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Soviet boxers. All about boxing

Very few countries can boast such success in amateur boxing as the Soviet Union. Moreover, Soviet boxers have been participating in the Olympics only since 1952. And yet, domestic boxing had a difficult start. In the 1920s, boxing was even banned! But let's talk about everything in order.

Before the revolution (until 1917)

It is necessary to say a few words about pre-Soviet boxing - these are the origins. Traditional fisticuffs are very far from boxing in the modern sense. The first circle English boxing» in Moscow founded the guards officer M.O. Kister in 1894, and the Petersburgers were seven years ahead of the Muscovites. Pre-revolutionary boxing was an elitist, aristocratic sport. Several clubs in several major cities. The first, timid championships (since 1913). Several hundred, if not dozens of amateur enthusiasts ... And yet, boxing developed rapidly! Spontaneously developed: without large organizations, without commerce.

At the turning point (1917-1933)

In the first years after the October coup, the history of boxing was not easy at all. In the new, Soviet state, there were disputes between supporters and opponents of tough and spectacular sports.

Already in 1918, at the call of Lenin, Vsevobuch was created (the system of "Universal military training") - boxing was included in the program of Vsevobuch! The composition of boxing clubs has become much wider and more “democratic”. However, the coaches remained the same: pre-revolutionary intellectuals and "former nobles." The authorities looked at them with suspicion.

In 1922, one of the strongest domestic boxers, Arkady Kharlampiev, returned from exile. At the beginning of the NEP, Kharlampiev organized the first matches of professional - and therefore commercial - boxing in Russia.

The result was disastrous: boxing (both professional and amateur) was banned as a "bourgeois sport." But there were also boxing supporters in the offices of the new government!

Fortunately, in the mid-1920s, a broad discussion involving doctors, trade unions and party leaders made it possible to justify and legalize amateur boxing again. Already in 1927, the first championship of the USSR was held. The beginning was more than modest! In some weight categories, there was only one boxer at the championship, they were awarded the championship without a fight. In many regions and in entire union republics, boxing was still banned ...

Pre-Olympic period (1933-1952)

By the thirties, the strengths of boxing in the USSR began to appear - mass character, organization, state support. Professional (commercial) boxing, for obvious reasons, could not be in the society of the builders of socialism. But amateur sports were recognized as one of the ways to educate a Soviet person - a soldier and a shock worker. Boxing clubs began to appear not only in large cities. The number of boxers in the 30s was 13 thousand people, by 1950 - 36 thousand. Since 1933, the USSR boxing championship has been regularly held. The history of the championships was interrupted at the beginning of the war, but resumed in 1944. By the way, many boxers during the Great Patriotic War became heroes and order bearers.

However, Soviet boxing in those years was not similar to the global one. Boxing was amateur, but the fights were held according to the rules, more like a professional one. Coaches also studied film materials related to the fights of professionals who could get it (and Western literature at that time was considered a great deficit!), interpreting them in the spirit of amateur boxing. In the 1930s and 40s, the USSR was not yet a member of AIBA - International Association amateur boxing. Domestic athletes did not participate in international competitions. However, over the years they have played 558 friendly matches with masters from abroad, and won most of these meetings (331). Such successes heralded a new and glorious period in the development of Soviet boxing.

The era of Olympic glory (after 1952)

The main event in the world of amateur boxing has always been the Olympics. Actually, Olympic Movement and gave impetus to its development when this sport was first included in the Olympic program in 1904. The Soviet Union took part in Olympic Games ah since 1952. Before that, in 1950, the USSR joined AIBA

The debut of the USSR at the Olympic Games brought the first success. Many decades of sports development in the country made themselves felt. In 1952, Soviet boxers brought two silver and two bronze medals to the USSR. In the 1953 European Championships, the first prizes also appeared. But the real triumph was brought by the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 - three gold medals at once! And the achievement of the greatest - the coveted Val Barker Cup, traditionally awarded to the most technical and productive boxer at the Olympic Games - has not yet been repeated by any modern Russian boxer.

In total, in the history of Soviet Olympians, before the Seoul Olympics in 1988, there were 51 gold medals. 90 times Soviet athletes become European champions!

Only Cuba and the United States of America have a comparable number of awards.

Soviet boxers at the European Championship in 1981

We note once again that there was no professional boxing in the USSR - until the collapse of the socialist system. Star-professional out former USSR- the Klitschko brothers, and who plays for Russia in the professional ring - entered the ring much later. But these people would not have seen world fame if it were not for the Soviet system of boxing organizations that outlived the country. And Kovalev, and Golovkin, and Klitschko are the merit of the old coaches working in the changed conditions.

The strength of Soviet boxing was its mass character. In 1950, 36 thousand people were engaged in boxing, and in 1960 - already 160 thousand. By December 1990, there were 4,735 boxing teams in the Soviet Union, more than 5,000 coaches (over 3,000 of them with diplomas) and about 332,000 boxers.

Among them were great athletes.

Wladimir Klitschko goes into the lead, Robert Stiglitz pushes Alexander Povetkin, and Gennady Golovkin breaks into the top 5 - Alexei Sukachev completes the list of the best active fighters in the post-Soviet space.

We only count two things: won titles and defeated world champions (current and not only).

We do not take into account all titles, and only the most important - WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO - go to the full price (1 point). The IBO minor belt, interim major titles and continental regalia - EBU, NABF, OPBF, USBA - are half price.

We give one point for every beaten world champion - in title fight, and half a point - in the rating. One Title = One Champion: A two-weight world champion earns the same points (two) as two one-time champions.

If the scores are equal, we put the one with the higher average score higher.

We only consider ACTIVE Boxers to date.

10. (Russia)

Weight: first welterweight

Achievement list: 19-0, 9 KOs

Performance years: 2007-…

Glasses: 9.25 / 0.49 (Nate Campbell - 1.5, Kaiser Mabuza - 0.75, Joan Guzman - 3.5, Suleiman M'Baye - 3.5)

Titles: IBO (2012-…, 2 defenses) and WBA (2012-…, 1 defense)

It happens that a person’s life, which previously slowly flowed from nowhere to nowhere, bogged down in some everyday vulgarity, insignificant trifles and the absence of much-needed recognition, suddenly begins to pick up speed and rush forward like a freight train.

Something similar happened to Khabib Allahverdiev, who disappeared into oblivion some two years ago. But his small chance - when he presented himself - Khabib took advantage of one hundred percent, first defeating Nate Campbell, then - after going under the wing of Vladimir Khryunov - successively crushing Ignacio Mendoza and Kaiser Mabuza, and, finally, defeating Joan Guzman and become world champion. In just a year.

For the then beaten M'Baye, Habib received as many points as for the Dominican master, but do not be deceived: the dull two-time rogue from France is no match for Guzman, who had not been defeated before since the Olympic Atlanta - as much as 16 years.

9. (Kazakhstan)

Weight: light heavy

Achievement list: 13-1, 8 KOs

Performance years: 2007-…

Glasses: 11.25 / 0.80 (Montell Griffin - 0.5, Byron Mitchell - 0.75, Gabriel Campillo - 2; Vyacheslav Uzelkov - 1; William Joppy - 4.5, Danny Santiago - 1.5, Enrique Ornelas - 1)

Titles: WBA / IBA (2010-…, 4 defenses)

A smart person would say that professional boxing is only a third of a sport, and its other two most important components are show business and just show (or, if you like, just “biz”). A genius would simply point a finger at the Shumenov and Chimkent family.

But let's not be hypocrites, snorting in disgust while analyzing Beibut's career. The Kazakh master, of course, has a championship potential. It’s just that the financial potential, and not sports, came to the fore for all of us at the mention of the name “Shumenov”.

No, the point, of course, is not that Beibut and his team “charge” someone. Simply, using almost unlimited material resources, KZ Event Productions skillfully select safe, but eminent opponents. Montell Griffin, Byron Mitchell and William Joppy, old, sick and out-of-print ex-champions, are skillfully complemented by ranked but harmless a-la opponents Tamas Kovacs, Enrique Ornelas or Danny Santiago. You can't forbid living beautifully!

8. (Ukraine)

Weight: average

Achievement list: 37-2-1, 24 KOs

Performance years: 1999-2013 (?)

Glasses: 13.50 / 0.34 (Mamadou Thiam - 0.75, Hussein Bayram - 0.75, Jimmy Cola - 0.5, Daniel Santos - 4, Sebastian Andres Lujan - 1, Alisultan Nadirbegov - 1, Carlos Nascimento - 1.5, Lucas Konechny - 1.5, Joel Julio - 1, Daniel Dawson - 1.5)

Titles: WBO Light middleweight (2005-2012, 6 defenses)

In a unique way, the career of Sergei Dzinziruk, which we, by the way, still consider to be unfinished before the end of the “quarantine” one-year period, combines the worst elements of German promotion performed by Klaus-Peter Kohl and fooling around “from King”. Although King would not have interfered with Sergey's career at one time.

Everything was going well until Sergey became the world champion, making a very serious bid right away - brilliantly winning then two-time world champion Santos. It was then that it was necessary to decide whether to lead Dzinziruk in the style of Artur Grigoryan or Sven Ottke, organizing battles every 3-4 months against hopeless opponents, or to take a chance and send the Ukrainian across the ocean. As a result, it turned out to be a cat dog: Sergey rarely fought against completely indistinct (Carlos Nascimento and Alisultan Nadirbegov) or very uncomfortable (Lukas Konechny) opponents.

When Dzinziruk finally moved to the USA, it turned out to be too late: his peak had long since passed. And for the eighth place in the ranking, one of the best post-Soviet boxers should “thank” Kolya. Without him (and to a much lesser extent without Gary Shaw) he could have been in the top five.

7. (Russia)

Weight: heavy

Achievement list: 26-1, 18 KOs

Performance years: 2005-…

Glasses: 13.50 / 0.5 (Imamu Mayfield - 0.75, Chris Bird - 1.25, Ruslan Chagaev - 2, Cedric Boswell - 1.5, Marco Hook - 2, Hasim Rahman - 4.5, Andrzej Wawrzyk - 1.5)

Titles: WBA (2011-2013, 4 defenses)

At the risk of causing a flurry of indignation (from all possible sides), we place Alexander Povetkin in 7th place, ahead of Sergei Dzinziruk, but almost in the same company as another controversial character - Beibut Shumenov.

The first thing that catches your eye when looking at achievement list Povetkin, this is that he earned a third of his points for the smoking ruins of Hasim Rahman , for which one and a half points cannot be given. There's nothing to be done: rules are rules - at one time Hasim Rahman defeated Lennox Lewis and became a champion, having received a belt from Vitali Klitschko's master's shoulder (so Alexander was awarded one point, yes, it was a Ukrainian). The double points for Ruslan Chagaev and Marco Hook are also understandable - both in the past or in the present are world champions.

But here's what you pay attention to and what to think about: if you "knock off" Alexander by half the points that he scored on the defense of the semi-legitimate WBA belt (with a live super champion according to the same version), then he will have only 7.75 points on his account, and it won't even make the top ten.

6. (Germany/Russia)

Weight: super middle

Achievement list: 46-3, 26 KOs

Performance years: 2001-…

Glasses: 15.75 / 0.32 (Alejandro Berrio - 0.75, Caroy Balzay - 2.5, Ruben Eduardo Acosta - 1.5, Eduard Gutknecht - 1, Enrique Ornelas - 1, Khoren Gevor - 1, Henri Weber - 1, Nader Hamdan - 1, Arthur Abraham - 3.5, Yuzo Kyota - 1.5, Isaac Ekpo - 1)

Titles: WBO (2009-2012, 6 defenses and 2013-…, 2 defenses)

First and main question: ours or not? And in general, is it possible to bind to Russia a person who has never fought there, with a foreign name and surname, performing under the leadership of a German club and for German fans. Our answer is “yes”, because culturally, linguistically and in the traditions of his boxing, Sergei Stiglitz, a native of Yeysk, is a representative of the former Union, no matter what anyone says.

And we can be proud of Stieglitz, who, out of his not very bright talent, was able to build an excellent career at a time when no one expected it from him. After all, now Robert is considered the best German boxer and a strong European champion. Before the fight with Caroy Balzay (and after heavy defeats from the far from stellar Andrade and Berrio), no one believed in his star - except for Stieglitz himself, of course.

What's funny: far from stupid representatives of the Sauerland Event managed to repeat this mistake years later and after Robert's very solid championship, agreeing to the offer about the rematch with Arthur Abraham. As a result, six more championship points in the piggy bank (including defenses against Kyota and Expo) and a place in the middle of the top 10.

5. (Kazakhstan)

Weight: average

Achievement list: 28-0, 25 KOs

Performance years: 2006-…

Glasses: 18.75 / 0.67 (Milton Nunez - 0.75, Nilson Julio Tapia - 1.5, Kassim Ouma - 2.5, Lajuan Simon - 2, Makoto Fushigami - 2, Grzegorz Proxa - 2, Gabriel Rosado - 2, Nobuhiro Ishida - 2, Matthew McLean - 2, Curtis Stevens - 2)

Titles: WBA (2010-…, 9 defenses), IBO (2011-…, 6 defenses)

Brilliant career new HBO darling seems absolutely flawless. One victory. Five and a half years of solid knockouts, two championship titles, dominance in every fight). And so on - all the way to Karaganda itself. The son of a Russian miner and a Korean woman is confidently following in the footsteps of another nuclear Russian-Korean mix that blew up a lighter weight about 15 years before Golovkin.

The devil, as usual, is in the details. Gennady did not earn even 3 points in any of his fights, which means that he has only one ex-world champion in his asset - Kassim Ouma. Broken two and a half years ago. Note that both Ouma and Ishida with Rosado come from a lighter weight. In general, the standard reproaches of "fobs". But we, not being such and recognizing the talent of a magnificent Kazakh fighter, leave him honestly earned points. And significant victories are yet to come. Our prediction is a knockout of Sergio Martinez in 2014 and 4th place in our ranking.

4. (Germany/Armenia)

Weight: super middle

Achievement list: 38-4, 28 KOs

Performance years: 2003-…

Glasses: 21.25 / 0.51 (Kingsley Ikeke - 1.5, Shannen Taylor - 1, Kofi Jantua - 1, Edison Miranda - 1, Sebastian Demers - 1.5, Khoren Gevor - 1.5, Wayne Alcock - 1.5, Alvin Ayala - 1.5, Raul Marquez - 1.5, Lajuan Simon - 1, Mahir Oral - 1.5, Jermain Taylor - 2.25, Robert Stieglitz - 3, Mehdi Buadla - 1.5)

Titles: IBF Middleweight (2005-2009, 10 defenses) and WBO Super Middleweight (2012-2013, 1 defense)

Wow! The first half of the career of the most unusual world champion, cut by the hands of the old Uli Wegner, was completely described by only one interjection - “Wow!”. Or even “Wow!” if you want. It was during this six-year period that all the exploits of Abraham fit in: an iron tread to the championship fight, titanium (not spiritual!) Staples after epic battle with the Colombian dragon Miranda, the removal of bodies - his fellow tribesman Khoren Gevor and former champion Jermain Taylor. After the latter, and at the peak of his power, it was Abraham (and not Ward, or Kessler, or Froch) who was listed as the main favorite of the Super Six and a candidate for the top 10 (or even 5) P4P.

… How long ago those days seemed to be. But in fact - some four years ago. A lot has changed since then, a lot has gone. It was true last year's renaissance, but everything ended with a broken eye in a duel with Stieglitz and sluggish, pre-retirement fights against worthless Shikhepo and De Carolis. Above Arthur will not rise. Below please. Gennady Golovkin will overtake him in a year, but in the top 5, Abraham will still linger for 3-4 years, perhaps until his career ends. But in 2009, we thought about more.

3. (Ukraine)

Weight: heavy

Achievement list: 45-2, 41 KOs

Performance years: 1996-2004, 2008-…

Glasses: 32.00 / 0.68 (Mario Schisser - 0.75, Francesco Spinelli - 0.75, Ismael Yula - 0.75, Herbie Hyde - 3.5, Ed Mayhon - 1.5, Obed Sullivan - 1.5, Timo Hoffman - 0.5, Orlin Norris - 0.75, Corrie Sanders - 2.5, Danny Williams - 1.5, Samuel Peter - 2.5, Juan Carlos Gomez - 2.5, Chris Arreola - 1.5, Kevin Johnson - 1, Albert Sosnowski - 1, Shannon Briggs - 2, Odlanier Solis - 1.5, Tomasz Adamek - 3.5, Derek Chisora ​​- 1, Manuel Charr - 1.5)

Titles: WBO (1999-2000, 2 defenses) and WBC (2004-2005, 1 defense and 2008-…, 9 defenses)

Vitali Klitschko's career is heading towards decline, but recent news from Kyiv about the incumbent president's attempts to stop the victorious (victorious?) march of the leader of the UDAR party makes one wonder about the future of the WBC champion on this side of the ring ropes.

Whatever our thoughts, one thing is obvious: Vitali Klitschko's 3rd place in our ranking is fixed, he himself is mummified to the state, if not Vladimir Ilyich, then Leonid Ilyich, for sure. No one will be able to bypass Vitaly until the end of his career, unless Golovkin kills the entire elite of middleweights and super middleweights in a couple of years, which is unlikely. Well, or if Triple G does not defeat Floyd Mayweather for all possible championship titles and add the scalp of Sergio Martinez to him. On the other hand, Vitaly, who is rapidly rusting like a Tin Woodman without an oil can, cannot expect super-feats - maybe, except for the fight (and victory!) over David Haye. And the gap from Vic Darchinyan is too big.

An interesting fact: if Vitaly spent his first championship fight against Peter (at the age of 37), then even then his victories would be enough for a place in the top 5 of our rating.

2. (Armenia/Australia)

Weight: first featherweight

Achievement list: 39-6-1, 28 KOs

Performance years: 2000-…

Glasses: 47.75 / 1.04 (Wandi Singwancha - 2.5, Irene Pacheco - 3.5, Mzukisi Sikali - 2, Hair Jimenez - 2, Diosdado Gabi - 2, Luis Maldonado - 2, Glen Donaire - 2, Jose Victor Burgos - 3 Federico Katubay - 0.75, Dmitry Kirillov - 2.5, Christian Mijares - 6.5, Jorge Arce - 10.5, Tomas Rojas - 3.5, Rodrigo Guerrero - 3, Eric Barcelona - 0.5, Jonny Perez - 0.5, Evans Mbamba - 0.5, Luis Orlando del Valle - 0.5)

Titles: IBF Flyweight (2004-2007, 6 defenses), IBO Flyweight (2005-2007, 5 defenses), IBO Super Flyweight (2007-2008, 0 defenses), IBF Super Flyweight (2008-2009, 2 defenses), WBC Super Flyweight ( 2008-2010, 2 defenses), WBA Super Flyweight (2008-2010, 2 defenses), IBO Bantamweight (2010, 0 defenses, 2011, 1 defense)

Years will pass, and Vic Darchinyan will take his place with the best boxers in history - in Canastota. In the ranking of the best boxers in the post-Soviet space, his second place is unshakable and will remain so for a long time - well, at least until the heyday of Vasily Lomachenko (if it takes place), and maybe even after that.

It's another matter that the idea to leave such a successful first bantamweight for him (26.75 points, absolute champion title and not a single defeat in 7 battles) turned out to be incorrect: in more than heavy weights small-sized Darchinyan was lost against the background of younger and physically stronger champions, although he did not lose his face.

The last - unsuccessful, we note - Vic's attempt to add points to his piggy bank, and at the same time to take revenge for the defeat from Nonito Doneira, does not change anything, but only adds respect to the sharp-tongued and punchy Armenian fly, who lacks respect on the territory of the republics of the former USSR . The respect he no doubt deserved.

1. (Ukraine)

Weight: heavy

Achievement list: 61-3, 51 KOs

Performance years: 1996-…

Glasses: 80.00 / 1.25 (Axel Schultz - 0.75, Lajos Eros - 0.75, Chris Bird - 7, Derrick Jefferson - 1.5, Charles Shafford - 1.5, Frans Botha - 1.5, Ray Mercer - 2.5, Jameel McCline - 1.5, Samuel Peter - 5, Calvin Brock - 2, Ray Austin - 2, Lamon Brewster - 3, Sultan Ibragimov - 3.5, Tony Thompson - 7, Hasim Rahman - 6, Ruslan Chagaev - 4, Eddie Chambers - 3, David Haye- 7.5, Jean-Marc Mormeck - 8, Mariusz Wach - 3.5, Francesco Pianeta - 4, Alexander Povetkin - 4.5)

Titles: WBO (2000-2003, 5 defenses and 2008-…, 11 defenses), IBF (2006-…, 15 defenses), IBO (2006-…, 15 defenses), Super WBA (2011-…, 5 defenses)

Did you expect to see someone else here? We hoped in vain. The King remains the King. And his throne is unshakable.

Only facts that are known to be sacred in any variation of comments:

The average score (1.25) is more than any other current ex-Soviet boxer. Only Volodymyr and Vakhtang Darchinyan surpassed the number of their fights by the number of points – the Ukrainian had 18 more fights at the same time.

Points scored only in the first half of his career (18) - before the loss to Corrie Sanders - is already enough to enter the top 5.

Vladimir is almost 30 points ahead of the nearest pursuer ( Kostya Tszyu) in the ranking of the best boxers of the former Union (and the Russian Empire) - not only active, but also completed performances.

The intrigue remains - will Vladimir be able to reach the mega-star milestone of 100 points or not? Make bets - with the current titles of the Ukrainian, this can be done by defending his numerous belts five more times ahead of schedule.

    Jan 23, 2017

    Nowadays, in the world of sports, the practice of compiling all kinds of ratings is widespread, in which attempts are made to rank athletes who, for various reasons, cannot enter into direct confrontation. So, in professional boxing, the so-called Pound For Pound system has long been rooted, where the best boxers are determined by an expert survey, regardless of weight categories. But in amateur boxing, this approach has not yet received much use. Therefore, it seemed curious to try to compile a similar rating for Soviet amateur boxers. And even if I did not see all the candidates for getting into such a list in the ring online - I only read about someone, I saw someone only in episodic fragments of the chronicle. But the very opportunity to talk about the national boxing school and recall all of its most significant figures attracted me very much.
    In my opinion, the Soviet school of boxing was distinguished from the boxing schools of other countries by the fact that schools of various republics and regions existed and interacted within it, each of which had its own identity. Therefore, the leading Soviet boxers were mostly different from each other in the manner of fighting, which created significant problems for their foreign opponents. Nevertheless, almost all of them stood out for their good technical and tactical training. True, the administrative intervention that was once undertaken in the development of boxing in the country (artificial rejuvenation of the national team, attempts to blindly copy foreign methods or the forcible widespread introduction of a certain fighting manner) had some negative impact. Also, there were certain problems with the ability to bring athletes in the best physical form and excellent psychological state to major international competitions. But despite this, the achievements of Soviet boxing should be recognized as very significant. And most importantly, a considerable number of bright and original personalities came out of its depths, even if not all of them were able to fully realize their potential. Now I will proceed directly to the selection of the most significant representatives Soviet school amateur boxing.
    To begin with, I decided to determine some objective selection criteria, and only then from the list compiled in this way to choose the top ten in my personal, subjective opinion. After some thought, I decided to take into consideration those Soviet amateur boxers who have repeatedly won major international tournaments (Olympics, World and European Championships). I did not take into account such competitions as the World Cup and the Goodwill Games due to their insufficient, in my opinion, representativeness, but I mentioned victories in them for athletes who were included in the list according to the main criteria. I clarify that only titles won by boxers in the USSR national team were taken into account. When determining the order of the participants in the list, first, achievements in the international arena were taken into account in accordance with the significance of the competitions, and then - in the all-Union.

    So, I bring to your attention a list of the most eminent Soviet amateur boxers with a list of titles and brief description each (the weight was indicated with which the main achievements of this fighter and their time period are associated).

    1. Boris Lagutin(1st middle weight, 71 kg., 1959-1968). Two-time Olympic champion, two-time European champion, six time champion USSR, Olympic bronze medalist. The only Soviet boxer who won the Olympics twice and participated in them three times. He was distinguished by a rational classical style of fighting, strong-willed character, gentlemanly behavior in the ring and a serious approach to training process. At intra-union tournaments, he was remembered for his rivalry with the younger and phenomenally gifted Viktor Ageev, which took place with varying success.
    2. Oleg Grigoriev(lightest weight, 54 kg., 1957-1967). Olympic champion, three-time European champion, six-time USSR champion, silver medalist of the European Championship. An adherent of a highly technical, intelligent and elegant manner of fighting; a far-sighted tactician who felt confident at any distance. In the final of the 1960 Olympics in Rome, the "master of the ring" Italian Zamparini was convincingly defeated, despite the fact that he was furiously supported by the temperamental audience. At his second Olympic Games in 1964 in Tokyo, in the quarterfinal duel with the Mexican Mendoza, he became the victim of a controversial judicial decision.
    3. Dan Poznyak(light heavyweight, 81 kg., 1960-1969). Olympic champion, three-time European champion, four-time USSR champion, bronze medalist of the European Championship. Pupil of the Lithuanian boxing school. Thanks to his firm and stubborn character, he constantly improved his skills during his career. He was distinguished by excellent physical fitness, composure and prudence, owned a powerful right hand. He achieved his main victories already at a fairly mature age for an amateur boxer, moreover, at a time when the trend of total rejuvenation prevailed in Soviet boxing. Perhaps, against the background of a number of other members of the brilliant USSR team of the 60s of the 20th century, it did not look so bright, but in terms of the degree of realization of one's potential, few can compare with it. After graduation sports career acted as a referee.
    4. Vladimir Yengibaryan(1st welterweight, 63.5 kg., 1953-1960). Olympic champion, three-time European champion, three-time USSR champion, bronze medalist of the European Championship. The founder and brilliant representative of the Armenian boxing school. He had a playful way of fighting. A hidden left-hander, a master of graceful and swift movements around the ring with a sudden change of direction, ingenious feints, virtuoso defense and unexpected counterattack attacks. The pinnacle of his career was the victory at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956. Like Dan Poznyak, after the end of his sports career, he acted as a referee.
    5. Valery Popenchenko(2nd middle weight, 75 kg., 1960-1965). Olympic champion, two-time European champion, six-time champion of the USSR. Winner of the Val Barker Cup, as the best boxer of the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. A supporter of an acute attacking style of warfare. Combined the ability to carry out a variety of multi-hit combinations with the ability to deliver an irresistible single knockout blow. However, the path to recognition was not easy. At one time, he was not allowed to participate in international competitions, motivating this by the inconsistency of his style with the standards of "game boxing", which they then tried to cultivate on an all-Union scale. But with the support of his coach G.F. Kusikyantsa Popenchenko managed to remain faithful to his original style. He won his main victory in the semi-finals of the Tokyo Olympics over the uncomfortable and "viscous" Pole Tadeusz Walasek, with whom he had previously had a negative balance of personal fights. Having won all the titles possible at that time in amateur boxing, he ended his career due to the lack of incentives for further self-development. He tragically died at the age of 37.
    6. Stanislav Stepashkin(featherweight, 57 kg., 1960-1968). Olympic champion, two-time European champion, three-time USSR champion. Master of close combat medium distances distinguished by extreme dedication. He was able to maintain the highest pace during the entire fight. At the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, he was considered as a contender for the Val Barker Cup, awarded the best boxer tournament. But in the end, preference was given to another Soviet boxer - Valery Popenchenko, since in the final fight the latter looked more striking, knocking out the representative of the German United Team Schulz in the first round. Stepashkin, in the final, had to overcome the stubborn resistance of the stubborn Filipino Villanueva, as evidenced by the score of the judges' notes 3-2.
    7. Gennady Shatkov(2nd middle weight, 75 kg., 1953-1960). Olympic champion, two-time European champion, three-time USSR champion. Possessed a powerful knockout punch with both hands and a balanced, efficient technique both offensive and defensive actions. At the Rome Olympics in 1960, in the interests of the team, he played in light heavyweight and lost in the quarterfinals to 18-year-old American Cassius Clay, who later became a superstar professional boxing and better known as Muhammad Ali. After the end of his sports career, he devoted himself to scientific activity.
    8. Vyacheslav Lemeshev(2nd middle weight, 75 kg., 1972-1976). Olympic champion, two-time European champion, champion of the USSR. An exceptionally gifted boxer. He had high maneuverability, a phenomenal reaction and an irresistible leading straight right kick. His career got off to an extremely bright start. Having entered the 1972 Olympics in Munich at the age of twenty as a kind of joker and having victories only in junior tournaments, Lemeshev managed to take 1st place, confidently defeating all his rivals, including the future world champion among professionals Marvin Johnson from the USA. With the greatest success, he performed precisely at international competitions. The champion of the USSR managed to become only once - and then not in his usual 2nd middleweight, but in light heavyweight. However, due to the insufficiently serious attitude to training and to the observance of the sports regimen, he could not fully realize all his remarkable potential. Had trouble adjusting to Everyday life after parting with big sport. He died prematurely in 1996.
    9. Shamil Sabirov(1st flyweight, 48 kg., 1978-1983) Olympic champion, European champion, two-time champion of the USSR, bronze medalist of the European Championship. Pupil of the Krasnodar boxing school. The only representative of the USSR national team who won gold medal at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. Achieved the greatest international success among the Soviet "flyers".
    10. Israil Hakobkokhyan(1st middle weight, 71 kg., 1979-1991). World champion, three-time European champion, six-time USSR champion, World Championship silver medalist, World Cup winner, two-time winner Goodwill Games. The successor of the traditions of the Armenian school of boxing. A bright representative of a playful, elegant style. There were ups and downs in his very long career. For the first time he loudly declared himself in the adult ring at the age of 18, having won the Spartakiad of the Peoples of the USSR in 1979, ahead of Serik Konakbaev. In 1980, he won the right to compete at the Moscow Olympics, but there he lost already in the first fight to the future winner of the tournament, Cuban Aldama, in a bitter struggle with a score of judges' notes 3-2. After this failure, for several years he did not get into the national team for the largest international competitions, despite regular success in domestic competitions. But then, nevertheless, he managed to defend his right to act on the international arena and achieved significant achievements, the main of which was the victory at the 1989 World Championship in Moscow. His last successes in international competitions date back to 1991, when he became European champion for the third time and took 2nd place at the World Championships.
    11. Vasily Shishov(1st welterweight, 63.5 kg., 1981-1987) World champion, three-time European champion, five-time champion USSR, winner of the World Cup. He acted in a playful, counterattacking manner. Not possessing a powerful knockout blow, he achieved success due to high speed, perfected technique and the ability to deceive the enemy. But, like many other bright Soviet boxers of the mid-80s of the 20th century, he never got the opportunity to compete at the Olympic Games. He ended his career due to a serious leg injury.
    12. Alexander Yagubkin(1st heavy weight, 91 kg., 1980-1987). World champion, three-time European champion, four-time USSR champion, two-time World Cup winner, absolute champion THE USSR. Pupil of the Donetsk boxing school. He combined physical strength with good speed for his impressive size and sufficient technical equipment. He dominated the international arena in the 1st heavyweight from the time of its introduction until the appearance of the phenomenal Cuban Felix Savon. But fate never presented him with a chance to prove himself in the Olympic ring.
    13. Konstantin Tszyu(1st welterweight, 63.5 kg., 1988-1991). World champion, two-time European champion, three-time USSR champion, winner of the Goodwill Games. At the 1991 European Championships, he received a prize for the best boxer of the tournament. Uncommon natural talent allowed him to get into the USSR national team at a young age. Indeed, at an early stage amateur career there were also such failures as a defeat from Orzubek Nazarov in the final of the USSR Championship in 1988 and two losses to the representative of the GDR Andreas Tsulov at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul and the 1989 World Championships in Moscow. But Tszyu subsequently managed to take revenge on both of his offenders. He achieved success thanks to a non-standard manner of fighting, an innate sense of distance, a rich arsenal of technical and tactics, a well-placed right hand. After winning the 1991 World Championship, he turned professional, where he also managed to realize his remarkable potential, achieving the greatest achievements among all boxers in the post-Soviet space.
    14. Viktor Savchenko(1st middle weight, 71 kg., 1975-1980). World champion, European champion, two-time champion of the USSR, silver and bronze medalist of the Olympic Games, two-time silver medalist of the European Championships. Pupil of the Ukrainian school of boxing. The owner of a powerful knockout blow, a supporter of an acute attacking, aggressive manner of fighting. His international career passed under the sign of a fundamental rivalry with the Polish boxer Jerzy Rybicki, with whom he met twice in the semi-finals of the Olympics. Having lost to the Pole in Montreal-1976, in Moscow-1980 Savchenko managed to take revenge, but in the final of that tournament he still lost to Cuban Jose Gomez.
    15. Alexander Koshkin(1st middle weight, 71 kg., 1979-1982). World champion, European champion, USSR champion, Olympic silver medalist. He boxed in a classic manner mainly at a long distance, had a knockout blow. He achieved his most significant victory at the 1982 World Championships, where he managed to take revenge on the Cuban Armando Martinez, whom he had previously lost in the final of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
    16. Yuri Alexandrov(lightest weight, 54 kg., 1982-1989). World champion, European champion, four-time champion of the USSR, bronze medalist of the World Championship, silver medalist of the European Championship. He achieved his most striking victory at the age of 18 at the 1982 World Championships, being a debutant in major international competitions. He combined good technical equipment with a high pace of combat. He did not get the opportunity to compete in the Olympics.
    17. Igor Ruzhnikov(1st welterweight, 63.5 kg., 1985-1989) World champion, European champion, USSR champion, winner of the Goodwill Games. Pupil of the Kazakhstan boxing school. He acted in the ring in a highly technical manner, distinguished by good hand speed. At the beginning of his career, for some time he could not get into the national team for major international competitions, losing in competition with such strong boxers like Vasily Shishov and Vyacheslav Yanovsky. But in 1989, after the aforementioned athletes left amateur boxing, he managed to win all the major tournaments then held. In the semi-finals of the 1986 Goodwill Games in Moscow, he defeated the then very young American Roy Jones, the future superstar of professional boxing.
    18. Yuri Arbachakov(2nd flyweight, 51 kg, 1986-1989). World Champion, European Champion, USSR Champion. A bright, non-standard boxer, distinguished by the swiftness of action in the ring. He achieved all his most significant victories in amateur boxing in 1989. After that, he turned professional, where he became the first Russian world champion.
    19. Richardas Tamulis(2nd welterweight, 67 kg., 1958-1967). Three-time European champion, five-time USSR champion, Olympic silver medalist. One of the brightest representatives of the Lithuanian boxing school. lefty with with a strong blow. His actions were distinguished by both speed and prudence, he was perfectly oriented in any episode of the battle, he moved perfectly around the ring and felt the distance. Unfortunately, he was constantly pursued by hand injuries that prevented an even more complete realization of his natural talent. In the finals of the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, in an equal and intense battle, the judges declared the winner of the Lithuanian opponent, the Pole Kaspshik.
    20. Viktor Rybakov(featherweight, 57 kg., 1975-1982). Three-time European champion, seven-time USSR champion, two-time Olympic bronze medalist, European championship bronze medalist. Four times he was recognized as the best boxer of the European Championships. A pupil of the Magadan boxing school, from where, besides him, such bright fighters as Igor Vysotsky and Alexander Lebzyak came out. A brilliant technician and tactician, for whom there were no secrets in the ring. He won the gold of the European Championships in three different weight categories. However, at the Olympics, luck turned away from Rybakov. He lost twice in the semi-finals of these competitions with the same score of judges' notes 4-1 - in 1976 in Montreal to the American Mooney, and in 1980 in Moscow to Fink from the GDR.
    21. Andrey Abramov(heavy weight, over 81 kg., 1957-1964). Three-time European champion, six-time USSR champion, silver medalist of the European Championship. The owner of a powerful physique and a powerful knockout blow. For several years he unconditionally dominated the European and intra-Union ring. However, sometimes he was let down by insufficient psychological stability, because of which he was defeated at the 1960 Olympics in Rome by the Italian de Piccolli, who was inferior to him in the class.
    22. Serik Konakbaev(1st welterweight, 63.5 kg., 1979-1984). Two-time European champion, two-time USSR champion, two-time World Cup winner, Olympic and World Championship silver medalist. One of the brightest representatives of the boxing school of Kazakhstan. His actions in the ring were distinguished by grace, elegance, ingenuity and unique plasticity of movements. The iconic rival in Konakbaev's career was the Italian Patrizio Oliva. In the final of the 1979 European Championship, the Soviet boxer came out the winner of their fight. But in the decisive match of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, the Italian took revenge and received the Val Barker Cup as the best boxer of the tournament. In that fight, as in the final of the 1982 World Championship against the American Mark Breland, some lack of physical strength affected Konakbaev. After leaving big-time sports, he tried his hand as a film actor, starring in the Soviet action movie The Secrets of Madame Wong.
    23. Vladislav Zasypko(2nd flyweight, 51 kg, 1973-1976). Two-time European champion, two-time USSR champion, bronze medalist of the World Championship. The first representative of the Donetsk boxing school, who achieved significant success in the international arena. However, he failed to win the right to compete at the Olympic Games.
    24. Anatoly Klimanov(1st average weight, 71 kg., 1970-1978). Two-time European champion, champion of the USSR, bronze medalist of the World Championship. He was distinguished by good endurance and a high pace of combat. In the inner ring he competed in the 2nd middleweight, where at that time a large number of strong fighters were concentrated - such as Vyacheslav Lemeshev, Rufat Riskiev, Juozas Juocyavichus. Therefore, in the international arena, in the interests of the team, he moved to other categories. So in 1973 he won the European Championship in the 1st middleweight up to 71 kg., And in 1975 - in the light heavyweight up to 81 kg. At the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, at the preliminary stage, he lost to the future winner of the tournament, Leon Spinks from the USA, who later became famous as a professional by defeating Muhammad Ali.
    25. Algirdas Shotsikas(heavy weight, over 81 kg. ., 1949-1956). Two-time European champion, six-time USSR champion. Perhaps the most gifted heavyweight in the history of Soviet boxing. He possessed a developed intuition, perfected technique, non-standard manner of fighting and an irresistible left hand. His confrontation with the legendary Nikolai Korolev went down in history. At the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, he suffered an unfortunate defeat from the South African Niman, missing a knockout blow immediately after the gong while trying to shake hands with the opponent. Unfortunately, he did not have sufficient ability to take a hit, because of which his career ended somewhat prematurely. After that, he continued to develop the traditions of Lithuanian boxing in the coaching field, raising, in particular, such famous fighters like Richardas Tamoulis and Ionas Chepulis.
    26. Evgeny Gorstkov(heavy weight, over 81 kg., 1973-1980). Two-time European champion, four-time USSR champion, four-time absolute champion of the USSR. Possessing very impressive dimensions, nevertheless, he relied on high mobility in the ring, skillful technique and subtle tactical calculation. For many years, he successfully withstood competition in domestic competitions from a whole galaxy of gifted heavyweights - such as Igor Vysotsky, Pyotr Zaev, Viktor Ulyanich, Viktor Ivanov, and others. But he could not break into the USSR national team to compete at the Olympic Games.
    27. Victor Ageev(1st middleweight, 71 kg., 1961-1968). Two-time European champion, four-time USSR champion. Probably the most gifted and non-standard Soviet boxer in history. Brilliant reaction, extraordinary coordination and an excellent sense of distance allowed him to box in an open stance with his hands down, which made his actions in the ring unpredictable for opponents. His eccentricity brought special dividends in the international arena, where he did not know defeat. However, the ebullient nature of Ageev demanded an outburst of emotions not only in the ring, but also in everyday life, where in his younger years he was not particularly disciplined and law-abiding. A kind of "infant terrible" of domestic boxing. Twice conceded the right to speak at the Olympics to his principal rival Boris Lagutin, although the overall balance of their confrontation over the course of several years turned out to be equal. Due to problems with the Soviet law enforcement agencies, he prematurely ended his sports career.
    28. Viktor Tregubov(1st middle weight, 71 kg., 1964-1973). Two-time European champion, four-time USSR champion. He went through battle hardening in confrontation with such luminaries of domestic boxing as Viktor Ageev, Boris Lagutin, Richardas Tamulis. After their departure from boxing, he dominated the European and all-Union arenas for several years. But in the quarterfinals of the 1972 Olympics in Munich, with a score of judges' notes 3-2, he lost to Alan Minter from Great Britain, who in the future showed himself quite clearly in the professional ring.
    29. Valery Frolov(1st welterweight, 63.5 kg., 1964-1969). Two-time European champion. For several years in a row, he was inferior to his namesake Yevgeny in intra-union competitions. But after the end of the career of the latter, he fully used the opportunity to prove himself in the international arena. True, he never managed to become the champion of the USSR.
    30. Valery Limasov(1st welterweight, 63.5 kg., 1975-1977). Two-time European champion. His career is another proof that at one time it was easier for Soviet boxers to win the European Championship than the USSR Championship. At the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, at the preliminary stage, he lost to the future winner of the tournament, Ray Leonard from the USA, who later established himself as one of the best boxers in history as a professional.

    Also, I consider it necessary to at least list the Soviet boxers who have single victories at the Olympics and world championships.

    Olympic champions: Vladimir Safronov (featherweight, 57 kg., 1956), Valerian Sokolov (lightest weight, 54 kg., 1968), Boris Kuznetsov (featherweight, 57 kg., 1972), Vyacheslav Yanovsky (1st welterweight, 63.5 kg., 1988).

    World Champions: Vasily Solomin (lightweight, 60 kg. 1974) - the best boxer of the 1974 World Championship; Rufat Riskiev (2nd middle weight, 75 kg., 1974); Valery Lvov (1st welterweight, 63.5 kg., 1978); Valery Rachkov (2nd welterweight, 67 kg., 1978); Airat Khamatov (featherweight, 57 kg., 1989); Andrey Kurnyavka (2nd middle weight, 75 kg., 1989).

    It is worth noting that Soviet boxers began to perform at major international competitions since 1952. And among the representatives of the generation whose career fell on an earlier time, there were also very bright personalities. Therefore, for the correctness of the study, I cannot but list those of them who achieved the greatest success in the all-Union arena.

    1. Sergey Shcherbakov(2nd welterweight, 67 kg., 1944-1953). Ten-time champion of the USSR, silver medalist of the Olympic Games and the European Championship. He was distinguished by his colossal capacity for work and the will to win. Of all the boxers of that generation, his fighting style was the most suitable for the professional ring. In particular, he regularly and successfully applied such technique, as "Sun Dempsey", named after the famous American professional heavyweight. At the end of his career, Shcherbakov still got the opportunity to compete in major international competitions. But in the finals of the 1952 Olympiad in Helsinki and the 1953 European Championship, he was inferior to the Pole Ztigmund Hyhle, whom he had previously defeated in a friendly match. Achieved significant success in coaching.
    2. Nikolai Korolev(heavy weight, over 79.5 kg., 1936-1953). Nine-time champion of the USSR, four-time absolute champion of the USSR. With outstanding physical strength and a powerful knockout blow, he also had a rather high technical and tactical training. The history of Soviet boxing included his confrontation with Viktor Mikhailov in the late 1930s. and with Algirdas Shotsikas - in the late 1940s-early 1950s. At one time, he tried to achieve the right to meet with the then world heavyweight professional champion Joe Louis. But he did not receive permission from the Soviet government for this fight. During the Great Patriotic War, for some time he acted as part of the famous partisan detachment Dmitry Medvedev. In Soviet literature, an episode was often mentioned when, with the help of only his fists, he dealt with several armed German soldiers at once, and then carried a wounded commander on his shoulders for several kilometers.
    3. Evgeny Ogurenkov(1st middle weight, 73 kg., 1934-1947). Seven-time champion of the USSR, absolute champion of the USSR. Being a middleweight, in the absolute championships of the USSR he successfully competed with the best heavyweights of the country. In 1947, in a friendly match, he defeated the future three-time Olympic champion Laszlo Papp from Hungary.
    4. Viktor Mikhailov(light heavyweight, up to. 79.5 kg., 1927-1939). Seven-time champion of the USSR, absolute champion of the USSR. One of the founders of the traditions of Soviet boxing. He was distinguished by a high culture of movements and a superbly delivered blow. Having switched to coaching, he successfully passed his the richest experience next generations of domestic boxers.
    5. Anatoly Greiner(lightweight, 60 kg., 1936-1954). Seven-time champion of the USSR. The brightest representative of the "first wave" of Ukrainian boxing. He was distinguished by modern technology for that time and the ability to fight at different distances.

    Now I present the top ten, in my opinion, Soviet boxers, which I compiled from the above list, based not only on the number of titles won by this or that athlete, but on such criteria as: charisma; originality and brightness of style; degree of realization of natural potential; footprint left in the memory of sports fans. Also, I tried to include representatives of different generations and schools of Soviet boxing in this list in order to more fully reflect its history.

    1. Valery Popenchenko. It is he who most closely matches the criteria I have taken as a basis. In my choice, the fact that this is the only Soviet boxer who won the Val Barker Cup also played a role.
    2. Boris Lagutin. I gave only the second place to the most titled Soviet boxer due to some dryness and academic style of his style and a certain understatement in the confrontation with Viktor Agev.
    3. Vladimir Yengibaryan. Included in the top three for a bright, unique style and for invaluable contribution, which he contributed to the formation of the traditions of the original Armenian boxing school.
    4. Oleg Grigoriev. Universal, balanced and harmonious style, coupled with a significant number of titles won, deserve a very high rating.
    5. Nikolai Korolev. The most legendary and charismatic representative of his generation. He entered the people's memory as a kind of epic hero.
    6. Victor Ageev. Without this exceptionally talented and original personality, this list could not do without. Although, for a number of reasons, Ageev did not fully realize his richest potential.
    7. Viktor Rybakov. In the generation of Soviet boxers in the second half of the 1970s, it was Rybakov who was considered the brightest figure, despite the fact that he never reached the Olympic peak. But four prizes for the best boxer in Europe speak for themselves.
    8. Alexander Yagubkin. A bright and successful representative of the generation of Soviet boxers in the first half of the 1980s, deprived of the opportunity to participate in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles for political reasons. It is also included in the list because it is the only Soviet heavyweight who has won not only European, but also world boxing forums.
    9. Dan Poznyak. Of the whole galaxy of remarkable Lithuanian boxers, I singled out Poznyak for his extreme perseverance in achieving the goal and the high degree of realization of natural abilities.
    10. Konstantin Tszyu. Let on highest level Tszyu was not an amateur boxer for too long, but I could not bypass him when compiling this list, as the owner of an outstanding talent, and as a kind of iconic figure, connecting fundamentally different eras of Russian boxing.

    In conclusion, I would like to note that in addition to the boxers mentioned above, there were many other rather bright personalities in domestic boxing, even if they did not achieve such high-profile titles. But such names as: Willikton Barannikov, Alois Tuminsh, Alexey Kiselev, Oleg Karataev, Igor Vysotsky, Petr Zaev, Viktor Demyanenko, Viktor Miroshnichenko, Nurmagomed Shanavazov, Orzubek Nazarov and many others still remain in the memory of our boxing fans.

    ATOM (idea - komar).

    Immediately after the October Revolution, boxing was put on a single organizational and scientific basis. In 1918, compulsory military training, which, among other things, included boxing. Educational institutions were created that specialized in the training of teachers and produced many future boxing stars.

    Nevertheless, among the leadership of the country there were many such figures who considered this sport to be a manifestation of the bourgeoisie, which led to its official ban already in the mid-20s. Supporters of boxing insisted on holding a general discussion on this issue, which resulted in its final legalization. To do this, it was necessary to assemble a commission, which included representatives of the trade union and sports leadership and doctors, four fights were held with the participation of famous boxers, after which boxing was included in the system of sports and physical culture movement.

    In 1926, they developed the rules for holding competitions and organized the USSR Championship. It was not so easy to determine the winners, because only one athlete took part in four weight categories. They were given the title of winners conditionally, and J. Braun, L. Vyazhlinsky, K. Gradopolov and A. Pavlov became other, honored leaders.

    The next championship was held only in 1933, but after that the competition began to be held regularly. Over the past seven years, our boxers, however, have taken part in various team friendly matches, including with foreign rivals and often won victories.

    In 1935, the country's government decided to create public organizations for various sports, as a result, the All-Union Boxing Section appeared, which, since 1959, was called the USSR Boxing Federation.

    During the war, championships were not held, only when its outcome became clear, in 1944 regular competitions for the title of USSR champion in boxing were held, in the same year the first youth championship was played.

    In the post-war years, the number of boxing tournaments has been growing, now not only the championships of the country, but also the championships of the republics and regions are held, as well as, since 1968, the USSR Cup.

    In 1950, our state joined AIBA, and our athletes were able to participate in international tournaments, and already in 1952 at the Olympics in Helsinki, our team won four bronze and two silver medals. IN next games Russian boxers showed more top scores and won three gold, one silver and two bronze medals, as well as taking first place in the team event. Our subsequent successes were no less impressive and at different times Olympic champions became such masters as V. Popenchenko, O. Griroriev, twice B. Lagutin, V. Lemeshev, D. Poznyak, V. Yanovsky and many others.

    In 1953, our boxers began their victorious march at the European Championship and immediately won two first places, three second places and silver in the team event. In the period from 1953 to 1989, the USSR national team won 155 medals at the European Championships, namely 90 gold, 32 silver and 33 bronze. Another 36 awards were won at the World Championships. Since 1969, regular friendly boxing matches have been held between the teams of the USSR and the USA, as well as other countries.

    The number of boxers in the country by 1990 reached 330 thousand people. The past decades have served great start for the formation of various original schools, mainly St. Petersburg and Moscow, as well as Armenian, Kazakh, Ukrainian, Georgian and others.

    The modern history of Russian boxing began in 1992, when the Russian Boxing Federation was approved. It included regional organizations located in 82 constituent entities. For 2000 total involved amounted to 210 thousand people. Since then, national championships and competitions for the Cup of Russia have been regularly held, in addition, there are also regional competitions.

    Recently, domestic boxing is experiencing another rise, our athletes have won many European and world titles. Many boxers participate in professional tournaments.

    "It's better to talk with your mouth full than to be silent with your teeth knocked out" - Michael Tyson.

    As I promised readers, just the other day I had a meeting with a fairly well-known, I'm not afraid to say one of best boxers USSR Radik Galimyanov. Unfortunately, he is now in a rather difficult life situation, forgotten by everyone, including the Ministry of Sports of Russia, and after all, once his name thundered all over the world, and he brought gold to his homeland, winning it in battles from rivals. As long as we are healthy, as long as we are able to glorify the Fatherland with our military exploits, the country remembers us, or pretends to remember, but when a person different reasons and troubles cannot continue to reach their former levels, then everyone quickly forgets about it, especially the state. Well, enough introductory words and go directly to the dialogue with the eminent athlete. I hope that it will be interesting for boxing fans to read, and perhaps even remember the glorious fighter from our city. By the way, not a single Pervouralian could achieve such success, and only he managed to prove that he is one of the best boxers in the USSR.

    MULTIPLE CHAMPION OF THE SVERDLOVSK REGION, CHAMPION OF THE USSR, MASTER OF SPORTS OF THE USSR, MULTIPLE COMPETITION PARTICIPANTS AND WINNER IN INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD R. T. GALIMYANOV.

    - What brought you to boxing?

    I really wanted to become a champion and defend the honor of the USSR in the international ring. I wanted to be the best boxer in the Soviet Union, and this desire led me to this species sports

    - Where are you from?

    I was born in 1970 in Turkmenistan (TSSR).

    - Who was your first coach and led to such success?

    In my childhood, Zinur Zaripov worked with me. It was he who gave, so to speak, the basics of boxing skills. Then I moved on to Sergei Romanov. With his help, he managed to climb the podium of the winner and became the champion of the USSR.

    - To whom are you now passing on your rich experience?

    Unfortunately, my experience remained unclaimed. And I'm not the only one. Many Soviet athletes were left out after the collapse of the USSR. You have probably noticed with what a failure in comparison with the achievements of Soviet sports the Olympics are held. There is no such amount of gold as in the Soviet Union now. Many of us have gone to Europe and the USA, where they train foreign athletes. Alas, modern Russia does not need us. Plus, the dashing 90s also left their negative imprint. But, in my opinion, the living life in boxing goes on.

    The boxing club "Companion" in secondary school No. 5 has existed for a long time, since 1983. It was founded back in Soviet times by coach Zinur Zaripov, and his students continued a good undertaking. These are Radif Galimyanov and Alexander Shestakov. From here came the champion of the USSR Radik Galimyanov, the multiple champion of the Sverdlovsk region Airat Galimyanov and many others.

    - Radik, tell us about your bright battles in which you won in Nicaragua and Germany.

    I flew to the capital of Nicaragua as part of the USSR national team. Boxing was against the strongest boxers from Latin America. My opponent was the winner of the Central American and Caribbean Games. The first round began with an exchange of blows. And then I get into it. He falls. The referee counts the time. On last second the opponent gets up and tries to take revenge with a new attack. I send him to the knockdown again. The champion is back on the floor and trying to get up. The referee counts the time, but he rises. The round ends.
    In the second round, the enemy tied up the most severe "cutting". Beat in series without stopping. There is a very tight fight going on. Who will win. Who will lose their nerve first. I'm starting to lose on points. The opponent takes over and it seems that I will not be able to recover from such attacks.
    In the third round, the opponent, without slowing down, continues to hit in series, imposing a "makhach". But then I got used to it and changed the tactics of the battle. I step aside with a blow. I knock him down and hit him. I repeat this trick over and over. That's it, the "suit" went. I calculated it. He just had to get lost. Thus, I managed to achieve a clear victory.

    - Do you have any other titles?

    After numerous tournaments, I was also awarded the title of the most technical boxer.

    GERMAN CHAMPIONSHIP. LEFT TO RIGHT: RADIK FIRST IN THE FIRST ROW.

    There are rumors in the boxing community of the city of Pervouralsk about your meeting with Konstantin Tszyu. Can you somehow confirm or deny?

    It's hard for me to talk about it.

    At that moment, he thinks and there is a pause. His brother Radif Galimyanov joins the conversation.

    Yes, indeed, our coaches wanted to bring them together in the ring, but according to rumors, the coach of the opposite side did everything to prevent the meeting from taking place. Radik would undoubtedly have won. At that time, he was the best technical boxer in the USSR. In his weight class there were no equals.

    Here you are the ex-champion of the Soviet Union, the master of sports of the USSR, and in our time, what title can this be equated to?

    Radik thinks and coach Alexander Shestakov is responsible for him.

    Do not forget that the USSR included 15 independent republics, not counting the autonomous ones, which are now separate states. Well, the champion of the USSR can be equated as a five-minute world champion, and the master of sports of the USSR is like a European champion.

    - That is, the champion of Russia and the champion of the USSR are not equivalent concepts? Is it really that depreciated?

    At that very moment, Radik joined the conversation.

    What era, such a price. Ever since in big sport big money came, great athletes left. Gone irretrievably. In sports, they began to win not best fighters and their sponsors. Take, for example, football. You understand, you cannot simultaneously defend the honor of the Motherland and receive huge money for it. Will not work. Once again, as soon as big money appeared, the sport died, and in its place a show arose, with sparkling lights, half-naked girls, and so on. Even the promoters themselves, when organizing fights, call them shows. So something like that. As long as this tradition continues, you yourself understand what it leads to.

    Except for the beautiful physical training, what skill and what qualities should a boxer have in order to achieve world success?

    It is sure to quickly make the right decisions. And this is only chess. If the boxer does not play chess, then success will be temporary. Boxing is not a fight between two men - it is a duel of intellects, where every movement, every step, every blow, every series you calculate and if the decision of the move is not made correctly, then you will lose. If in chess a mistake is a lost game, then in boxing it is fraught with physical injury. There is no great boxer without chess.

    - Did you experience fear when you entered the ring and how did you overcome it?

    Naturally, fear is inherent in every person, but in the process of long and hard training, I developed willpower that helped me overcome this fear.

    I understand your state when a person is not in demand and cannot pass on his invaluable experience to boys, because people like you have the ability to overcome all difficulties, fears and pain. What is your biggest dream today?

    He thinks for a moment and there is an awkward pause.

    My dream is to pass on the experience to the boys, to organize my own boxing section so that the flag of my new Motherland always rises up, like a triumph of Soviet sports.

    EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP. LEFT TO RIGHT: RADIK FIFTH IN THE FIRST ROW.

    The affairs of the Boxing Federation of the city of Pervouralsk began to improve and all this thanks to various media that have provided and continue to provide information support in the cause and promotion of children's and professional boxing, represented by the owners of various Internet resources:
    - Federal Public Virtual Media Holding "Russia - Today",
    - Pervouralsk RF,
    - "City News"
    - "Revelations of the Bolshevik",
    - Kremlin Regional Committee,
    - Community in social networks in LiveJournal "Obscene policy",
    - Pervouralsk. net,
    Printed editions of the city of Pervouralsk:
    - Chronicle. Pervouralsk,
    - "Evening Pervouralsk",
    - City News.
    Various TV channels:
    - "Russia ITV",
    - PTV,
    - "Eurasia",
    - Interra TV.

    On behalf of the parent committee of the Boxing Federation of Pervouralsk, we say special thanks to our sponsors:
    - JSC "Novotrubny Zavod" represented by the Head of the Department for Interaction with Authorities and Public Organizations Khanin Alexander Alekseevich,
    - OOO Gazprom transgaz Yekaterinburg represented by General Director David Davidovich Haidt.



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