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Vladimir VirchisUkrainian professional boxer
Date of Birth: 18.08.1973
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Boxing Debut
- Dominant Start and First Defeat
- European Champion
- Setback and Retirement
- Ring Return
- Beyond Boxing
Early Life and Boxing Debut
Ukrainian boxer Vitali Virchis, nicknamed "The Predator," embarked on his professional boxing journey in 1999. His debut fight against Andrei Oleinik marked the beginning of his illustrious career.
Dominant Start and First Defeat
Out of his first 20 professional bouts, Virchis triumphed in 17 by way of knockout. However, his undefeated streak came to an end on March 11, 2006, when he faced the then-unbeaten Ruslan Chagaev. The judges ruled in favor of Chagaev, scoring the fight 114-115, 112-116, and 114-114.
European Champion
On May 19, 2007, Virchis redeemed himself by knocking out Paolo Vidoz, the reigning EBU European champion. This victory earned him the coveted European title.
Setback and Retirement
His hopes of challenging the WBC heavyweight champion took a blow when he lost to Juan Carlos Gomez in a WBC eliminator on September 27, 2008. The judges' scores (110-117, 109-117, 111-115) led Virchis to announce his retirement from boxing.
Ring Return
In a surprising turn of events, Virchis made a comeback to the ring on October 24, 2009. He emerged victorious in a six-round unanimous decision bout against Edgars Kalnars of Latvia.
Beyond Boxing
Outside of boxing, Virchis is the proud owner of a small farm in Ukraine. His close friend is the renowned Ukrainian producer Timofey Alexandrovich Nagorny. Virchis also has a nephew, Maksim Streltsov, who resides in Kakhovka.
