Best Boxers from Ukraine:
Dive in and enjoy, the top 5 boxers from the Ukraine in the history of the sport.
- Wladimir Klitschko (Career: 1996-present): Overcame some rough patches to become the signature heavyweight of his era, however dismissing you may feel about this time in heavyweight history. 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist is on a 7-year unbeaten streak, chock-full of contenders who have been laid to rest. In recent run, Dr. Steelhammer has successfully averted the challenges of Sam Peter (twice), Chris Byrd, Calvin Brock, Ray Austin, Lamon Brewster, Sultan Ibragimov, Tony Thompson, Hasim Rahman, Ruslan Chagaev, and Eddie Chambers—all with nary a hiccup. Before that, beat other serviceable names such as Axel Schulz, Monte Barrett, Derrick Jefferson, Frans Botha, Ray Mercer, and Jameel McCline. What his resume lacks in quality or standout names, it makes up for in quantity.
- Vitali Klitschko (Career: 1996-present): Early loss to Chris Byrd, where Vitali quit, was not flattering, but he fought admirably in his only other loss—a cut-induced stoppage to Lennox Lewis when Vitali led on the scorecards. Became the best in the division in the wake of Lennox’s departure after 3 straight knockouts of Kirk Johnson, Corrie Sanders, and Danny Williams, before retiring due to injuries in 2004. Returned in 2008 and has won 7 straight against mostly highly ranked competition in dominant fashion. Holds wins over other such name heavyweights as Herbie Hide, Orlin Norris, Larry Donald, Sam Peter, Juan Carlos Gomez, Kevin Johnson, Shannon Briggs, and Odlanier Solis.
- Kid Kaplan (Career: 1918-1933): Pressure-fighting staple of the roaring 1920’s, Kaplan was World Featherweight Champion from 1925-26, defending his title 3 times. Among the championship-level fighters on his Hall of Fame resume include Steve Sullivan, Jimmy Goodrich, Jackie Fields, Sammy Mandell, and Battling Battalino.
- Volodymyr Sydorenko (Career: 2001-present): Past his peak, many have forgotten about the nice little resume put together by the fireplug former titleholder. Holds a 2004 win over Joseph Agbeko, beat 4-division champ Leo Gamez, and fought two draws with Ricardo Cordoba, in addition to a win over future 122-pound champion Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym.
- Andriy Kotelnik (Career: 2000-present): Tricky craftsman would be in an even better position if given credit for a win in his fight against undefeated titlist Devon Alexander, a fight in which some believed he did enough to get the decision. Even so, a big title defense win over Marcos Maidana looms large for the 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist.
Be sure to check out the rest of our Boxing: The Best of a Nation series for more top 5 and 10 lists of the best boxers from different countries and locales.
Hopefully you enjoyed our list of the best boxers from Ukraine in the history of the sport, if you care to debate, question or argue, then feel free to chime in with a comment below. Ukrainian boxing history is definitely richer than just the Klitschkos, although they are certainly at the top of the mountain.
