Boxing has seen a great many impressive records, from Mayweather’s undefeated reign to Ali’s impressive resume, but it is the amateur records of some fighters that are most impressive.
Len Wickwar holds the record for the most fights in professional boxing. With a record of 340-87-43 across a near 20-year career, Wickwar’s record is something to behold.
But what many often look past is the amateur records behind some boxers, with some recognisable faces holding awe-inspiring records before turning pro.
Here is a list of five professional boxers with top amateur pedigree.
Vasyl Lomachenko
Lomachenko is widely known to have an impressive amateur record, but just how impressive is it? Of his 397 amateur fights, Lomachenko lost only one.
His one loss came against Russia’s Albert Selimov. Lomachenko did avenge this loss and defeated Selimov twice since.
His record includes wins over current WBO lightweight champion and king of ringwalks Denys Berinchyk, as well as undefeated Souleymane Cissokho.
Lomachenko holds a professional record of 18-3, with losses at the hands of Teofimo Lopez, Devin Haney, and Orlando Salido, who Lomachenko challenged for the world title in just his second fight.
Lomachenko was in talks to fight Gervonta Davis, though decided not to pursue the fight. Despite this, Gervonta Davis has defended Lomachenko from accusations that he was ducking the fight.
Guillermo Rigondeaux
Perhaps one of the most impressive records due to sheer volume, Cuba’s Guillermo Rigondeaux managed to rack up a record of 463 wins across 475 fights.
He beat former world super-featherweight champion Robson Conceicao in the amateurs, amongst other names.
Rigondeaux and Lomachenko met in the professional game in 2017 where the Ukrainian handed the Cuban his first career defeat.
Rigondeaux holds a professional record of 23-3.
Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk has become a fan favorite for his accomplishments in the professional game, with wins over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois, the Ukrainian became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis.
This comes after Usyk cleaned out the cruiserweight division and became undisputed there, with wins over Mairis Breidis, Murat Gassiev, Tony Bellew and more.
As an amateur, Usyk boasted a record of 335-15 and won gold at the 2012 Olympics.
His amateur career saw him defeat Joe Joyce, as well as Artur Beterbiev, who he faced three times, losing only one encounter.
Oscar De La Hoya
‘The Golden Boy’, Oscar De La Hoya finished his professional career with a record of 39-6.
He lost only to the following great fighters: Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosley, and Felix Trinidad.
De La Hoya amassed an amateur record of 223-5.
De La Hoya is now a promoter and represents fighters such as Arnold Barboza Jr., who is set to face Jack Catterall for the interim world title on Saturday the 15th.
Gennadiy Golovkin
Golovkin, better known by his nickname ‘GGG’ is best known for his blockbuster trilogy with Canelo Alvarez. The first two fights have stirred much controversy, with many suggesting Golovkin should have won at least one of the encounters.
He was awarded a draw when the pair first met, and a loss each time since. Canelo named Golovkin the toughest fighter he’s shared the ring with.
He finished his career with a 42-2-1 record and holds wins over Daniel Jacobs, David Lemieux, and Kell Brook.
For the first ten years of his career, only three men heard the final bell.