Why—and How—Ukrainian Boxers Keep Shattering World Records Since the 90s

Ukrainians have already proven their courage and strength on the battlefield. In their war against the world’s largest country—Russia, which is 28 times bigger in land area than Ukraine—they continue to mount a successful resistance. Ukrainians are remarkable warriors, and their triumphs in sports competitions are further proof of that. Even when the opponents are also much bigger and are favorites.

Only 33 years have passed since Ukraine regained independence, yet in that time, 15 Ukrainians have become world boxing champions:

• Vitali Klitschko — 1999
  

• Volodymyr Klitschko — 2000
  

• Alina Shaternikova — 2002
  

• Volodymyr Sydorenko — 2005
  

• Serhiy Dzinziruk — 2005
  

• Andriy Kotelnyk — 2008
  

• Yuriy Nuzhnenko — 2008
  

• Vyacheslav Senchenko — 2009
  

• Vasyliy Lomachenko — 2014
  

• Viktor Postol — 2015
  

• Oleksandr Usyk — 2016
  

• Artem Dalakyan — 2018
  

• Oleksandr Gvozdyk — 2018
  

• Serhii Bohachuk — 2024
  

• Denys Berinchyk — 2024
  

Even if you’re not a boxing fan, you’ve likely heard some of these names.

Vitalii and Volodymyr Klitschko made it into the Guinness World Records for the most fights held by brothers, and these fights were almost always triumphant. From July 2011 to December 2013, the brothers held all the major heavyweight titles within the family.

And this incredible run didn’t end in defeat—Vitali Klitschko simply retired. His achievements were so significant that the World Boxing Council (WBC) named him Champion Emeritus for life. His legendary 2003 fight against Britain’s Lennox Lewis is still one of boxing’s greatest “what-ifs.” The doctor stopped the fight before the 7th round due to a cut on Klitschko’s face, even though he was ahead on the judges' scorecards. Fans eagerly awaited a rematch, but Lewis retired afterward.

Volodymyr Klitschko, the younger brother, also cemented his legacy in boxing history — both professional and amateur. He is an Olympic champion. Some of Volodymyr’s records include:

• The most opponents defeated in world title fights—23. For comparison: second, third, and fourth place belong to boxing icons Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, and Larry Holmes. In fifth is Vitalii Klitschko, with 15 title defenses.
  

• The longest reign as world heavyweight champion—4,382 days, or 12 years. After Volodymyr come legends like Joe Louis (11.7 years), Larry Holmes (7.3 years), and Jack Dempsey (7.2 years).
  

Volodymyr was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2021, during his first year of eligibility.

Another achievement of the Klitschko brothers: they were among the oldest reigning champions. They hold second and third place in history for age among heavyweight champions, after George Foreman. Vitalii won a title at 42 years, 150 days, and Volodymyr at 39 years, 248 days. There are still rumors that Volodymyr might return to the ring to break Foreman’s record (46 years, 170 days).

What about other Ukrainian champions?

In 2012, one of the sport’s biggest upsets occurred. The famous Ricky Hatton stepped into the ring in his hometown of Manchester against Ukrainian underdog Vyacheslav Senchenko. Previously, only two boxing legends—Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao—had defeated Hatton.

But in the 9th round, Senchenko landed a perfect liver shot, and Hatton fell to the canvas in pain. That knockout ended the Brit’s career.

Another notable Ukrainian underdog victory: Andriy Kotelnyk’s 2008 fight in Cardiff against undefeated Welsh world champion Gavin Rees (27 wins, 0 losses). In the final minute of the 12th round, Kotelnyk landed a brilliant combo—left, right, right—and Rees collapsed. The referee helped him up, but Kotelnyk unleashed another devastating attack, forcing the referee to stop the fight.

Viktor Postol admitted himself: “No one believed I could beat Lucas Matthysse and become a world champion.” In 2015, the odds favored the skilled Argentine at 1.36, while Postol’s were 3.40. The result? Postol knocked him out in the 10th round.

The recent sensation Oleksandr Usyk is a true machine of upsets. In 2012, he won the Olympics, entering the ring as a free Ukrainian warrior—a Cossack—and celebrated his wins with a traditional Hopak dance. No coincidence: as a child, Usyk trained in Ukrainian folk dance, which shaped the unique agility and fluidity of his fighting style. His nickname—The Cat—fits perfectly.

Originally a natural cruiserweight, Usyk first became the undisputed champion in that division, then moved up to heavyweight. In this new category, the “small” and “light-hitting” Ukrainian was given no chance against two-meter-tall titans. But he systematically defeated all the top contenders: Anthony Joshua (twice), Tyson Fury (twice), and Daniel Dubois (twice as well, of course).

As a result, a completely cleared-out division, zero losses, every possible title, and the #1 spot in the Pound-for-Pound rankings. This has never happened in boxing history.

Ukrainians really do know how to fight.