Let’s take a closer look at the ten absolute best Swedish pro boxers right now!
This story was first published in Swedish for Frontkick’s sister site Maximum Sports, written by Philip Dersén.
10. Paolo Magui
Paolo Magui made quite a statement in his professional debut at a local Swedish boxing show in 2021. Thereafter he went to win three more bouts during the year, including a split decision in October.
So far, I’m not completely sold Magui’s as a professional boxer since he just finished one of his opponents.
9. Adam Belalia
24-year-old Adam Belalia is the youngest boxer on the list and has a good chance to climb further in the next few years.
After winning gold in the Swedish Championships, as well as several international wins, Adel chose to turn pro. Just like his collegue Costas Nanga, he competed abroad during his first year, winning five fights on foreign ground.
Extra curiosa is that his twin brother, Adel Belalia, also is a Swedish National Champion who’s considering a professional career.
8. Shady Gamhour
Shady Gamhour has one very unique ingredient – his coach is no other than boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. A more solid basis for a pro career is hard to get.
However, injuries have slowed down Shady’s career, and after a loss against Steve Rolls in Toronto during the autumn, things don’t look as bright as they used to.
This year will be crucial for Shady’s career.
7. Costas Nanga
Constantino Nanga, or just Costas, is a former Muay Thai fighter that has pulled off no less than eight straight wins since his professional boxing debut in October 2021. In that way, Costas sets an example for other Swedish pro boxers who fights way less, and makes him the most interesting pro boxer in Sweden at the moment.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Costas would continue to fight regularly in light heavyweight and break into the top 5 in next year’s list.
6. Pezhman Seifkhani
Pezhman Seifkhani is a heavyweight that became the posterboy for the Swedish promoter Fightlife. At local boxing events in Örebro and Jönköping, he pulled together a string of finishes, which means he has 14 wins as we speak.
Pezhman is currently ranked as the 200th best heavyweight boxer according to Boxrec, and was a successful amateur as well.
However, in order to enter higher rankings, where the big fights are made, he needs to be active during 2023.
5. Robin Safar
Robin Safar lives in Las Vegas where he intends to build his name like Badou Jack did during his years in the US.
The 30-year-old has so far not faced any tougher opposition, but in peace and quiet built his record of 15-0. For the international crowd, he is perhaps famous for being one of the sparring partners Jake Paul credited during a press conference.
Let’s hope Robin Safare gets some tougher tests during the year.
4. Oscar Ahlin
Not every Swedish pro boxer has the punching power that it takes to have a successful career in Europe. However, if it’s something Oscar Ahlin can do, it’s punch hard.. His 20 professional finishes for sure tells that story,
Back in 2021 he won the IBO Intercontinental title but since then, Ahlin battled injuries. He did make a comeback this autumn, though, and secured two new stoppage wins.
3. Anthony Yigit
It’s a bit uncertain if Anthony Yigit still is an active professional boxer.
The Swede, who had a hard time with unserious US boxing promoters, won two fights in Colombia in 2022, but against low quality opponents. Back in Sweden again, it’s uncertain if the former European Champion will step forward with his professional career.
Yigit, who competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, has fought good fights against great names such as Rolando Romero and Ivan Baranchyk. That makes him one of the absolute best Swedish pro boxers.
2. Otto Wallin
Last year wasn’t a very good year for Otto Wallin. The Swedish heavyweight, who’s now a resident of Manhattan, New York, just fought two bouts, and not against top level opponents.
The gut feeling tells that Wallin still has a lot to give, as he’s still a young heavyweight.
Hopefully the second best boxer in Sweden will get the chance to have an active 2023.
1. Badou Jack
Even though he’s no longer the global superstar he once was, it’s impossible to not have Badou Jack on top of this list.
No other Swedish pugilists has under the last decade been close to the World titles that Jack held.
Since moving to Dubai, the Swede has not fought any major bouts. At the age of 38, his prime is over, however, it still takes a lot to take his No.1 spot on this list.
On Sunday February 26, Badou Jack will challenge Ilunga Makabu for the WBC cruiserweight championship in Abu Dhabi. Read more about the fight here!
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