
7. Edis Tatli
Edis Tatli is a highly accomplished professional boxer from Finland, with a great deal of success in European competition. He has held the lightweight European boxing title an impressive two times between the years 2015 and 2018.
This is a testament to his skill and determination as a competitor. Additionally, in 2014, he had the opportunity to challenge for the WBA lightweight title, a testament to his stature as a fighter.
While he was ultimately unsuccessful in this attempt, it is still an impressive achievement and a testament to the respect he has garnered in the boxing world. Edis Tatli has proven himself to be a formidable fighter, both in and out of the ring.
His commitment to the sport and impressive track record have earned him the respect of the boxing world. It is clear that he will continue to be a force in the world of boxing for some time to come.
8. Tony Halme
Tony Christian Halme was a remarkable figure in Finnish public life. He was a multifaceted individual who made an indelible impression on the country during his lifetime.
He was an athlete, author, actor, and singer, and he was a member of the Finnish Parliament from 2003 to 2007.
During this time, he represented the True Finns party as an independent politician. Halme was a successful martial arts practitioner who won many championships in the sport.
He was also a successful author, with several books on martial arts and fitness, as well as fiction novels, to his name. In addition, he was an accomplished actor, having appeared in numerous films and television shows.
He also recorded a few albums of music, mostly rock and hard rock. Halme was also a politician. He was elected to the Finnish Parliament in 2003 and served until 2007. During this time, he represented the True Finns party as an independent politician.
He was a vocal advocate for the interests of the Finnish people and was known for his outspoken views.
He was against many of the policies of the Finnish government and was an opponent of the European Union as well. Halme’s career and life were cut short in January 2020 when he passed away at the age of 63.
During his lifetime, he was a fascinating figure who made an impact on the Finnish public life. He was an athlete, author, actor, and singer, as well as a successful politician.
He will be remembered for his passion and dedication to the people of Finland, and his legacy will live on.
9. Bruno Ahlberg
Bruno Valfrid Ahlberg was a Finnish boxer who is remembered for his accomplishments in the 1932 and 1936 Summer Olympics. In 1932, Ahlberg made history by becoming the first Finnish boxer to win an Olympic medal, a bronze in the welterweight division.
This remarkable achievement was a proud moment for all of Finland. Four years later, Ahlberg had the opportunity to compete in the middleweight competition. Unfortunately, he lost his first bout, but this did not detract from his earlier success.
Ahlberg was an accomplished boxer who made a lasting impression on the sport. His performance in the 1932 Olympics will forever be remembered as an important milestone in Finnish sports history.
10. Sten Suvio
Sten Suvio, famously known as “Stepa”, was an incredible Finnish boxer. He earned his place in Olympic history by taking home the gold medal in the welterweight contest at the 1936 Summer Olympics. After his Olympic success, Suvio decided to turn professional.
Over the span of twelve years, he was able to build up an impressive record of 34 wins, 9 losses and 3 draws. Before becoming a professional boxer, Suvio was a multi-sport athlete. He participated in football, wrestling and speed skating.
It wasn’t until 1927 that Suvio decided to switch to boxing as his main sport. With his passion and dedication, he was able to become a successful Olympic boxer. Suvio’s story is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when you put your mind to something.
11. Pertti Purhonen
Pertti Ilmari Purhonen was an accomplished Finnish boxer. He had the honor of earning a bronze medal at the 1964 Olympics.
Domestically, he was a force to be reckoned with, winning nine consecutive Finnish titles in the lightweight, light-welterweight, and welterweight divisions. Additionally, he was a Nordic champion three times, in 1961, 1963, and 1967.
His success speaks to his extraordinary skill and dedication to the sport of boxing. He will be remembered both in Finland and worldwide as a great athlete.
12. Harry Siljander
Harry Valfrid Siljander was a Finnish light-heavyweight boxer who made a name for himself in the 1948 and 1952 Olympics. He was a talented boxer, but unfortunately, he was unable to take home a medal.
In 1948, he made it to the quarterfinals but was eventually defeated by the eventual champion, George Hunter. Although he didn’t win, he still placed fifth, which was an impressive accomplishment.
Siljander was a remarkable boxer, and his journey in the 1948 and 1952 Olympics showed how far he was able to push himself. Even though he didn’t win a medal, he still managed to receive recognition for his hard work and dedication to the sport.
He was a great example of how determination and perseverance can lead to success, even when the odds are stacked against you.
13. Erkki Pakkanen
Erkki Olavi Pakkanen was a talented amateur lightweight boxer from Finland. He started his boxing career in 1947 and quickly rose to success, winning the Finnish junior title in 1949.
Despite his impressive accomplishments at the junior level, Pakkanen was never able to win a senior national title. Nevertheless, he was able to qualify for the 1952 Olympics by winning the Olympic trials.
At the Olympics, Pakkanen was able to reach the podium, earning a bronze medal for his country. His impressive performance in the ring earned him recognition in his home country and abroad.
14. Joni Turunen
Joni Turunen is a Finnish athlete who is known for his boxing prowess. He is best known for competing in the men’s featherweight event at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
This event is an international tournament that is held every four years and is considered one of the world’s most prestigious sports events. At the 2000 Summer Olympics, Joni Turunen was one of the most promising boxers in the tournament.
He had trained hard and was determined to make a strong impression on the international stage.
Unfortunately, he was ultimately unable to advance to the medal rounds, but his performance was impressive nonetheless. Joni Turunen has continued to pursue his passion for boxing since the Olympics, and he is still considered one of the top featherweight boxers in Finland.
He has won several championships and is known for his strong technical skills and powerful punches. He is an inspiration to other aspiring boxers, and his determination and hard work have earned him the respect of the boxing community.
15. Erkki Mallenius
Erkki Aarno Mallenius was a Finnish amateur boxer who achieved remarkable success during his career. He was born in Finland and began boxing in 1945, quickly becoming a standout in the sport.
In 1946, he won the Finnish junior lightweight title, demonstrating his skill and potential. In 1952, he reached the pinnacle of his amateur boxing career by winning a bronze medal in the light welterweight division at the Olympic Games.
This accomplishment is an impressive feat that Mallenius can always be proud of. Mallenius was known for his skill and determination, traits which allowed him to have such a successful career.
After his Olympic success, he continued to compete in amateur boxing, and he was praised and respected by his peers. He was a true champion and an inspiration to all.
16. Arto Nilsson
Arto Harald Nilsson was a talented boxer who represented Finland in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico. He was a light welterweight boxer, a weight class which is slightly heavier than the lightweight division.
Due to his impressive skill and hard work, he managed to take home a bronze medal in the event. Nilsson’s journey to the Olympics was not an easy one.
He had to train for many years and dedicate himself to the sport to be able to reach the level of success that he achieved in the games. He also had to overcome the physical and mental difficulties that come with competing in the Olympics.
Despite the challenges, he managed to come out on top and take home a third place finish for his country. Nilsson’s success at the Olympics is a testament to his determination and dedication.
He worked hard to reach his goal, and he showed that with the right amount of dedication and commitment, anyone can reach their goals. His achievement is an inspiration to other aspiring athletes, and his story will continue to be remembered for years to come.
17. Pentti Hämäläinen
Pentti Olavi Hämäläinen was an exceptional boxer from Finland. He had the honor of competing in the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games, and he was able to show off his skills by winning a gold medal at the 1952 Olympics and a bronze medal at the 1956 Olympics.
Hämäläinen was also successful at the European championships, where he won two bronze medals in 1951 and 1955. His dedication to the sport and his accomplishments demonstrate his skill in the ring and his commitment to excellence.
Throughout his career, Hämäläinen earned a great deal of respect for his accomplishments, and his legacy as a boxer lives on.
18. Kaarlo Väkevä
Kaarlo Olavi Väkevä was a talented Finnish boxer who had the chance to compete in the 1928 Summer Olympics. Born in Jakobstad, Finland, he was a formidable opponent in the featherweight class, but unfortunately his run at the Olympics was cut short in the quarterfinals.
He was defeated by Harold Devine, who would go on to win the bronze medal. Sadly, Kaarlo Olavi Väkevä passed away not long after in Aalborg, Denmark.
Despite his early departure from the Olympics, Kaarlo Olavi Väkevä’s legacy lives on as a reminder of the strength and dedication of Finnish boxers. His performance in the 1928 Olympics was an impressive feat, and his courage and determination will always be remembered.
Kaarlo Olavi Väkevä was a true champion in his sport, and his memory will continue to inspire generations of boxers for years to come.
19. Ilkka Koski
Ilkka Koski was a heavyweight boxer from Finland who competed in the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games. He achieved great success in the 1952 Olympics, winning a bronze medal. Unfortunately, he was not as successful in his 1956 Olympic appearance, losing his first bout.
Within Finland, Ilkka was a force to be reckoned with. He held the Finnish amateur heavyweight title from 1951 to 1956, and again in 1958. This impressive list of accomplishments demonstrates that Ilkka Koski was a formidable boxer, both nationally and internationally.
20. Jorma Limmonen
Jorma Johannes Limmonen was a Finnish boxer who competed in the featherweight division in the 1960 and 1964 Olympics. He was a talented athlete, and in the 1960 Olympics he was able to make it all the way to the semifinals.
In this semifinal bout, he was unfortunately defeated by the eventual champion Francesco Musso. Despite the loss, Limmonen still managed to achieve a bronze medal in the 1960 Olympics. Four years later, Limmonen returned to the Olympics, competing in the 1964 Games.
Unfortunately, he was eliminated in the second bout of the tournament and was unable to repeat his success of 1960. Nevertheless, Limmonen achieved a great deal in his Olympic career, having won a bronze medal and having competed in two Olympic Games.
21. Amin Asikainen
Amin Asikainen is a former professional boxer from Finland who had a successful career that spanned from 2001 to 2011, and again in 2016. During his career, he achieved a great amount of success and was a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.
He was a two-time European and European Union middleweight champion between 2006 and 2007 and also held the Finnish middleweight title in 2003. He was also known by his nickname, “Idi”, which comes from the similarity of his name to Idi Amin, the former dictator of Uganda.
Asikainen was a formidable opponent in the ring and was respected by many for his skill and determination. He made a lasting impression on the boxing world during his career and will be remembered for his accomplishments.
22. Mira Potkonen
Mira Marjut Johanna Potkonen is a Finnish lightweight boxer who achieved great success in 2016. At the 2016 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, she won a bronze medal in the 60 kg category.
This was a remarkable accomplishment, and it was made even more impressive by her win of another bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the same weight category.
Potkonen’s Olympic medal was the only medal won by Finland at the games, making it a particularly noteworthy victory. Her success in 2016 established her as one of Finland’s leading female boxers, and she continues to compete at the highest levels of the sport today.
23. Valle Resko
Valfrid Aleksander Resch, more commonly known as Valle Resko, was a Finnish boxer who competed in the Olympics.
He competed as a lightweight in the 1928 Summer Olympics and as a middleweight at the 1948 Summer Olympics, but unfortunately lost his first bout in each of the competitions.
Resko was also successful in domestic competitions, having won four championships in 1927, 1929, 1934 and 1937. He was well-known for his unique boxing style which involved a lot of footwork and surprise attacks.
Resko was highly respected in the boxing world and was a four-time Finnish champion, having won titles in 1927, 1929, 1934 and 1937. His legacy still lives on today, and he is remembered as a great boxer who had a remarkable career.
24. Olavi Ouvinen
Olavi Ouvinen was a professional Finnish boxer. He had a long, successful career in the ring and was a part of the Finnish boxing team at the 1948 Summer Olympics. He competed in the bantamweight event, which is a weight class for boxers who weigh between 119 and 122 pounds.
At the Olympics, he went up against some of the best boxers in the world. Unfortunately, he did not win a medal and was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Despite not winning a medal at the Olympics, Olavi Ouvinen’s legacy lives on.
He was a talented and respected boxer who had a long, successful career. He was an inspiration to many aspiring boxers in Finland and around the world. His efforts and commitment to the sport have left a lasting impression on the boxing community.
25. Lasse Friman
Lasse Friman was a Finnish boxer who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics. He competed in the light welterweight event, which is a weight class of boxing for fighters between 140 and 147 pounds.
Friman was one of Finland’s most beloved boxers and was well-known among the Finns. He made his international debut at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, although he did not win any medals.
In 1975, he won the gold medal at the World Amateur Boxing Championships in Havana, Cuba. This achievement earned him a spot in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada. At the Olympics, Friman competed against some of the world’s best boxers in the light welterweight event.
He managed to reach the quarterfinal round, where he was defeated by the eventual gold medalist, Cuban boxer Arnaldo Mesa.
Friman still managed to earn a bronze medal, which is an impressive feat considering the level of competition. Friman’s Olympic success was a major milestone in his career, and he was considered to be one of Finland’s greatest boxers.
He was inducted into the Finnish Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 and is still remembered fondly by fans of the sport.
26. Hannu Vuorinen
Hannu Sakari Vuorinen was a Finnish professional boxer who had a successful career from 1988 to 1990. He started his boxing career as an amateur and had the honour of representing Finland at the 1984 Summer Olympics in the men’s light welterweight event.
His hard work and dedication paid off as he won a gold medal at the 1984 Nordic Championships. Vuorinen was an outstanding boxer who was able to make a name for himself in the boxing world and inspire many of his fellow Finns.
He was a respected boxer who showed a great deal of determination and dedication to the sport of boxing. His achievements will forever be remembered as an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
27. Pentti Saarman
Pentti Saarman was an accomplished Finnish athlete and boxer. He represented his country in the 1972 Summer Olympics in the men’s light welterweight event.
This was a significant achievement, as it gave him the opportunity to compete with some of the world’s best athletes from all over the world. Saarman was a highly respected athlete in the boxing world and a celebrated figure in his home country of Finland.
He was known for his hard work ethic and determination to succeed. Saarman’s career was a successful one, as he won several championships throughout his time as a boxer.
He was a three-time European Champion in the light welterweight division, and he also participated in the 1972 Summer Olympics. This was an incredible achievement, as it enabled him to compete against athletes from all over the world.
Saarman was certainly a highly successful boxer, and he will be remembered for his accomplishments in the sport for many years to come.
28. Hannu Kaislama
Hannu Juhani Olavi Kaislama is a retired male boxer from Finland. He was chosen to represent Finland at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Soviet Union. Kaislama competed in the men’s featherweight division, which is a weight class for boxers under 57 kg.
Unfortunately, he was eliminated in the first round of the competition, losing to East Germany’s Rudi Fink. Fink went on to claim the gold medal in this division. Kaislama’s defeat marked the end of his Olympic career, as he retired shortly afterward.
Despite this, he remains an important figure in Finnish boxing, having achieved a great deal of success in his home country.
29. Väinö Järvenpää
Väinö Järvenpää was a talented Finnish athlete who specialized in boxing. He had a successful career, competing in various tournaments and competitions throughout his life.
His biggest accomplishment came in 1960 when he represented Finland in the men’s lightweight event at the 1960 Summer Olympics. He was one of the first Finnish boxers to compete in the Olympics, and he fought with honor and courage.
Despite not winning a medal, he was still an inspiration to many young boxers in his country. His legacy continues to live on today, with many aspiring boxers looking up to him as a role model.
30. Jorma Taipale
Jorma Taipale was a Finnish boxer who competed in the men’s middleweight event at the 1976 Summer Olympics. He was one of the few Finnish athletes to make it to the Olympics that year.
Unfortunately, his Olympic journey ended in the first round, as he was defeated by Rufat Riskiyev, a Soviet Union boxer. Despite the loss, Jorma has been remembered as a legendary Finnish boxer, and his participation in the 1976 Olympics is seen as a major accomplishment.
He has since been an inspiration for many other Finnish athletes, and his legacy continues to live on.
31. Olli Mäki
Olli Johan Oskari Mäki was a Finnish boxer who made a name for himself in the boxing world. As an amateur, he was successful in the lightweight division, winning the European lightweight title in 1959 and taking second place in 1957.
Despite his promising amateur career, he was dropped from the 1960 Olympic team, leading him to turn professional. He went on to have a successful professional boxing career, with 28 victories, 14 losses, and 8 draws spanning from 1960 to 1973.
Throughout his career, Mäki was highly respected for his skill and technique as a boxer, making him one of the most successful athletes in Finland.
32. Eino Forsström
Eino Vilho Forsström was a remarkable Finnish gymnast who made an impact on the Olympic Games. At the 1908 and 1912 Summer Olympics, he won two medals for his country, while representing the Katajaiset club.
His impressive performance in the Games was further solidified when he became the Finnish national champion in team gymnastics for the Ylioppilasvoimistelijat club in 1909.
This was a remarkable achievement, and it showed that Eino Vilho Forsström was a dedicated and driven athlete who consistently pushed himself to higher levels of excellence.
He was a great example of the impact an individual can have in an international arena, and his success continues to inspire athletes today.
33. Viktor Smeds
Viktor Reinhold Smeds was a renowned Finnish sports leader and accomplished boxer. He was a highly decorated athlete, achieving particular success in the field of gymnastics.
In particular, Smeds won an Olympic bronze medal in the sport, a significant accomplishment that is indicative of his skill and dedication. Smeds was born in Finland and went on to make a name for himself in the sporting world.
As a boxer, he was well-known for his impressive technique and strength. His career saw him compete in several tournaments, where he was often the victor.
In addition to his boxing career, Smeds was also an active sports leader in Finland, taking on roles in various organizations and committees. Smeds was a hard-working athlete who dedicated himself to achieving success in his chosen fields.
He was an inspiration to those around him, demonstrating what could be achieved through dedication and hard work. His Olympic bronze medal was a testament to his commitment to excellence, and it is something that he will be remembered for in the future.
Conclusion
The best boxers in Finland are highly talented and skillful. They have achieved great success in the sport and have gained recognition both locally and internationally.
Their commitment to the sport and dedication to improving their skills has made them some of the best boxers in the world. They have also inspired many aspiring Finnish boxers to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.
