Hungary is not famous for big names in boxing. Despite this fact, there are many sportsmen who are motivated to box competitively. Speaking generally, there are many dedicated athletes who excel in a physically demanding and disciplined combat sport of boxing.
While the official list of the best Hungarian boxers currently does not exist, we can highlight some notable names like Zsolt Erdei, István Bernáth, and Akilov Pylyp. Their achievements include world titles in different weight divisions, fights against top boxers, and places in the Hall of Fame of today’s professional boxing. Each boxer has his own fan base, and https://ggbets-hu.com, the top Hungarian bookmaker, always covers their fights.
Zsolt Erdei
Zsolt ”Madár” Erdei is a Hungarian pro boxer who retired with a record of 34 wins, including 18 wins by knockout and one loss. Erdei is the only Hungarian boxer who has won world titles in two weight divisions. Apart from being the WBC cruiserweight champion, he is also a world champion in the WBO light heavyweight division.
Statistics
- Professional record: 34-1-0 (34 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws).
- Knockout ratio: 51.43% (18 KOs).
- Weight categories: Light Heavyweight (175 lbs), Cruiserweight (200 lbs).
- Titles: WBO Light Heavyweight Champion (2004-2009), WBC Cruiserweight Champion (2009-2010).
- Notable Achievements: Won titles in two weight divisions, defended his WBO light heavyweight title 11 consecutive times, won a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics as an amateur.
Other Facts
- Erdei is known by the nickname “Bird” (“Madár”).
- He retired from professional sport in 2014.
- After his boxing career, he became the president and later the co-president of the Hungarian boxing federation.
- He also founded the Madárfészek Boxing Academy for youth.
István Bernáth
István Bernáth is a Hungarian professional heavyweight boxer. He’s known for his impressive progression from amateur to professional boxing. Known for his power, Bernáth has faced top talents, even grabbing silver at the EU Championships. In his pro career, he has racked up 10 wins!
Statistics
- Professional record: 10-2-0 (10 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws).
- Knockout ratio: 80% (8 KOs).
- Weight category: Super-heavyweight (257.0 lbs).
- Titles: none.
- Notable Achievements: 2-time silver medalist of the EU Championship (2008, 2009), 5-time champion of Hungary (2009, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2023), 3-time silver medalist of the Hungarian Championship (2008, 2011, 2013), silver medalist of the EU Junior Championship (2007).
Other Facts
István Bernáth defeated his opponent László Felföldi at the finals of the 102nd László Papp National Boxing Championship. He won by a decisive margin.
Akilov Pylyp
Filip Akilov is originally from Soledar, Ukraine. However, he changed nationality to Hungary in 2022, and at this point, he is identified as Akilov Pylyp in the Hungarian passport. At 25, Akilov made it to the quarterfinals at the World Championships 2023. No Hungarian boxer has achieved such a feat in the last decade. He also qualified for the Paris Olympics at the qualification tournament in Italy in 2023.
Statistics
- Professional record: 2-0-0 (2 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws).
- Knockout ratio: 25%.
- Weight category: Light Heavyweight (168 lbs).
- Titles: none.
- Notable Facts: Represented Hungary at the 2024 Summer Olympics. He was ninth.
Other Facts
In the 1st round of the World Championships, Akilov beat the Georgian Garabadze. Then he beat the Italian Cavallaro in the 2nd. He was better than Cavallaro. The Italian simply couldn’t manage his style. In the draw of the last eight, he faced Abdullayev. Although Akilov dominated in the first two rounds, Abdullayev was still declared the winner (5-0). Eventually, Abdullayev won the bronze medal, while Akilov finished in 5th place.
Sum Up
You may think that boxing’s glorious days are in the past. However, fans still show up when prime-time fights with superstars light up the boxing ring. When giants like Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilde, Oleksandr Usyk, or Anthony Joshua have a match, it still has the significance of any star-driven matchups in other sports.
Young athletes continue to start their careers in local clubs and gyms, gradually advancing to compete at national and international levels. Hungarian fighters train to win, and they don’t get in the ring without believing that victory is possible. Thus, knowing how to bet on boxing is worth your while.
