The Netherlands is renowned for its rich history of boxing talent, with some of the most acclaimed boxers in the world hailing from this small European country.
From the legendary heavyweight champion, Max Schmeling, to the current featherweight champion, Gary Russell Jr., the Netherlands has produced some of the finest boxers in the history of the sport.
The country is also renowned for its formidable amateur boxing program, which has produced numerous Olympic medalists. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best boxing players in the Netherlands, and the amazing accomplishments they have achieved.
1. Bep van Klaveren
Lambertus “Bep” van Klaveren was a Dutch boxer who made history during the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. He won the gold medal in the featherweight division, making him the only Dutch boxer to ever achieve this feat.
This victory was especially memorable for the van Klaveren family, as his younger brother Piet also competed as a boxer at the 1952 Summer Olympics. Bep’s achievement has since been celebrated in the Netherlands, and his legacy continues to inspire athletes to this day.
2. Raymond Joval
Raymond “Hallelujah” Joval is a Dutch professional boxer who has achieved a great deal of success in his career. He held the International Boxing Organization middleweight title from 2000 to 2004, and again from 2005 to 2006.
This championship is a very prestigious title and shows just how talented Joval is. Joval also had the privilege of representing the Netherlands at the 1992 Olympics. During this time, he was able to defeat Likou Aliu of Western Samoa in his first match.
Unfortunately, he was then eliminated from the Olympics by Ahmed Dine of Algeria. Despite this, Joval’s success in the boxing world is undeniable and speaks to his prowess in the ring.
3. Pedro van Raamsdonk
Pedro Johannes van Raamsdonk is a retired boxer from the Netherlands who had the opportunity to compete in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. Representing his native country, he entered the middleweight division, where he made it to the quarterfinals.
Unfortunately, his Olympic journey was cut short by Arístides González of Puerto Rico, who eventually won a bronze medal in the competition.
Despite not making it to the medal rounds, van Raamsdonk’s Olympic experience was an important milestone in his career, demonstrating his skill and determination as a boxer.
The experience also served to bolster his status as a professional athlete and to inspire other athletes from the Netherlands.
4. Regilio Tuur
Regilio Benito Tuur is a former Dutch boxer who had a very successful career. He was the World Boxing Organization’s super featherweight champion and made a name for himself through his impressive accomplishments.
Before turning professional and winning the world title, Tuur had an incredible showing at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. He was able to knock out the reigning world champion Kelcie Banks in the first round, which made a statement that Tuur was a force to be reckoned with.
After the Olympics, Tuur decided to turn professional and continued to show his skill in the professional ranks. He achieved great success, culminating in a victory over the WBO super featherweight champion, where he became the champion himself.
Tuur’s career is an example of how hard work and dedication can lead to great success, even when coming from a small country like the Netherlands.
5. Orhan Delibaș
Orhan Delibaş is a retired Turkish-born Dutch boxer who enjoyed a very successful career. He won the Light Middleweight Silver medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics, an impressive achievement that cemented his place in the boxing world.
One year after his Olympic success, he continued his winning streak by capturing the silver medal at the 1993 European Amateur Boxing Championships in Bursa, Turkey.
This was a remarkable feat, considering it was held in his home country. As a professional boxer, Delibaş had an impressive record of 25-2, a sign of his dedication to the sport.
He was a true champion in the ring, and his success at the Olympics and the European Championships prove that he was one of the greats.
His legacy in the boxing world will live on forever, and he will always be remembered as one of the most successful Turkish-born Dutch boxers in history.
6. Arnold Vanderlyde
Arnold Petrus Maria Vanderlyde is an impressive figure in the world of boxing. He is a former amateur boxer from the Netherlands who achieved remarkable success in his career. He participated in three Summer Olympics and won three bronze medals in the heavyweight division.
At just 15 years old, Vanderlyde began his boxing career. His hard work and dedication paid off as he became a three-time European champion and seven-time Dutch champion.
Despite his successes in the amateur world, Vanderlyde never chose to turn professional, proof of his commitment to the sport and respect for the amateur boxing world.
Vanderlyde’s accomplishments are truly remarkable, and he is a shining example of someone who was dedicated to achieving success in the sport of boxing. His commitment to the sport and to the amateur world is something to be admired and respected.
7. Lucia Rijker
Lucia Frederica Rijker is an acclaimed and respected figure in the world of combat sports. She is a Dutch professional boxer, kickboxer, and actress with a long and successful career marked by several world titles.
Rijker is a formidable competitor who has established a formidable track record in both boxing and kickboxing.
Her skill and prowess in the ring has earned her many fans and admirers around the world, leading to her being nicknamed by the press as “The Most Dangerous Woman in the World”.
Rijker has been an inspiration to many, showing that women can compete at the highest level in combat sports. Her success has been a beacon of hope for generations of female athletes in combat sports, and her legacy will continue to inspire for many years to come.
8. Karel Miljon
Karel Leendert Miljon was a Dutch boxer, who achieved a great accomplishment in 1928. He achieved a bronze medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam.
It was an incredible feat for Miljon, as he was able to compete against some of the best boxers in the world and come out with a medal. Miljon was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in 1908.
He began his boxing career at an early age, and by 1928 had already achieved success in the amateur leagues. His hard work and dedication paid off when he was selected to represent the Netherlands at the 1928 Summer Olympics.
Competing against some of the world’s best boxers in the light heavyweight division, Miljon was able to secure the bronze medal. This was a great achievement for Miljon, and it is still celebrated today.
He was the first Dutch boxer to win a medal in the Olympics, and his success inspired many other Dutch boxers to pursue their dreams. Karel Leendert Miljon was a true champion in every sense of the word.
He fought hard and with determination, and his victory at the 1928 Summer Olympics was a testament to this. His legacy still lives on today, as he is remembered as one of the best Dutch boxers of all time.
9. Jerry Nijman
Jerry Hendrik Marius Nijman is a retired boxer who was born in Suriname, a country in South America. He represented The Netherlands at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, in the super heavyweight division.
Unfortunately, he was eliminated in the second round by Germany’s Wilhelm Fischer. Nijman began boxing as a young man in his home country of Suriname, and it was there that he developed a passion for the sport.
He went on to compete in international boxing events, including the Olympics, but ultimately he was unable to bring home a medal. Despite this, he is still remembered in his home country of Suriname for his contribution to the sport.
Nijman is a revered and respected figure in the Netherlands. He served as an inspiration for many aspiring athletes and helped put the Netherlands on the boxing world stage. His legacy continues to live on in the Dutch boxing community.
Nijman’s career was cut short in 1992, when he was eliminated by Germany’s Wilhelm Fischer in the second round of the super heavyweight division at the Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Despite being eliminated, Nijman’s achievements in the sport will always be remembered.
He is a symbol of perseverance and determination, and an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
10. Leen Jansen
Leonardus Eustachius Jansen was a boxer from the Netherlands who competed at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. At the Olympics, Jansen was competing in the Middleweight division.
His path to the medal rounds was cut short when he was stopped in the quarterfinals by Floyd Patterson of the United States. Patterson would go on to win the gold medal in the division. Jansen’s performance in the Olympics was a testament to his skill and dedication to his craft.
He was able to rise to the challenge of competing against the world’s best boxers, and he was able to make it to the quarterfinals before being stopped by the eventual champion. Despite the setback, Jansen’s performance was impressive and demonstrated his immense talent.
11. Sam Olij
Simon Paulus Olij was a Dutch heavyweight boxer who participated in the 1928 Summer Olympics. He was highly successful in his boxing career and was admired by many. However, during World War II, Olij made the controversial decision to collaborate with the Nazi regime.
This decision resulted in his sentence to death, although he was later reprieved and instead served a seven year prison sentence. Olij’s decision to collaborate with the Nazis was met with shock and disapproval from those who had previously admired him.
It was seen as a betrayal of his Dutch heritage and of those who had supported and encouraged him in his boxing career. Olij’s sentence to death was seen as a fitting punishment for one who had committed treason against his own people.
Nevertheless, his sentence was ultimately lessened to seven years in prison, which allowed Olij to eventually return to his home country and attempt to rebuild his life.
In spite of his controversial decision to collaborate with the Nazis, Olij’s boxing career is remembered fondly. He was a talented athlete who achieved great success at the 1928 Summer Olympics.
Although his wartime actions are widely condemned, his name is still remembered and will be remembered by many for years to come.
12. Ben Bril
Barend “Ben” Bril was a Dutch boxer of renown who competed in the 1928 Amsterdam Summer Olympics in flyweight boxing.
His career was not limited to athletes, as he also became an accomplished European boxing referee and judge in the 1960s. Bril’s career in the boxing world began in 1928 when he participated in the Amsterdam Summer Olympics.
It was here that he competed in flyweight boxing, a weight class that requires competitors to weigh no more than 112 pounds.
Although his performance in the Olympics is not well-documented, it is clear that he was a talented athlete. In the 1960s, Bril’s career shifted from athlete to referee and judge. He established a reputation as an excellent judge and referee in the European boxing circuit.
He was known for his fairness and impartiality and was respected by both fighters and fans alike. He was also noted for his ability to make quick and accurate decisions in the ring. Bril is remembered as a boxing icon in the Netherlands, and his legacy lives on.
His accomplishments as an athlete, referee, and judge demonstrate his dedication to the sport, and his influence in the European boxing scene cannot be overstated.
His name continues to be remembered and respected by those in the boxing world, and his impact is still felt today.
13. Johannes Heuckelbach
Johannes Hendricus Heuckelbach was a Dutch boxer who competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics. Heuckelbach was one of the competitors in the welterweight class, a weight division for boxers between 147 and 154 pounds.
In the first round of the competition, Heuckelbach faced Ivan Schannong of Denmark. Unfortunately, Heuckelbach was unable to defeat Schannong and was eliminated from the competition.
The 1920 Summer Olympics was the first time in history that boxers competed in the Olympic Games, and, while Heuckelbach was unsuccessful in his match, it was a memorable experience for him.
Heuckelbach’s loss to Schannong of Denmark was a disappointment, but it was not the end of his career. He continued to box in the years after the Olympics, eventually becoming a successful professional boxer.
Heuckelbach’s Olympic journey may have been brief, but it was still an important part of his career and a testament to his dedication to the sport.
14. Hein van der Zee
Hendrik van der Zee was a professional boxer from the Netherlands. He was selected to represent the Netherlands in the 1952 Summer Olympics held in Helsinki, Finland. During the Olympics, van der Zee was entered into the Men’s Flyweight division.
Unfortunately, he suffered a first-round defeat at the hands of Anatoli Bulakov, a boxer from the Soviet Union. This was a disappointing result for van der Zee, as he was hoping to bring home a medal for his native country.
However, he still had the honor of representing the Netherlands in the Olympics. Despite the early exit, van der Zee’s participation in the 1952 Summer Olympics was a memorable experience for him and his people.
15. Toon Pastor
Antonius Franciscus “Toon” Pastor was a boxer from the Netherlands who had the opportunity to compete in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.
He was born in Amsterdam and was one of the many athletes who had the honor of representing the Netherlands at the prestigious event. In the light heavyweight division, Pastor faced off against Karl Kistner of Germany in the second round of the tournament.
Although Pastor gave it his all in the fight, he lost on points to Kistner. Despite the loss, Pastor will always be remembered as a Dutch athlete who was proud to have competed in the Olympics.
16. Wim Fock
Willem “Wim” Frederik Fock was a Dutch boxer who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics. He was a light heavyweight class contestant and was considered a top contender for the gold medal.
He started the competition well by defeating the Chinese boxer Wang Yunlan on points in the first round. Unfortunately, his Olympic dreams were dashed in the second round when he lost his fight to Børge Holm and was eliminated from the competition.
Fock was a highly respected athlete and was considered to be one of the best light-heavyweight boxers of his time. He had a successful career, winning various titles and tournaments throughout his career.
Despite his loss at the 1936 Olympics, he was still considered a highly successful boxer and an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.
17. Arij Smit
Arij Smit was a Dutch boxer who had a remarkable career. He was born in Schiedam and died in Haarlem. During his career, Arij Smit participated in the 1924 Summer Olympics.
In this event, his performance was outstanding and he managed to reach the second round of the bantamweight class. Unfortunately, his dreams of advancing further were thwarted by Alf Barber of Great Britain, who managed to defeat him in the second round.
This marked the end of Arij Smit’s Olympic journey. Despite this setback, Arij Smit was still highly respected for his boxing skills, and his legacy lives on to this day.
18. Ab van Bemmel
Albertus “Ab” Marinus Christiaan van Bemmel was a Dutch professional boxer who was born and died in Rotterdam. He competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics but was unfortunately eliminated in the first round of the heavyweight class after losing his fight to Anthony Stuart.
Ab Marinus was a well-known boxer in the Netherlands prior to his Olympic appearance in 1936. He had a successful career in the ring and was highly respected by his peers. His talent and skill for boxing was evident and he was considered to be a top-notch athlete.
Unfortunately, his Olympic dream was not realized. In the first round of the heavyweight class, he faced Anthony Stuart, an English boxer who was the reigning British Empire heavyweight champion at the time. Marinus put up a valiant effort, but in the end was defeated by Stuart.
Despite the defeat, Albertus “Ab” Marinus Christiaan van Bemmel will forever be remembered as a Dutch boxing legend. He was an inspiration to many young boxers who looked up to him for his courage and determination.
He will always be remembered for his dedication to the sport and for his spirit of competition.
19. Huub Huizenaar
Hubertus “Huub” Cornelis Marinus Baargarst was a Dutch boxer who participated in the 1924 Summer Olympics. Born in Rotterdam, he was the first Dutch boxer to make it to the Olympics. He sadly died in Eindhoven in an unknown year.
At the 1924 Summer Olympics, Hubertus was eliminated in the first round of the lightweight class after losing his fight to Charles Sinclair.
He was not able to progress any further due to the loss and thus was not able to make it to the finals. Nevertheless, Hubertus remains an important figure in Dutch sports history.
He was the first Dutch boxer to ever make it to the Olympics, and for that, he should be remembered. His legacy still lives on today, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars and strive to achieve their dreams.
20. Miguel Dias
Miguel Brito dos Reis Dias is a retired boxer from The Netherlands who was born on the island nation of Cape Verde. He was a successful boxer in his home country and was selected to represent The Netherlands at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
During the bantamweight division, Dias was eliminated after the first round, by Riadh Klai of Tunisia. Despite his loss in the Olympics, Dias had a successful career in the Netherlands and is still well-respected for his achievements.
He is an example of someone who has achieved success despite the odds, and he is an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
21. Moos Linneman
Nicolaas Linneman was a boxer from the Netherlands who had the opportunity to compete in two consecutive Summer Olympics for his home country. In London in 1948, he was among the competitors in the Men’s Welterweight division.
Four years later, he returned to the Summer Olympics, this time in Helsinki, and made it to the quarterfinals of the same division. Unfortunately, his run was stopped by Günther Heidemann of Germany.
Nevertheless, this was a remarkable accomplishment for Linneman and a great honor for the Netherlands. He had proven himself as a talented athlete, and his performance at the Olympics showed that he was a formidable competitor in the Welterweight division.
Linneman’s career in boxing was impressive, and his Olympic appearances will always be remembered.
22. Herman Nak
Hermanus “Herman” Nak was a Dutch boxer who competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics. He was a lightweight class competitor, meaning he was smaller than the other boxers in the weight class.
Despite this, he had a long career as a boxer and was considered a good middleweight boxer. At the 1920 Summer Olympics, Herman competed in the lightweight class. He was eliminated in the first round after losing to Frederick Grace.
Despite his loss, his participation in the Olympics was an accomplishment that many aspiring athletes dream of. It was a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport of boxing. Herman’s loss at the 1920 Summer Olympics was not indicative of his overall career.
He had a long and successful career as a boxer. He competed in numerous bouts and won many of them.
He was known as a technical boxer, meaning he was good at using his experience and physical ability to outwit his opponents. Despite the fact that Herman did not win in the 1920 Summer Olympics, he was still respected amongst his peers.
He was considered a successful boxer and was respected for his technical abilities. He was an example of dedication and hard work to many aspiring athletes.
23. Frans de Moor
Johannes Frans de Moor was a Dutch boxer who represented the Netherlands in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. He competed in the bantamweight class, which is for boxers weighing between 54 and 57 kilograms.
Unfortunately, he was eliminated in the first round after losing his fight to Alfredo Petrone of Uruguay. The fight was a close one, but Petrone was able to edge out a victory and move on to the next round.
This was a disappointing end to De Moor’s Olympic career, as he had hoped to make it further. However, he will always be remembered as one of the first Dutch Olympians to compete in the modern Olympics.
24. Richel Hersisia
Richel Hersisia is a Dutch former professional boxer who had a successful career spanning from 2001 to 2009. He earned the nickname “The Dutch Sonny Liston” from his fans due to his powerful style of boxing.
During his career, Richel Hersisia was able to claim a prestigious title – the World Boxing Foundation Heavyweight title. Unfortunately, this title was short-lived since he was defeated by Audley Harrison via fourth-round knockout on March 20, 2004 at Wembley Arena in London.
This loss marked the end of Hersisia’s reign as the WBF Heavyweight Champion, but he will always remain a fan favorite due to his powerful, aggressive style of boxing.
25. Piet van Klaveren
Pieter van Klaveren was a boxer from the Netherlands who had the opportunity to represent his country at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. He was competing in the Men’s Light Welterweight division and was determined to make his country proud.
Unfortunately, his Olympic dreams were cut short when he was stopped in the quarterfinals by the Irish boxer Terence Milligan.
Despite the setback, Van Klaveren’s participation in the Olympics was a testament to his dedication and skill as a boxer, and his performance is an inspiration to future generations of Dutch athletes.
26. Jan van Ispelen
Jan van Ispelen is an accomplished athlete who had a successful career in boxing. He was born in Germany but represented the Netherlands in the 1968 Summer Olympics.
At the Olympics, he competed in the men’s middleweight division, but unfortunately he was eliminated in the second round of the competition by his opponent from Yugoslavia, Mate Parlov. Throughout his career, Jan van Ispelen earned the respect of his peers and was known for his strong work ethic and determination.
He trained hard and was an important part of the Dutch boxing team. His passion for the sport was undeniable and he was determined to do his best in the Olympics. Unfortunately, his Olympic dream was cut short when he lost to Parlov in the second round.
Despite this setback, Jan van Ispelen’s legacy as a boxer still lives on. He is remembered for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to representing the Netherlands at the Olympics.
He is a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes who strive to achieve success and honor their countries.
27. David Baan
David Baan was a talented fighter from the Netherlands who had the honor of representing his home country at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam when he was just 19 years old. He was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands and later died in Sydney, Australia.
Baan achieved success in the boxing events of the Olympics, winning his very first round on 7 August 1928. This round was won by knockout, showcasing Baan’s impressive skill and strength as a lightweight boxer.
His victory in the first round of the Olympics was no small feat and proved that Baan was a formidable competitor.
Despite the fact that he did not go on to win any more rounds in the Olympics, his first round knockout victory was a great accomplishment and speaks to his talent and dedication to the sport.
28. James Vrij
James Vrij was a professional welterweight boxer from the Netherlands. He was selected to represent his country at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany.
During the men’s welterweight division, he made it to the second round but was eliminated by János Kajdi from Hungary, who went on to win the silver medal. This was a great achievement for Vrij, who was able to make it to the second round of an Olympic competition.
James Vrij had a successful career in boxing and represented the Netherlands with pride. He was a great athlete who fought with resilience and determination. He was an inspiration to many young boxers, showing that hard work and dedication can go a long way.
After his retirement, James Vrij continued to inspire others and is still remembered as one of the best welterweight boxers to ever come from the Netherlands.
29. Ko Janssens
Jacobus Cornelius “Ko” Janssens was a Dutch boxer who made an appearance in the 1920 Summer Olympics. He was a lightweight boxer, competing in a class for those who weighed between 135-137lbs.
Despite his best efforts, Janssens was eliminated in the first round of the Olympic tournament, as he lost his fight to Frank Cassidy. This was a crushing blow to Janssens, who had dedicated significant time and effort into training for the Olympics.
Despite the disappointing result, Janssens was a successful boxer in his own right, having achieved a number of victories in his home country. He was also an inspiration for other Dutch athletes, as he paved the way for them to compete in the Olympics.
The legacy of Janssens will remain with the Dutch boxing community for many years to come.
30. Jan Dam
Johannes “Jan” Dam was a Dutch boxer born and raised in Rotterdam. He competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics, where he was eliminated in the second round of the welterweight class. His loss in the Olympics came at the hands of Roy Ingram, an English boxer.
Dam was a talented boxer, but unfortunately he was unable to make it past the second round of the Olympics. This marked the end of his boxing career. Despite his early exit from the Olympics, Dam left a lasting legacy in the boxing world.
His technique and skill were admired by many, and he was seen as a highly respected boxer. His dedication and commitment to the sport of boxing was evident in his performances, and he was an inspiration to many aspiring boxers. Sadly, Jan Dam passed away in Rotterdam in 1951.
His legacy lives on, however, as a reminder of the importance of dedication and commitment to achieving success. He was a role model to many and an example of what it takes to be a successful athlete.
31. Alex Blanchard
Alex Blanchard is a retired Dutch professional boxer who had a long and successful career spanning from 1979 to 1991.
He was most successful during the mid-1980s, when he was rated as the world’s second best light heavyweight boxer by the World Boxing Council (WBC) between 1985 and 1987.
Blanchard was known for his technical style of boxing, which allowed him to out-think and out-maneuver his opponents. He was a highly respected and admired figure in the boxing world, being praised for his commitment and determination to succeed.
Blanchard’s career ended in 1991, but his legacy in the sport will live on forever.
32. Rudy Koopmans
Rudy Koopmans is a retired Dutch professional boxer who had a successful career between 1972 and 1984. In March 1979, he achieved a major milestone in his boxing career when he won the European light heavyweight title in the seventh round against Aldo Traversaro.
For the next five years, Koopmans defended his title ten times, an impressive achievement, until he finally lost it to Richard Caramanolis in February 1984. This marked the end of Koopmans’ successful boxing career, as he decided to retire after this loss.
His impressive record of defending the title for five years is a testament to his boxing abilities and strength. Koopmans is remembered as one of the most successful Dutch professional boxers in history.
33. Rudi Lubbers
Rudolfus Josefus Maria “Rudie” Lubbers was a Dutch boxer who competed in the 1964 and 1968 Summer Olympics. He competed in two different weight categories; light-heavyweight in 1964, and heavyweight in 1968.
He achieved ninth place in the 1964 Olympics as a light-heavyweight and fifth place in the 1968 Olympics as a heavyweight. In addition to his Olympic success, Lubbers also achieved several national titles. He won six light-heavyweight titles and two heavyweight titles.
This shows his impressive level of skill in both weight categories. Lubbers was a highly accomplished boxer during his career, and his success in the Olympics and national competitions is a testament to his skill.
He is now a retired boxer, but his athletic achievements are not forgotten.
34. Nouchka Fontijn
Nouchka Fontijn is a retired Dutch boxer who achieved great success during her career. She is the current European champion in the women’s middleweight class, which consists of boxers who weigh up to 75 kilograms.
She won the gold medal in this weight class for both the European Games in 2015 and the European Championships in 2014.
This was a great accomplishment for Fontijn, as she not only won the gold medal twice, but she also did so in two different competitions in two consecutive years. This impressive feat makes her one of the most decorated athletes in her field.
Her success is a testament to her dedication and hard work, and she will likely be remembered as one of the greatest European boxers of all time.
35. Ramon Dekkers
Ramon Dekkers was an iconic figure in the world of kickboxing and Muay Thai. He was a world champion in both disciplines, and his eight Muay Thai titles speak to his extraordinary accomplishments in the sport.
His fighting style was aggressive and fast-paced, and he quickly earned the admiration of fight fans around the world. But what made Dekker stand out from other fighters was his willingness to fight against the Thai champions on their home turf.
He was one of the few fighters who was willing to take the risk of traveling abroad to take on the best fighters in the sport. This earned him immense respect, and it further cemented his place in the hall of fame of kickboxing and Muay Thai.
36. Peter Aerts
Peter Aerts is a legendary kickboxer from the Netherlands. He is known for his impressive and powerful high kicks, which have earned him the nickname “The Dutch Lumberjack”.
Aerts has a long and distinguished career that has earned him the distinction of being one of the greatest heavyweight kickboxers of all time. Aerts was born in Eindhoven, Netherlands where he began training in Taekwondo at the age of fourteen.
He quickly developed a passion for the sport and soon began competing in various tournaments. After a few years of competition, Aerts decided to take his career to the next level by focusing on kickboxing.
He quickly rose to the top of the kickboxing world, becoming one of the greatest kickboxers of his time. Throughout his long career, Aerts has won countless championships and awards, including three K-1 World Grand Prix titles, multiple world titles, and the prestigious title of “Fighter of the Year” in 1997.
He has fought in some of the most iconic kickboxing matches of all time, and his impressive skill and technique have earned him a reputation as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time. Peter Aerts is an incredible athlete who has made an indelible mark on the world of kickboxing.
His impressive skills and technique have earned him the nickname of “The Dutch Lumberjack”, and his legacy will continue to live on for years to come.
37. Ernesto Hoost
Ernesto Frits Hoost is a legendary figure in the world of kickboxing. He is a former Dutch professional kickboxer who achieved incredible success in his career.
His accomplishments earned him the title of four-time K-1 World Champion, making him one of the most decorated and respected athletes in the sport.
His impressive career has rightfully earned him the distinction of being regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time. Hoost’s career began in 1984 when he competed in the World Muay Thai Championships and won his first title.
Over the course of his illustrious career, he won a total of twenty-one world titles in various weight classes. He was particularly successful in the K-1 World Grand Prix, becoming the four-time K-1 Grand Prix Champion.
He was also named the K-1 World Grand Prix Most Valuable Player twice and is the only kickboxer to have won the Grand Prix four times. Despite having retired in 2012, Hoost’s legacy still remains.
His skill and dedication to the sport has made him a beloved figure in the world of kickboxing. He has inspired many other athletes to take up the sport and strive for greatness.
His legacy as a four-time K-1 World Champion and one of the greatest kickboxers of all time will continue to live on.
38. Badr Hari
Badr Hari is a renowned kickboxer who has achieved tremendous success in his career. He is a Moroccan-Dutch athlete who has won several championships and accolades.
He is a former K-1 Heavyweight World Champion, It’s Showtime Heavyweight World Champion and K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 and 2009 finalist. He has also been a part of some of the biggest K-1 events in the world.
His achievements have earned him the reputation of being one of the greatest kickboxers of all time. He has been consistently ranked amongst the top kickboxers in the world and his accolades speak for themselves.
With his impressive list of accomplishments, it is not surprising that Badr Hari is widely considered one of the greatest kickboxers of all time.
39. Chelsey Heijnen
Chelsey Heijnen is a Dutch amateur boxer who has achieved a great feat in the world of boxing. She recently won a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships, showcasing her amazing talent and determination for the sport.
Born in the Netherlands, Heijnen had a passion for boxing since she was young. She began training at the age of 11 and worked hard to perfect her craft. She was determined to make a name for herself in the world of boxing and her dedication paid off.
Heijnen’s hard work and dedication led her to great success in the boxing world. She has held multiple titles in her home country and has competed in numerous international tournaments, including the 2022 World Championships.
At the tournament, she made history by becoming the first Dutch female boxer to win a bronze medal. With her success at the World Championships, Heijnen has become an inspiration to young boxers everywhere. She is proof that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Her story is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance, and her success serves as a motivator for aspiring boxers.
40. Tyrone Spong
Tyrone Clinton Spong is a highly successful athlete, having achieved accolades across three different sports. He is a Surinamese-Dutch professional boxer, mixed martial artist, and former kickboxer.
In his boxing career, he won two titles in 2018, the WBC and WBO Latino heavyweight titles. As a kickboxer, his accomplishments are even more impressive. He is the former WFCA cruiserweight champion, Glory 95kg Slam Champion, and It’s Showtime 95MAX World champion.
His impressive record across multiple disciplines speaks to his skill as an athlete and his ability to consistently perform at a high level.
41. Andy Souwer
Andy Souwer is a renowned martial artist from the Netherlands. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful kickboxers of all time, having won two K-1 World MAX championships and four Shootboxing World tournaments.
He was also the former It’s Showtime 70MAX world champion.
Souwer is currently fighting out of Mejiro Gym in Amsterdam, where he has trained since his early days in the sport. He is considered to be one of the best welterweight kickboxers in the world, having won many prestigious tournaments and titles.
He has also competed in mixed martial arts, although his primary focus is kickboxing. Souwer is known for his fast-paced, aggressive style and his relentless pursuit of victory.
He has proven to be a formidable opponent for any fighter in the ring. Andy Souwer’s impressive career in the martial arts has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the K-1 World MAX champion and four-time Shootboxing World tournament champion.
His talent and dedication to the sport have made him a legend in his own right. He will continue to be a source of inspiration for aspiring martial artists for years to come.
42. Remy Bonjasky
Remy Kenneth Bonjasky is a legendary kickboxer who is widely considered to be one of the best of all time. Born in Suriname, but later moving to the Netherlands, he began his kickboxing career at the age of 17 and quickly rose to fame.
He won the K-1 World Grand Prix heavyweight title three times in his career – 2003, 2004, and 2008. Throughout his career, he participated in numerous tournaments and recorded an impressive record of 75 wins, 32 losses, and 1 draw.
His success in the ring earned him the nickname “the Flying Gentleman” for his spectacular aerial techniques. Bonjasky is also remembered for his fierce rivalry with Badr Hari, which helped to propel the sport of kickboxing into the mainstream.
After retiring in 2013, Bonjasky was inducted into the International Kickboxing Federation Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time.
43. Alistair Overeem
Alistair Cees Overeem is a retired professional mixed martial artist and kickboxer from the Netherlands. He had a long and successful career in the sport of MMA, competing in the heavyweight division.
He was a former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion, Dream Interim Heavyweight Champion and K-1 World Grand Prix Champion. He also held the record for most heavyweight title defenses in the history of the sport.
After retiring from MMA, Overeem has continued his fighting career in the kickboxing promotion, Glory, competing in the heavyweight division.
He has been successful in this venture, becoming the Glory Heavyweight Champion and making his mark as one of the top heavyweights in the world. Overeem is now retired from both MMA and kickboxing, but his legacy will remain in the history of the sport.
44. Rob Kaman
Rob “The Dutchman” Kaman is a renowned athlete who made a name for himself in the world of kickboxing and Muay Thai. He is a retired nine-time world champion and is widely regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time.
He is widely respected for his impressive fighting style and has earned himself the nickname “Mr. Low Kick” due to his feared low kicks which he used to set up his formidable offensive attacks.
Kaman has also established himself as a successful trainer and coach, having trained many world-class kickboxers and fighters for nearly four decades. He is also a highly regarded commentator and ambassador for the sport of kickboxing and Muay Thai.
Kaman’s legacy in the sport will be remembered for many years to come.
45. Jason Wilnis
Jason Wilnis is a Dutch professional mixed martial artist and former kickboxer who hails from Surinamese descent. He is currently competing in the Middleweight division. Wilnis is a former It’s Showtime 85MAX champion and Glory Middleweight Champion.
His achievements demonstrate his capabilities as a fighter and make him a force to be reckoned with in the world of mixed martial arts. Wilnis has an impressive record in kickboxing, having won the It’s Showtime 85MAX championship in 2014.
This championship was for fighters in the 85kg weight division. He also won the Glory Middleweight Championship, which was held in 2015.
His success in kickboxing has led him to take his fighting career to the next level and pursue mixed martial arts. In mixed martial arts, Wilnis has competed in various promotions, including the Dutch promotion Final Fight Championship.
He has also fought in the American promotion Bellator MMA, where he has faced some of the top fighters in the world.
Wilnis has proven himself as an all-around fighter, showcasing his talent in both striking and grappling. Overall, Jason Wilnis is a formidable fighter who has earned the respect of fans and fighters alike.
His impressive record in both kickboxing and mixed martial arts speaks for itself, and he is a force to be reckoned with in the Middleweight division. With his hard work and dedication to the sport, Wilnis is sure to continue achieving success in the years to come.
Conclusion
The Netherlands has a long and proud history of boxing, with some of the best fighters in the world hailing from this small European country.
From the legendary heavyweights such as Corrie Sanders and Johnny du Plooy to the modern day stars such as Nieky Holzken and Gevorg Khatchikian, the Netherlands has demonstrated its ability to produce elite level boxers.
With so many great champions, it is no wonder why the Netherlands is considered to be one of the best countries in the world for boxing.
