13 Facts About Karel Sys

Karel Sys was a Belgian boxer who having started his professional career at welterweight went on to become heavyweight champion of Europe on two occasions, winning the title in both 1943 and 1952.

Karel Sys moved up in weight again, and in February 1936 beat Jean Berlemont on a majority decision to become the Belgian light heavyweight champion.

Karel Sys successfully defended the title in May 1936 against Auguste Devos, and in May 1937 against Berlemont.

In March 1941, Karel Sys beat Pierre Van Deuren to win the Belgian heavyweight title.

Karel Sys defended it successfully against Roth in July, but lost it to Roth on points in May 1942.

Karel Sys had continued to fight during the German occupation of Belgium during World War II and in 1945 he was arrested on charges of collaboration and felony.

Karel Sys was stripped of his titles and asked to leave the country.

Karel Sys returned to Belgium and was able to resume his career in his home country, winning seven fights before taking on Hein ten Hoff at the Palais des Sports in January 1952 in an attempt to regain his European title.

Karel Sys took a points decision to become European champion for a second time at the age of 37.

Karel Sys lost the title two months later to Heinz Neuhaus.

Karel Sys was unbeaten in his next five fights, but in May 1954 he retired in the fourth round by Nino Valdes, in what proved to be Karel Sys' final fight.

Karel Sys was fined by the Belgian Boxing Federation "for seriously harming the sport of boxing".

Karel Sys ended his career with a record of 117 wins from 143 fights.