Denis Aleksandrovich Lebedev is a Russian former professional boxer who competed from 2001 to 2019.
42 Facts About Denis Lebedev
2.
Denis Lebedev was a unified world cruiserweight champion, having held the WBA title from 2012 to 2018, and the IBF title in 2016.
3.
In 2004, Denis Lebedev won the vacant Russian light heavyweight title in a shut out 10-round decision win against Artem Vychkin.
4.
In 2009, having a record of 16 wins, 11 by knockout, Denis Lebedev beat Cuban Eliseo Castillo who held a win over Michael Moorer, but was not highly regarded.
5.
Denis Lebedev then managed to knockout former WBO titleholder Enzo Maccarinelli.
6.
Denis Lebedev challenged Marco Huck for the WBO cruiserweight title on 18 December 2010 at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin.
7.
Many experts at ringside thought Denis Lebedev had deserved the decision.
8.
Denis Lebedev knocked Jones out with 2 seconds left in their 10-round bout.
9.
The controversy arose when Denis Lebedev punched Jones, when it was, to some, clear that Jones was not responsive and was out on his feet.
10.
Denis Lebedev was ranked by the WBA at number 3, while Toney entered at number 4, being the first time he had fought at cruiserweight since 2003.
11.
Denis Lebedev made his first defence of the interim world title at the Crocus City Hall in Myakinino, Russia, on 4 April 2012 against Shawn Cox.
12.
On 16 November, it was announced that Denis Lebedev would fight undefeated Colombian boxer Santander Silgado at the City Hall on 17 December 2012.
13.
Denis Lebedev was left with a shocking eye injury after losing his WBA cruiserweight title to Jones.
14.
Jones was stripped of his title later in the year for failing a drug test for this fight, resulting in Denis Lebedev being reinstated as Champion by the WBA.
15.
In July 2014, Denis Lebedev signed a 3-year deal with powerful promotional company World of Boxing.
16.
In round 2, Denis Lebedev floored Kolodziej with a well timed power left hook to the face retaining his WBA cruiserweight title.
17.
One of the [people in the corner], I will not name him, got me in a corner and said, 'Denis Lebedev, this is our fight, just stay safe in the last two rounds and we've won.
18.
Denis Lebedev wanted to make a quick return to the ring by November 2014.
19.
The WBA ordered Denis Lebedev to make a defence against their Interim champion Youri Kalenga.
20.
Denis Lebedev started the fight the better boxer, however was caught off balance in round 4 following a left hand from Kalenga, which dropped him.
21.
Denis Lebedev spent the next couple of rounds more cautious and in round 7, landed a punch to Kalenga's jaw dropping him.
22.
On 18 August 2015, Ringtv announced that Denis Lebedev would defend his WBA title against undefeated Nigerian boxer and friend Lateef Kayode at the Tatneft Arena in Kazan, Russia on 4 November.
23.
Denis Lebedev retained his world title after knocking Kayode down three times in the bout before the fight was eventually stopped by the referee.
24.
Kayode started off as the aggressor, however Denis Lebedev was in control throughout the fight.
25.
Ramirez got up and as the fight continued Denis Lebedev began landing power shots with both hands.
26.
Denis Lebedev waited for Ramirez to turn back around, then continued unloading until Ramirez dropped his hands.
27.
Denis Lebedev successfully applied for only the IBF title to be at stake as a result, retaining his WBA title in the process.
28.
Denis Lebedev was knocked down in round 5, following a left shot to the body, but managed to beat the count.
29.
Denis Lebedev immediately changed his style to avoid further punishment to the body.
30.
On 5 June 2017, it was announced that a deal had been finalized for Denis Lebedev to defend his WBA 'Super' cruiserweight title against Australian boxer and WBA Oceania cruiserweight champion Mark Flanagan, who was ranked number 8 by WBA, in Ekaterinburg, Russia on 10 July.
31.
Denis Lebedev used his jab to control the fight, following with his left hooks and was the clear aggressor, unfortunately for him, was unable to stop Flanagan.
32.
On 5 September, the WBA ordered for Oleksandr Usyk to start negotiating with Denis Lebedev and gave them until the first week of October 2018 to complete negotiations.
33.
Denis Lebedev struggled to cut off the ring in the opening round as Altunkaya was able to use his foot movement to avoid any damage.
34.
In round 3, Denis Lebedev connected with a left hand counter which dropped Altunkaya.
35.
Denis Lebedev's opponent was announced as 35 year old American, former amateur Mike Wilson.
36.
Denis Lebedev put in a strong and dominant performance to defeat Wilson over 12 rounds via a lopsided decision.
37.
The experience of Denis Lebedev compared to that of Wilson was the main factor in the fight.
38.
Denis Lebedev was cut near his left eye following a jab in round 2 however his corner men were able to control and stop the blood.
39.
Denis Lebedev targeted the nose with his shots, and was able to catch him often.
40.
Denis Lebedev showed he could still be competitive and win via decision.
41.
Eddie Hearn stated Denis Lebedev could come to the UK and fight prospect Lawrence Okolie.
42.
In January 2020, Denis Lebedev announced his retirement, this time stating it is final.