Shafikov Denis - Russian boxer, champion of the intercontinental version of IBO

Shafikov Denis is a professional Russian boxer in light and welterweight. The world champion of the intercontinental version of IBO, won a bronze medal at the Russian Championship in Ulyanovsk in 2003. Denis Shafikov, a boxer, is notable for his nationality as a Bashkir, so he always enters the ring in Bashkir national clothes, but he defends the flag of the Russian Federation. For this he was given the nickname "Genghis Khan".

Biography and interesting facts

Shafikov Denis was born on June 3 in 1985 in the city of Miass (Chelyabinsk region, Russia). Ros was raised in the family of the Bashkirs (the Turkic autochthonous people of the Republic of Bashkortostan). The father and mother were agricultural workers on the farm, in parallel they had their own household. Denis first learned about boxing when he was five years old. Then he accidentally found out that the local guys are organizing an amateur boxing tournament.

Visiting the competition and watching all the fights, Denis caught fire with excitement and desire to learn how to box. Years passed, the boy was delirious about this sport. Parents were against the boy engaged in such a tough sport, so they forbade him even to think about it.

But when Denis grew up a bit, he made the decision himself. At the age of 13 he went to sign up for the local boxing sports section. From the first days, Shafikov went on like clockwork: a stance, blows, breathing - everything was demonstrated at a decent level. Local coaches did not even believe that the boy had never practiced martial arts. On Denis began to pin hopes and believe in his future successful boxing career.

Denis Shafikov: fighting in a professional career

The debut at the professional level took place at the end of 2003. The first ten boxing fights of Denis took place in Russia and Belarus. By the way, all these fights Shafikov won by knockout.

In 2007, he signed a contract with a promotional company from Finland called P3 Boxing. Shafikov Denis from now on did not worry for the future status of the fight. The eleventh battle took place with Dominican Christian Friasoy, on account of which there were 20 victories, one draw and two defeats. By the way, it was the first eminent rival in Shafikov's career. The fight was very difficult for opponents, but Denis was much faster and more technical, so he won on points.

First title and first draw in the ring

In 2009 Denis Shafikov (photo, below - left) won his first IBO title. A little later, in October 2010, held a tie with unbroken Italian Brunet Zamora, on account of which there was not one defeat, but only 20 wins. In 2011 Denis Shafikov became European champion in EBU lightweight title. Six months later he had to defend the title against the same Italian Brunet Zamora. Fortunately, this time Denis was much more confident and better, therefore he won the opponent on points.

The fight for the title of the IBF champion against Miguel Vazquez

In February 2014, Denis Shafikov's fight against Mexican Miguel Vasquez for the IBF lightweight title was held in Macao (the administrative district of the People's Republic of China). Unfortunately, in this fight the Russian with the Bashkir roots was not able to win the championship - Vazquez became the champion of the IBF. Shafikov's attempts and efforts were noticeable to the naked eye-he was more active, faster and more evil. However, all this was thwarted by a Mexican opponent who, while retaining his strength, was stronger at the distance. As a result, the victory was given to Miguel Vazquez by unanimous decision, while Denis was spoiled by statistics the first defeat.

The battle with compatriot Rustam Nugaev

In August 2014, Russian boxers Shafikov and Nugaev hosted an IBF qualifying match. In this fight, Denis Shafikov was better in all respects. From the first seconds of the battle, he seized the advantage and controlled every action of the opponent. The most excellent was the third round, in which Shafikov conducted a crushing attack, after which Nugaev could not in the future somehow resist. After 6 rounds, Nugaev's left cheek and left eye swelled very badly. After the 8th round, Rustam was offered to finish the fight, which he gave a negative answer. The referee warned that if Shafikov was successfully attacked, the battle would be stopped. And it happened - Denis Shafikov inflicted several blows on the face, after which the duel was stopped.