Russia has long been known for producing some of the world’s best boxing talent. From heavyweight champions like Nikolai Valuev to middleweight champions like Gennady Golovkin, Russian fighters have proven to be some of the most formidable and successful in the sport.
We’ll take a look at some of the most legendary boxers to come out of Russia and explore what makes them so successful.
1. Artur Beterbiev
Artur Asilbekovich Beterbiev is a highly accomplished professional boxer with a unique background. Born in Russia, he has since become a Canadian citizen and has maintained a successful career in the boxing world.
Beterbiev is a unified light heavyweight champion, having held the IBF title since 2017, the WBC title since 2019, and the WBO title since 2022. This puts him at the top of the light heavyweight rankings and makes him one of the most accomplished boxing champions in the world.
He has achieved this success through hard work and dedication to the sport, and he is continuing to make history in the boxing world.
2. Dmitry Bivol
Dmitry Yuryevich Bivol is an accomplished Russian boxer. He has been a professional fighter since 2017 and currently holds the World Boxing Association light heavyweight title.
In 2013, he was successful in the amateur boxing circuit, winning a gold medal at the World Combat Games in the 81 kg weight category. Bivol is a formidable opponent in the ring. He has an impressive combination of power and precision and is a master of technical boxing.
His style of fighting is often compared to the greats of the sport, including Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali.
He has been able to dominate the light heavyweight division with a combination of speed and technique. Bivol has been able to maintain a successful career in boxing due to his dedication and hard work. He trains hard and is always looking for ways to improve his skills.
He is a humble individual who is always looking to learn and grow as a fighter. Bivol is an inspiration to many aspiring boxers. He is proof that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
He is a prime example of what a great boxer looks like and provides motivation for those starting out in the boxing world. His accomplishments in the ring are a testament to his commitment and drive to succeed.
3. Kostya Tszyu
Konstantin Borisovich “Kostya” Tszyu is a highly decorated former professional boxer who achieved a great deal of success during his active career. He was born in Russia but moved to Australia in 1992.
During his 13-year professional boxing career, he competed in the light-welterweight division, which encompasses fighters who weigh between 140 and 147 pounds (63.5 and 66.7 kg).
Tszyu was a dominant force in the light-welterweight division, winning multiple world championships in the period between 2001 and 2005.
He was the undisputed and lineal champion in this division, meaning that he held all the major titles in the light-welterweight division during this time. Tszyu was known for his aggressive style of boxing, which he used to great effect to overwhelm his opponents.
Tszyu retired from boxing in 2005, but his legacy lives on. He is still regarded as one of the greatest light-welterweight boxers in history and his success in the ring is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
He is a source of inspiration to many aspiring boxers and his achievements will continue to be remembered for years to come.
4. Alexander Povetkin
Alexander Vladimirovich “Sasha” Povetkin is a Russian former professional boxer. He competed in the sport from 2005 to 2021 and was successful in his career.
Povetkin held the WBA heavyweight title from 2011 to 2013, a title which is the highest accolade in the heavyweight division. He also held the WBC interim heavyweight title from 2020 to 2021. Povetkin’s career was highlighted by his two attempts to unify the heavyweight titles.
He was challenged twice for the unified heavyweight championship, though was unsuccessful in his attempts. His ambition to become the unified heavyweight champion was not fulfilled, but he had an impressive career nonetheless.
Povetkin is a former heavyweight champion and a two-time challenger for the unified heavyweight championship. He is a true testament to the strength and determination of athletes in the sport of boxing.
5. Nikolai Valuev
Nikolai Sergeyevich Valuev is a prominent figure in both Russian politics and professional boxing. He began his boxing career in 1993 and competed in the sport until 2009.
During his career, Valuev achieved considerable success, becoming a two-time WBA heavyweight champion between 2005 and 2009. Valuev was known as a “giant” during his boxing career. He was seven feet tall and weighed more than 350 pounds.
He was a menacing figure in the ring but also had a gentle and humorous personality outside of it. He was known for his intimidating stature and unique style of boxing, which was based on his immense strength and endurance rather than speed and agility.
Valuev was a dominant force in the heavyweight division during his career and earned several titles. He was the WBA heavyweight champion twice, from 2005 to 2007 and from 2007 to 2009.
He also won the IBF Inter-Continental and European heavyweight titles, as well as the WBA Inter-Continental and International heavyweight titles. After retiring from boxing in 2009, Valuev turned his attention to politics.
He was elected to the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian Parliament, in 2011. He has served in numerous positions since then, including as the head of the Boxing Federation of Russia and as chairman of the Committee on Physical Culture, Sport, Tourism and Youth Affairs.
Nikolai Sergeyevich Valuev is clearly a remarkable figure in both Russian politics and professional boxing. He has achieved success in both fields and is remembered fondly by fans of both sports.
6. Sergey Kovalev
Sergey Alexandrovich Kovalev is a Russian professional boxer who has achieved significant success in the light-heavyweight division.
He has held a number of world championship titles over the years, most notably the WBA and IBF titles from 2014 to 2016, and the WBO title three times between 2013 and 2019.
His record is impressive, with multiple championship wins, and he is widely considered to be one of the best light-heavyweight boxers in the world. Kovalev first gained recognition in 2013 when he won the WBO light-heavyweight title, becoming the first Russian boxer to do so.
He then went on to successfully defend his title three times between 2013 and 2019, firmly cementing his place as a champion in the light-heavyweight division.
In 2014, he took the WBA and IBF titles and held them for two years, further establishing himself as a leading figure in the sport. Kovalev is an incredibly talented boxer, and his success is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
He has a unique style, combining power and speed, which has enabled him to become one of the top light-heavyweight boxers in the world. His impressive record speaks for itself, and he is sure to continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the light-heavyweight division.
7. Sultan Ibragimov
Sultan-Ahmed Magomedsalihovich Ibragimov is a former professional boxer from Russia who is of Dagestani descent. He was an active boxer from 2002 to 2008, and during this time he achieved great success. He was crowned the WBO World Heavyweight Champion from 2007 to 2008.
Ibragimov’s performances in the ring were also recognized by the boxing community, as he was ranked as the world’s seventh-best active heavyweight by BoxRec in 2005 and 2006, and sixth in 2007 and 2008.
This ranking is a testament to Ibragimov’s dominance in the ring, and his ability to perform at a consistently high level. He was able to maintain his ranking even as new competition emerged.
Overall, Ibragimov was a successful boxer who achieved a lot of success during his time in the ring. He was able to achieve greatness by being crowned the WBO World Heavyweight Champion and was recognized by the boxing community for his performances in the ring.
He is an example of what hard work and determination can achieve in the world of professional boxing.
8. Rakhim Chakhkiev
Rakhim Ruslanovich Chakhkiev is a highly successful Russian former professional boxer who competed in the sport from 2009 to 2016. During his career, he earned several championships and accolades.
In 2015, Chakhkiev won the IBO Cruiserweight title, making it his most prestigious accomplishment. He also won the European Cruiserweight title in 2014.
In 2013, he made a bid for the WBC Cruiserweight title but was unsuccessful. Chakhkiev’s successful career as a professional boxer saw him becoming a well-known name in the sport.
Known for his aggressive and powerful punches, it’s no surprise that he was able to win several championships and compete at the highest levels of the sport.
He was also known for his impressive stamina, which allowed him to put up a solid fight against even the toughest opponents. Despite not winning the WBC Cruiserweight title in 2013, Chakhkiev was still able to make a name for himself in the boxing world.
He is a testament to the saying that hard work and dedication can pay off, even if you don’t always come away with the victory.
9. Boris Lagutin
Boris Nikolayevich Lagutin was an accomplished boxer from the Soviet Union. He was a light middleweight fighter, meaning he was a little lighter than the average boxer in his weight division.
During his career, he was a formidable opponent and racked up an impressive record of 241 wins and only 11 losses. Lagutin’s success in the ring was also rewarded with medals in three Olympic games. He managed to win two gold medals in 1964 and 1968, both impressive feats.
His outstanding performance helped to cement his place in the history of Soviet boxing and he is remembered as one of the greatest light middleweight boxers of all time.
10. Stanislav Stepashkin
Stanislav Ivanovich Stepashkin was an Olympic boxer from the Soviet Union. Born in Moscow, Stepashkin began training at the Trudovye Rezervy, a sports center, in 1963.
A year later, he switched to the Armed Forces sports society and was recognized as an Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR in 1964. Stepashkin was further honoured in 1965 when he was awarded the Order of the Badge of Honor.
This award is presented to those who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the world of sports. Stepashkin’s career in boxing was undoubtedly successful and he was held in high esteem by the Soviet Union.
11. Oleg Saitov
Oleg Elekpayevich Saitov is a renowned Russian former Olympic boxer. During his career, he achieved great success, winning a gold medal in the welterweight division at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics.
In addition to his two gold medals, he also won a bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics.
This impressive showing earned him the Val Barker Trophy for Outstanding Boxer at the 2000 Olympic Games, an honor that recognizes the boxer who exhibits the best style and technique. Not only did Saitov win medals at the Olympics, but he was also highly respected for his boxing technique.
His skillful footwork and swift punches earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent, and his performance at the Olympic Games showed that he was a true champion.
His legacy as an Olympic boxer will live on for generations, and his accomplishments will be remembered as a testament to his skill and dedication.
12. Alexander Ustinov
Alexander Ustinov, known as Sasha, is a Russian professional athlete who is active in a variety of sports. He has been a professional boxer since 2008, a kickboxer since 2011, and a mixed martial artist since 2013.
In 2017, he challenged for the WBA Heavyweight title in boxing, although he did not win. Ustinov is currently based in Minsk, Belarus, but has retained his Russian citizenship and still competes under the Russian flag.
This has enabled him to maintain close ties with his home country, while also taking advantage of the opportunities that Belarus has to offer. Ustinov is a highly talented athlete, and he has used his skills in multiple sports to become successful.
He has achieved a great deal of success in boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts, and he continues to strive for excellence in his chosen disciplines. He is an inspiration to many, and his determination and drive to excel is something that many admire.
13. Matt Korobov
Matvey Georgiyevich Korobov is a Russian professional boxer, who has been very successful in his career.
He has challenged for several world titles, including the WBO middleweight title in 2014, the WBC interim middleweight title in 2018 and the WBA interim middleweight title in 2019.
These titles are highly sought after in the boxing world, and Korobov has put in a great deal of hard work to reach this level of competition. He has trained rigorously and demonstrated a great deal of skill, perseverance and determination in the ring.
His ambition and dedication have been rewarded with the chance to challenge for these prestigious world titles, and it is a testament to his ability as a boxer.
14. Albert Selimov
Albert Shevketovich Selimov is an accomplished former amateur boxer with a noteworthy career. He was born in Russia and has Lezgin descent.
Selimov is best known for his outstanding feat of being the only boxer to ever defeat Vasiliy Lomachenko, a highly acclaimed Ukrainian professional boxer, in the amateur ranks. Selimov competed for Russia and was able to take home numerous titles.
In 2007, he won the world title, followed by the World Cup title in 2008. He then went on to win two European titles, one in 2006 and the other in 2010. This impressive boxing career has cemented Selimov as one of the greats in the history of amateur boxing.
15. Denis Lebedev
Denis Aleksandrovich Lebedev is a renowned Russian former professional boxer. He was active in the sport from 2001 to 2019, and during his career, he managed to achieve great success.
He is best known for being a unified world cruiserweight champion, holding the WBA title from 2012 to 2018, and the IBF title in 2016. Lebedev had a successful amateur career, winning several medals and awards.
He made his professional debut in 2001 and went on to compete in 39 fights, with 33 wins, three losses and two draws. He won the Russian Cruiserweight Championship during his career.In 2012, Lebedev won the WBA Cruiserweight Championship, defeating Giacobbe Fragomeni.
He held on to the title for six years, defending it against various challengers until 2018. In 2016, he added the IBF Cruiserweight Championship to his list of accomplishments, when he defeated Victor Emilio Ramirez.
Lebedev announced his retirement from professional boxing in 2019, thus ending a successful and accomplished career. He will be remembered as one of the greatest Russian professional boxers of his time, and his legacy will live on for years to come.
16. Murat Gassiev
Murat Georgievich Gassiev is a professional boxer hailing from both Russia and Armenia. He boasts a remarkable career, having been the unified cruiserweight world champion between 2016 and 2018.
During this period, he held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title from 2016 to 2018 and the World Boxing Association (WBA) title in 2018.
His success and accomplishments have earned him a place among the world’s top active heavyweight boxers by BoxRec, the world’s leading boxing ranking website, placing him ninth as of October 2021. Gassiev has an impressive portfolio of wins and titles to his name.
He captured the IBF cruiserweight title in 2016 with a unanimous decision victory over Denis Lebedev. He then defended his title successfully against Yunier Dorticos and Krzysztof Włodarczyk, both in 2018.
In 2018, he also unified the cruiserweight division by defeating Oleksandr Usyk via a split decision in a thrilling match that was crowned fight of the year by several boxing publications. Additionally, he also won the Silver Medal at the AIBA World Boxing Championships in 2013.
Gassiev’s success in the cruiserweight division has earned him much recognition and praise. In addition to his numerous wins and titles, he has been nominated for multiple awards and has been featured in publications such as The Ring Magazine, ESPN and Sports Illustrated.
His remarkable success has also earned him a place among the world’s top active heavyweight boxers, according to BoxRec. Murat Georgievich Gassiev is a remarkable boxer who has achieved a great deal of success in the world of professional boxing.
He is a former unified cruiserweight world champion, having held the IBF title from 2016 to 2018, and the WBA title in 2018. As of October 2021, he is ranked as the world’s ninth-best active heavyweight by BoxRec, a testament to his success and accomplishments in the sport.
17. Evgeny Tishchenko
Evgeny Andreyevich Tishchenko is a Russian professional boxer who has had tremendous success as an amateur competitor. He has won gold medals at the 2016 Olympics, 2015 World Championships, and the 2015 and 2017 European Championships.
Moreover, he has achieved silver at the 2013 and 2017 World Championships.
This is an impressive collection of awards and medals, which has put him in the spotlight as one of the best amateur boxers in the world. Tishchenko has been a top-level boxer for many years, and his success in the amateur ranks is a testament to his skill and dedication.
His gold medals at the 2016 Olympics, 2015 World Championships, and the 2015 and 2017 European Championships all show his exceptional talent and achievements as an amateur boxer.
He has also been consistently successful at the World Championships, taking home a silver medal in both 2013 and 2017. These impressive accomplishments are a testament to Tishchenko’s hard work and dedication.
He has put in countless hours of training and preparation, and it has paid off with his numerous wins and awards. He is a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success.
18. Ruslan Provodnikov
Ruslan Mikhailovich Provodnikov is a former Russian professional boxer and politician. He had an impressive career in the boxing world, having competed from 2006 to 2016.
During this time, he held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight title from 2013 to 2014. Provodnikov began his professional boxing career in 2006 and quickly established himself as one of the top boxers in Russia.
He gained international recognition when he won the WBO Junior Welterweight title in 2013, and he successfully defended his title twice during his reign.
In 2014, he lost the title but continued to compete in the boxing world until 2016. In addition to his boxing career, Provodnikov also ventured into politics.
He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Primorsky Krai in 2015, where he served as a member of the United Russia party.
He is currently a Senator in the Federation Council of Russia, representing the Primorsky Krai. Overall, Provodnikov is a successful and respected figure in the boxing world and in politics.
He has achieved great success in both arenas and is admired for his hard work and dedication to both.
19. David Avanesyan
David Gavrushevich Avanesyan is a highly successful Russian professional boxer. He has achieved great success in the welterweight division of professional boxing. In 2017, he won the WBA welterweight title, becoming the first Russian boxer to hold that title.
His success continued in 2019 when he won the European welterweight title, again becoming the first Russian boxer to hold the title. He has held the European welterweight title since 2019, and his success has made him a household name in Russia and beyond.
His victories have been celebrated in his homeland, where he is seen as a symbol of Russian boxing prowess. Avanesyan’s success is an inspiration for young boxers around the world, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to success in the professional boxing arena.
20. Artur Akavov
Artur Akavov is a Russian professional boxer who has made two attempts to win the WBO middleweight championship title.
Akavov, born in 1988, began boxing in 2004 and since then has had a successful amateur career, winning multiple titles and taking part in the 2008 Olympic Games. He turned professional in 2010, and after a string of victories, in 2016 he was given the opportunity to challenge for the WBO middleweight title.
Akavov put up a good fight but unfortunately was defeated. Despite this setback, he continued to compete successfully in the middleweight division and in 2019 was once again granted the chance to challenge for the WBO title.
Unfortunately, he was again unsuccessful in this attempt. However, Akavov has proven he is a serious contender in the middleweight division and is determined to become world champion one day. He is currently training hard and focused on achieving his goal.
He is an inspiration to many aspiring boxers, showing that hard work and dedication can take you a long way.
21. Magomed Kurbanov
Magomed Ramazanovich Kurbanov is a highly successful Russian boxer who currently competes in the light middleweight division. He has had a long and successful amateur career, which included winning a gold medal at the 2008 Youth World Championships.
Kurbanov has also had a lot of success as a professional boxer, with a record of 22 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. He has held multiple regional titles in both the middleweight and light middleweight divisions and is widely regarded as one of the best active boxers in Russia.
Kurbanov is known for his aggressive style of boxing, and has become a fan favorite in his native country due to his exciting fights and impressive record.
22. Andrey Zamkovoy
Andrey Viktorovoich Zamkovoy is an amateur boxer from Russia. He has achieved remarkable success in the boxing world, most notably winning the Gold medal at the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships.
This accomplishment has made him a household name in the amateur boxing community. Zamkovoy has been boxing for a number of years and has had many successes throughout his career.
He has won numerous championship titles in Russia, including the Russian Junior National Championship and the Russian Senior National Championship.
He also holds the title of All-Union Amateur Champion. At the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships, Zamkovoy showed the world just how talented he is. After defeating multiple opponents along the way, he managed to win the Gold medal in the 91kg weight category.
This achievement earned him worldwide recognition, and he has since been widely praised for his skill and determination. Since achieving success at the World Boxing Championships, Zamkovoy has been working hard to continue his success in the amateur boxing world.
He is currently training for the 2021 Olympics and is hopeful that he will be able to make history by winning a medal at the prestigious event.
23. Khabib Allakhverdiev
Khabib Mevlidinovich Allakhverdiev is a renowned retired Russian professional boxer who fought between 2007 and 2015. He is of Lezgin descent, an ethnic group in the Northern Caucasus region of Russia.
During his professional career, Allakhverdiev achieved great success, particularly from 2012 to 2014 when he managed to hold the WBA and IBO super-lightweight titles simultaneously.
Before his professional career, Allakhverdiev had already made a name for himself in the boxing world as an amateur. In 2005, he won a bronze medal in the lightweight division at the World Championships, showcasing his talents even back then.
This earned him recognition and provided a foundation for his future successes in the sport. Overall, Khabib Mevlidinovich Allakhverdiev has been a highly successful boxer, both as an amateur and as a professional, and he is remembered for his accomplishments in the sport.
24. Gaydarbek Gaydarbekov
Gaydarbek Abdulovich Gaydarbekov is an impressive athlete who has achieved remarkable success in the sport of boxing. He has made a name for himself in the Middleweight division, having won two Olympic medals – the first being a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
His impressive technique and dedication to the sport have enabled him to gain recognition from both the Russian and international boxing communities. Gaydarbekov’s path to the Olympics was a long and hard-fought one.
He began training in the sport as a child and steadily honed his skills until he was able to qualify for the 2004 European Amateur Boxing Championships in Pula, Croatia.
This was where he would go on to win the gold medal, earning his spot in the Athens Olympics. Gaydarbekov’s gold medal at the 2004 Olympics is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
His impressive career in the Middleweight division is a source of pride for the Russian boxing community, and his accomplishments have been recognized by the international boxing community.
With two Olympic medals to his name, Gaydarbek Abdulovich Gaydarbekov is a true champion of the sport.
25. Gleb Bakshi
Gleb Sergeyevich Bakshi is a successful Russian boxer who has achieved a great deal of success in the sport.
He has been honored with the title of Honored Master of Sports of Russia, which is a prestigious award given to athletes for their outstanding performance in a particular sport.
Bakshi is a well-known athlete in his home country and is known for his impressive skills in the ring. In 2019, Bakshi won the coveted gold medal at the AIBA World Boxing Championships.
This is an international competition that is held periodically and is one of the most important events of its kind. Bakshi’s victory was a huge achievement for him and a great honor for his country as well.
It was a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport of boxing. Bakshi’s success in the sport of boxing has been remarkable and he has served as an inspiration to many aspiring boxers.
His ability to remain focused and determined to achieve his goals has earned him a great deal of respect from the boxing community. He is a great example of how hard work and dedication can pay off in the end.
26. Yuri Arbachakov
Yuri Yakovlevich Arbachakov is a renowned Russian boxer who had a successful career from 1990 to 1997. During this time, he competed in several major boxing events and achieved impressive results.
He was the WBC flyweight champion from 1992 to 1997, a prestigious title that he held for five years. Arbachakov has been praised for his agility and speed, which made him one of the most formidable fighters in his era.
He was also known for his impressive footwork and strategic skills, which enabled him to outmaneuver his opponents and secure victories. Furthermore, he had a great chin, which allowed him to take punches without getting knocked out.
This combination of strength and resilience made him a formidable opponent for any boxer. Arbachakov’s legacy in the world of boxing is still remembered and respected, and he remains one of the most respected Russian boxers of all time.
27. Zaurbek Baysangurov
Zaurbek Musaevich Baysangurov is a Russian former professional boxer who spent a decade competing in the ring between 2004 and 2014.
During his career, he achieved great success, becoming a two-time IBO light middleweight champion and a one-time WBO light middleweight champion. Baysangurov first captured the IBO title in 2010, successfully defending it twice before losing the belt in 2015.
He then went on to win the WBO light middleweight title in 2011 and successfully defended it twice before losing it in 2013. Overall, Zaurbek Musaevich Baysangurov was a highly successful professional boxer, winning the IBO title twice and the WBO title once during his 10-year career.
He is a true testament to the hard work and dedication it takes to become a champion in the world of professional boxing.
28. Roman Karmazin
Roman Alexandrovich Karmazin is a professional boxer from Russia who has achieved great success in his career. He is a former IBF Light Middleweight champion, having held the title for an impressive amount of time.
Karmazin has achieved a great deal of success in the sport of boxing, with a professional record of 41 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw. He is well-known for his hard-hitting style of boxing and his ability to go the distance in fights.
Karmazin has also fought in many high-profile fights, such as his 2002 bout with Winky Wright. He has also fought against some of the top names in the sport, including Oscar de la Hoya, Felix Trinidad, and Fernando Vargas.
Karmazin has been a great example of what hard work and dedication can do in the sport of boxing and has certainly made an impact on the sport and its history.
29. Ruslan Khairov
Ruslan Sabirovich Khairov is a former boxer from Azerbaijan who was born in Russia. He competed in the Welterweight division, which is a weight class typically ranging from 147 to 154 lbs.
Khairov achieved great success in the boxing world, as he won bronze medals at both the 2003 World Amateur Boxing Championships and the 2004 European Amateur Boxing Championships.
This is a remarkable feat, as the World Amateur Boxing Championships is one of the most prestigious international amateur boxing competitions in the world and the European Amateur Boxing Championships is the highest level of competition for amateur boxers in Europe.
Khairov’s success in both competitions speaks to his talent and dedication to boxing. He has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the boxing world and will continue to be remembered for his accomplishments.
30. Petr Petrov
Petr Petrov is a Russian boxer who has achieved great success in the professional boxing world. He has been a professional boxer since 2011 and has twice challenged for a world title.
In 2011, he challenged for the light-welterweight title, and in 2017, he challenged for the lightweight title. Petrov has been a dominant force in the Russian boxing scene, and his two attempts to become world champion have only furthered his reputation as a formidable fighter.
His strength, skill, and determination have been key to his success, and it is clear that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of boxing.
He is an inspiration to many and an example of what can be achieved when hard work and dedication are combined with natural talent.
31. Georgy Balakshin
Georgy Ruslanovich Balakshin is an impressive boxer from Russia. He is most well known for his outstanding success in the European Boxing Championships, where he has managed to claim the title three times throughout his career.
This is a tremendous feat, and it is a testament to his skill and determination as a boxer. Balakshin has also competed in the Olympics, representing his home country of Russia. He has yet to win an Olympic medal, but he has still made a name for himself as an excellent athlete.
His dedication to his sport is clear, and he is highly respected by his peers and fans alike. In addition to being a successful boxer, Balakshin is also a coach and mentor to younger athletes.
He is an inspiration to those who wish to follow in his footsteps, and his accomplishments are often held up as examples of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. Overall, Georgy Ruslanovich Balakshin is an incredible athlete and an excellent example of what can be achieved in the sport of boxing.
He is an inspiration to many, and his success is something to be admired and celebrated.
32. Dimitri Kirilov
Dimitri Kirilov is a Russian professional boxer with the nickname “The Baby”. He is a former IBF (International Boxing Federation) Super Flyweight Champion and has an impressive record of 31 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw, with 10 of those wins being by knockout.
Kirilov’s most impressive achievement was on October 13th, 2007 when he defeated José Navarro in twelve rounds by unanimous decision to capture the vacant IBF Super Flyweight Championship.
This was a huge victory for Kirilov as it marked his first time winning a world title and immortalizing him in the history of boxing.
Kirilov’s strong skill set and ring awareness were on full display during the fight, allowing him to outwit his opponent and come out with the win. Since then, Kirilov has continued to fight, using his experience to try and become a top contender in the boxing world.
He has had mixed success, but his legacy as a champion and one of the best boxers to come out of Russia will live on forever.
33. Sergey Vodopyanov
Sergey Vodopyanov is a Russian amateur boxer who has achieved a great deal of success in his career. He is best known for winning the gold medal in the bantamweight class at the 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships, a prestigious amateur boxing tournament.
Vodopyanov has been boxing since he was young, and has achieved a high level of skill and proficiency. He has competed in a number of boxing competitions and tournaments and has earned a number of titles and medals.
He has also been a member of the Russian National Team and has represented his country at international boxing events. Sergey Vodopyanov is a highly respected boxer and has been praised for his athletic ability and dedication to the sport.
He is known for his hard-hitting style and technique and has become a fan favorite for his entertaining fights.
In addition to his gold medal win at the 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships, Vodopyanov has also earned gold medals at the Russian Amateur Championships in 2006, 2007, and 2008. He has also earned silver medals at the European Amateur Championships in 2006 and 2007.
Sergey Vodopyanov is a highly decorated amateur boxer, and he is currently still competing in the sport. He is a testament to hard work and dedication, and he has set an example for other aspiring boxers.
He has earned a place in the history books and will continue to be an inspiration to many.
34. Boris Kuznetsov
Boris Georgievich Kuznetsov was a Russian featherweight boxer who achieved great success in his athletic career. He was born on 23 February 1947 and passed away on 3 May 2006.
At the 1972 Olympics, Kuznetsov won an impressive gold medal, and he followed this up with a silver medal win at the 1974 World Championships.
Domestically, he was the Soviet featherweight champion in 1972 and 1974, and he came in second place in the same competition in 1970 and 1971. Kuznetsov was an accomplished athlete and represented Russia proudly in international competitions.
His success in the Olympics and World Championships show that he was clearly a top-level boxer and a formidable opponent. His impressive record of domestic titles reflects his dominance in the sport and his ability to excel in his chosen field.
Kuznetsov was a great athlete who achieved a lot in his lifetime. His legacy is one of success and accomplishment, and he will always be remembered as one of the finest featherweight boxers of all time.
35. Denis Inkin
Denis Inkin is a Russian former professional boxer who made a name for himself in the boxing world. He was born in Russia and began his boxing career at a young age.
He fought in Germany at the super middleweight division, which is a weight class between middleweight and light heavyweight. Inkin was a successful boxer, with a record of 42 wins and 7 losses. He achieved notable victories against the likes of German boxer Henry Maske.
Inkin is remembered for his powerful combination punches and excellent footwork. He retired from boxing in 2008 after a long and successful career.
Throughout his career, he earned the respect of fans and peers alike and was even inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014. Denis Inkin is a testament to hard work and dedication, and his legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.
36. Fedor Emelianenko
Fedor Vladimirovich Emelianenko is a highly accomplished individual who has excelled in a variety of fields. He is a Russian politician, having served as a member of the Russian State Duma for the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia from 2016 to 2021.
Prior to his political career, Fedor had a successful career as a professional mixed martial artist. He is considered to be one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, having won multiple world titles in the heavyweight division.
In addition to his MMA career, Fedor is also a highly decorated sambist, having won multiple titles in both Sambo and Judo. He has also competed in numerous international Judo tournaments, where he has achieved great success.
Fedor’s accomplishments in multiple fields make him one of the most recognizable figures in Russian culture.
37. Egor Mekhontsev
Egor Leonidovich Mekhontsev is a professional Russian boxer, who has achieved great success in his career. In 2012, he won the gold medal at the London Olympics in the light heavyweight division.
This victory was a standout achievement for Mekhontsev, as it was his first major international competition.
He had previously competed at the 2010 World Amateur Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan and the 2011 European Amateur Boxing Championships in Ankara, Turkey but had not won any medals. Mekhontsev has continued to prove himself as an excellent boxer since his Olympic triumph.
In 2014, he won the Bronze medal at the World Amateur Boxing Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan and in 2016 he won the silver medal at the European Amateur Boxing Championships in Samokov, Bulgaria.
He has also won the Russian National Championship multiple times. Mekhontsev is currently ranked in the top 5 in the world in his weight class and is a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.
He is the perfect example of hard work and dedication paying off, showing that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.
38. Denis Boytsov
Denis Nikolayevich Boytsov is a renowned Russian former professional boxer. He began his professional boxing career in 2004 and continued to compete until 2015. During this time, Denis was known for his excellent technique and skill in the ring.
He was a formidable opponent, earning numerous titles and accolades throughout his career. Denis had a successful amateur boxing career prior to turning professional. He won the Russian Amateur Championship in 2004 as well as the Russian Junior Championship in 2003 and 2004.
He was also a four-time Russian National Youth Champion. In the professional ring, Denis had an impressive career. He held the WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight Title and the WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title.
He also held the IBF Intercontinental Heavyweight Title and the WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight Title. He was a formidable opponent, never being knocked out in a fight. Denis was known for his technical skills in the ring.
He was a master at avoiding punches and delivering powerful ones. He was also a master at counter-punching. This combination of skills made him a difficult opponent for any boxer. Denis Nikolayevich Boytsov was a respected professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2015.
His skill and technique in the ring earned him numerous titles and accolades throughout his career. He will be remembered as a formidable opponent for any boxer.
39. Viktor Rybakov
Viktor Grigorievich Rybakov is a retired boxer, who has achieved a lot during his career. He represented the USSR at the Summer Olympics twice and was successful in doing so.
At the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, he won the bronze medal in the bantamweight division. This was an impressive achievement, and he replicated it four years later in Moscow, Soviet Union.
This demonstrates his skill and dedication as an Olympian and highlights his achievements. He is certainly a worthy recipient of recognition, and his success should be celebrated.
40. Petr Yan
Petr Evgenyevich Yan is a highly accomplished martial artist from Russia. He is currently a fighter in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Yan has held many titles during his career, including the UFC Bantamweight Champion and the Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB) Bantamweight Champion.
His success in both organizations speaks to his skill as an MMA fighter. Yan began his martial arts career in Russia, competing in the ACB. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the ACB Bantamweight Champion in 2017.
After his success in the ACB, Yan moved to the UFC where he continued to excel. In 2020, he won the UFC Bantamweight Championship, cementing himself as one of the top fighters in the UFC. Petr Evgenyevich Yan is a highly respected athlete in the MMA world.
He is known for his technical proficiency and his ability to out-strike his opponents. He is also a well-rounded fighter, showing proficiency in both grappling and striking. Yan is constantly looking to improve his skills and is a true leader in the sport.
He is an inspiration for many aspiring martial artists, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
41. Leonid Kostylev
Leonid Kostylev is an accomplished Russian amateur boxer who achieved great success in his sport. He first gained recognition when he won the gold medal at the 2008 European Amateur Boxing Championships in the lightweight division.
Kostylev’s victory was a remarkable accomplishment, as it was the first gold medal for Russia in the lightweight division of the European Championships.
His achievement was celebrated throughout Russia and the boxing community, as it was an impressive feat to win the gold medal against some of the best amateur boxers in Europe. Kostylev’s success did not stop there.
He went on to compete in the 2009 World Amateur Boxing Championships, where he won the bronze medal in the lightweight division. This victory was followed by another gold medal at the 2010 European Amateur Boxing Championships.
Kostylev’s talent and determination have earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike, as he is one of the most decorated amateur boxers in Russia.
Kostylev continues to compete in amateur boxing, and his achievements have inspired many young Russian boxers to pursue their dreams of representing their country in the sport.
He is a shining example of what dedication and hard work can achieve, and his accomplishments will be remembered for many years to come.
42. Maxim Koptyakov
Maxim Valeryevich Koptyakov is a Russian amateur boxer who has achieved great success in his career. He is a former silver medalist of the 2008 European Amateur Boxing Championships in the middleweight division.
This prestigious tournament is held every two years and is considered one of the most important events in boxing. Koptyakov is a formidable opponent in the ring, with a record of impressive wins.
He has a strong record of competing in various amateur boxing tournaments, including the European Championships in 2008.
He is well-known for his agile and powerful punches, and also for his ability to remain calm under pressure. Koptyakov has been praised by boxing fans and experts alike for his impressive performances.
He has been described as a gifted fighter with an incredibly strong work ethic. He is also known for his humility and respect for the sport of boxing. Koptyakov is seen as an inspiration to many aspiring boxers who admire his determination and drive.
He is an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. His success story has been an inspiration to many, and he continues to be a role model for those looking to pursue a successful career in boxing.
43. Oleg Maskaev
Oleg Alexandrovich Maskaev is a former professional boxer who has both Russian and American citizenship. He competed in professional boxing from 1995 until 2013, and his career highlight was when he won the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title in 2006.
This title was held by Maskaev until 2008 when he retired from the sport. Maskaev was born in the former Soviet Union and made his professional debut in 1995, when he won his first fight against Sergei Kobozev in Grozny, Russia.
After this, he went on to have a successful career, fighting in several different countries and winning numerous bouts. He rose to prominence in 2006 when he won the WBC heavyweight title, defeating Hasim Rahman in a twelve-round decision.
This was the peak of Maskaev’s career, as he held the title until 2008 when he lost to Samuel Peter via a tenth round TKO. Following this defeat, Maskaev retired from boxing.
Despite this, he is still remembered fondly in the boxing world for his success and is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of his time. His name will continue to live on in the annals of boxing history.
44. Sergey Lipinets
Sergey Alekseyevich Lipinets is a professional boxer from Russia who has achieved success in both boxing and kickboxing. Lipinets is best known for his IBF light-welterweight title which he held from 2017 to 2018.
Lipinets began his career as a kickboxer in Russia before transitioning to professional boxing in 2012. He quickly rose through the ranks of boxing, eventually winning his first world title in 2017 when he defeated Akihiro Kondo to become the IBF light-welterweight champion.
Lipinets successfully defended his title in 2018 against Mikey Garcia before losing to Maurice Hooker in a unification fight. Lipinets continues to fight professionally and has a record of 16 wins and 1 loss.
He has achieved success both in the ring and out, having been featured in a variety of media outlets and becoming an ambassador for the sport of boxing.
45. Ivan Kirpa
Ivan Kirpa is a Russian welterweight boxer who hails from Saint Petersburg. He had an impressive start to his boxing career, winning his first 19 fights in a row. However, his winning streak came to an end on May 8, 2003, when he lost a match against Bradley Pryce on points.
After this loss, Kirpa was determined to bounce back and prove himself. He went on to win his next four fights, against Tigran Saribekyan, Alexei Korobka, Sergey Zimnevich and finally Jose Leonardo Corona.
Notably, this fourth fight, against Corona, took place 32 months after his last match, a testament to Kirpa’s dedication to the sport. Kirpa is a great example of a fighter who never gave up, even after suffering a loss.
He was able to get back on his feet and continue to achieve success in the boxing ring.
Conclusion
Russia is home to some of the world’s best boxers and boasts a deep and talented pool of fighters.
With its rich history of combat sports, Russia has established itself as a powerhouse in the world of boxing and has produced some of the greatest champions in the sport.
From the legendary Vladimir Klitschko to the younger generation of fighters such as Murat Gassiev and Dmitry Bivol, Russian boxing is definitely something to keep an eye on.
