Andrei Mikhailovich
Born
Andrei Mikhailovich Driessen

(1997-12-15) 15 December 1997
Saint Petersburg, Russia
NationalityRussian New Zealander
Other namesRenegade
Statistics
Weight(s)Light middleweight
Middleweight
Super middleweight
Height1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Reach189 cm (74 in)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights20
Wins20
Wins by KO12
Losses0

Andrei Mikhailovich Driessen (born 15 December 1997) is a Russian born, New Zealand raised professional boxer. He has won multiple New Zealand national championships in two weight classes from light middleweight to middleweight. At regional level, Mikhailovich has also won the IBF Pan-Pacific and WBO Global middleweight belts.[1][2][3]

Early life

Mikhailovich and his twin brother were born in Russia but were adopted from an orphanage in 1999 when they were 18 months old.[4]

Amateur career

Mikhailovich's amateur career has been described as decent. During his amateur career he competed in multiple New Zealand National championships and has won the North Island Golden Gloves Championships. It was at an amateur boxing event where he met his current coach and manager Isaac Peach at Peach Boxing.[5]

Professional career

Professional Debut, Gunnar Jackson Rivalry, New Zealand Champion 2018 - 2020

In April 2018, Mikhailovich made his professional boxing debut against Rob Ramsey. In the first 12 months of his professional boxing career, he defeated many credible opponents including Jerome Pascua, former WBA PABA and New Zealand Champion Adrian Taihia and former IBO Oceania Champion Chase Haley.[6][7][8] In this time Mikhailovich fought multiple journeyman as well including Simon Julian and former New Zealand champion Daniel Maxwell.[9][10]

In August 2019, Mikhailovich fought against his first major rival, former top 10 in the WBO Gunnar Jackson. The fight against Jackson was considered a grudge match as Mikhailovich called out Jackson earlier in the year.[11] On top of that, Mikhailovich coach Isaac Peach has beaten Jackson in a past as a professional boxer.[12] After ten rounds, Mikhailovhich won the fight by unanimous decision, almost winning every round against Jackson, securing himself his first professional boxing belt winning the New Zealand National (Pro Box NZ version) Middleweight title.[13] After the fight, Jackson announced that he has retired from professional boxing.[14]

In November 2020, Mikhailovich fought and defeated Marcus Heywood by unanimous decision for his second New Zealand title, but this time the PBCNZ version in the Super Welterweight division.[15] In April 2021, he defended the title successfully against former New Zealand champion Shay Brock, winning the fight by TKO.[16]

Alex Hanan Rivalry, Regional titles 2021 - 2022

In June 2021, Mikhailovich fought Alex Hanan (now known as Alex Walters) in a grudge match.[17] The Rivalry started in July 2018 with Alex making comments about Andrei Mikhailovich in an interview with New Zealand YouTube Boxing Channel Gladrap.[18] Mikhailovich responded with his own comments in December 2018 in his own interview with Gladrap saying "I want to fight you, I always wanted to fight you, and when I do I will back you up and probably knock you out".[19] Mikhailovich had a war of words with Alex at the press conference for their fight in May 2021 with Mikhailovich responding "Call me daddy... I’ll f*** you up".[20] Right before the fight directly after the referee gave his last words before the fight, Alex landed a cheap gut shot to Mikhailovich.[21] However, it did not affect Mikhailovich as he won the fight by TKO in the second round.[22] Everything to do with the fight from the press conference, to the gutt punch pre fight, to the stoppage itself went viral over the internet, reaching millions of viewers.[23]

In 2022, it was confirmed that Mikhailovich and his stablemate from Peach Boxing Jerome Pampellone signed a long term promoter agreement with Dean Lonergan.[24] In April 2022, Mikhailovich took on 2002 Commonwealth Games light welterweight bronze medallist and Olympian King Davidson.[25] It didn't take Mikhailovich as he landed less than 4 punches to knockout Davidson in less than a minute and fifteen second in the first round.[26] In June 2022, Mikhailovich took on his next international opponent from Venezuela Ernesto Espana.[27] Mikhailovich won the fight by third round stoppage winning his first regional titles including the IBF Pan Pacific middleweight title and WBO Global middleweight title.[28][29] In June 2022, Mikhailovich made his debut in the world rankings in the Middleweight division with him reaching 13th in the IBF and 12th in the WBO.[30][31] In July 2022, Mikhailovich took on New Zealander Francis Waitai.[32][33] Despite winning the fight by unanimous decision, Mikhailovich was disappointed in his performance.[34] In November 2022, it was anounnced that Mikhailovich would take on his current biggest rival Issac Hardman.[35] Unfortanately 18 days after the announcement, the fight was postponed to 2023 due to Hardman partner giving birth to their child. Promoter Dean Lonergan said "Issac had a baby about three or four days ago. I got a phone call from his trainer saying 'look, Issac's not great at saying no. I don't think he can handle having a baby and fighting sort of three weeks apart'".[36] Since his last fight, he has increased his ranking to 10th in the IBF[37] and 12th in WBO.[38]

World title eliminator 2023 - Present

On 27 April 2023, Mikhailovich took on undefeated Venezuelian boxer, Edisson Saltarin.[39] Mikhailovich got knockdown in the first round, however, he overcomed the knockdown to stop Saltarin in the fifth round.[40] In June 2023, it was announced that Mikhailovich will take on Denis Radovan for the top two mandatory position with the IBF, with the winner garrenteed a World title shot.[41] It was revealed that negotiations hit a brick wall where there were disputes over who should have the TV Rights for the fight with the promoter opting for DAZN and Dean Lonergan wanting Sky Arena for New Zealand.[42] The fight has been confirmed for 16 December in the UK.[43]

Exhibition career

In November 2019, Mikhailovich fought in China against their National Champion. The opponent was 10 kgs heavier then Mikhailovich.[44]

Boxing titles

Amateur

  • 2016 Golden Gloves North Island Championship (Gold)

Professional

Professional boxing record

20 fights 20 wins 0 losses
By knockout 12 0
By decision 8 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
20 Win 20–0 Edisson Saltarin TKO 5 (10), 2:20 27 Apr 2023 Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand Retained IBF Pan-Pacific and WBO Global middleweight titles
19 Win 19–0 Francis Waitai UD 8 21 Jul 2022 Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
18 Win 18–0 Ernesto España TKO 3 (10), 1:09 15 Jun 2022 Nissan Arena, Brisbane, Australia Won vacant IBF Pan-Pacific and WBO Global middleweight titles
17 Win 17–0 King Davidson TKO 2 (8), 1:14 13 Apr 2022 Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, Australia
16 Win 16–0 Alex Walters TKO 2 (8), 2:29 16 Jun 2021 International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australia
15 Win 15–0 Shay Brock TKO 9 (10), 1:02 9 Apr 2021 SkyCity Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand Retained PBCNZ light middleweight title
14 Win 14–0 Dylan Wright TKO 3 (4), 2:01 19 Dec 2020 ABA Stadium, Auckland New Zealand
13 Win 13–0 Marcus Heywood UD 8 13 Nov 2020 SkyCity Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand Won inaugural PBCNZ light middleweight title
12 Win 12–0 Dylan Wright UD 6 11 Jul 2020 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
11 Win 11–0 Nicholas Taylor TKO 2 (6) 31 Aug 2019 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
10 Win 10–0 Gunnar Jackson UD 10 3 Aug 2019 Sir Don Rowlands Centre, Cambridge, New Zealand Won inaugural Pro-Box NZ middleweight title
9 Win 9–0 Chase Haley UD 6 18 May 2019 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
8 Win 8–0 Omah Ismail TKO 4 (4), 2:50 29 Mar 2019 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
7 Win 7–0 Adrian Taihia UD 6 15 Dec 2018 Horncastle Arena, Christchurch, New Zealand
6 Win 6–0 James Uoka TKO 1 (4), 2:40 2 Nov 2018 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
5 Win 5–0 Jessie Nikora KO 3 (4), 1:02 29 Sep 2018 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
4 Win 4–0 Simon Julian UD 6 25 Aug 2018 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
3 Win 3–0 Daniel Maxwell TKO 2 (4), 1:48 14 Jul 2018 AMI Netball Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
2 Win 2–0 Jerome Pascua UD 6 30 Jun 2018 Chao Shan General Association, Auckland, New Zealand
1 Win 1–0 Rob Ramsey RTD 2 (4), 3:00 21 Apr 2018 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand

Awards

  • 2019 New Zealand Boxing Awards Boxer of the Year (Nominated)
  • 2019 New Zealand Boxing Awards Male Boxer of the Year (Nominated)
  • 2019 New Zealand Boxing Awards New Zealand Fight of the year (Nominated)
  • 2019 New Zealand Boxing Awards Knockout of the year (Won)
  • 2019 New Zealand Boxing Awards Champion of the year (Nominated)
  • 2019 New Zealand Boxing Awards Most Entertaining boxer of the Year (Won)[45]
  • 2020 New Zealand Boxing Awards Most Entertaining boxer of the Year (Won)[46]
  • 2021 New Zealand Boxing Awards Most Entertaining boxer of the Year (Won)[47]
  • 2021 New Zealand Boxing Awards New Zealand Fight of the year (Won)
  • 2021 New Zealand Boxing Awards Knockout of the year (Won)

Personal life

Mikhailovich is married and is a father of two boys[48]

References

  1. ↑ Watt, Benjamin (4 August 2019). "Beginning of an Era, End of a Legend". Scoop. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  2. ↑ "FULL FIGHT Andrei Mikhailovich vs Marcus Heywood". Podis. 18 January 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  3. ↑ "Heavyweight blockbuster UP NOW after 'bizarre' move, 'KO of year' contender - LIVE". Fox Sport. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  4. ↑ "From troubled orphan to national champ: Kiwi boxer defies odds in and out of the ring". One News. 11 November 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  5. ↑ Cleaver, Dylan (22 May 2021). "From Russia with gloves". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  6. ↑ "Boxing tonight at Karapiro". Cambridge News. 3 August 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  7. ↑ "Big clash for Dunedin pugilist". Otago Daily Times. 17 May 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  8. ↑ "Haley loses on decision". Otago Daily Times. 20 May 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  9. ↑ Watt, Benjamin (15 July 2018). "Lani Daniels Retains New Zealand Title". Womens Boxing Archive Network. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  10. ↑ "Mikhailovich continues unbeaten run". Sun Live. 28 August 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  11. ↑ "Grudge match: Warhorse vs Show Pony". Ring News 24. 5 July 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  12. ↑ "Money Bill Can't Box". Ring News 24. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  13. ↑ Watt, Benjamin (5 August 2019). "Mikhailovich beats Jackson for vacant title". Sun Live. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  14. ↑ Watt, Benjamin (10 August 2019). "Andrei's win – Gunnar's stunna". Cambridge News. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  15. ↑ Clifton, Michael (7 August 2020). "ANDREI MIKHAILOVICH :" I JUST WANT TO HOP IN THAT RING, GET ME FOCUSED AND DO WHAT I DO BEST WHICH IS FIGHT."". New Zealand Fighter. Archived from the original on 7 April 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  16. ↑ Clifton, Michael (11 April 2021). "ANDREI MIKHAILOVICH RETAINS SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLE WITH WIN OVER SHAY BROCK". New Zealand Fighter. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  17. ↑ Seconi, Adrian (20 May 2021). "Hanan out to put fellow Kiwi in his place". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  18. ↑ "Rising Star Alex Hanan calls out NZ Boxing! Address Bowyn Morgan, Shaye Brock, Andrei Mikhailovich!". Gladrap. 30 July 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  19. ↑ "Andrei Mikhailovich reflects on 2018, fight with Adrian Taihia, addresses Beau O'Brian & Alex Hanan". Gladrap. 20 December 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  20. ↑ "'Call me daddy... I'll f*** you up': Bizarre war of words erupts in Gallen vs Huni undercard". Fox Sports. 18 May 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  21. ↑ "'Disgusting' pre-fight move backfires as boxing's nastiest feud settled in brutal fashion". Fox Sports. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  22. ↑ "Kiwi boxer dishes out instant karma with early TKO after rival's pre-fight cheap shot". One News. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  23. ↑ "Kiwi middleweight Andrei Mikhailovich wants Michael Zerafa-Issac Hardman winner". The Sports News. 8 April 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  24. ↑ "Boxing: Andrei Mikhailovich, Jerome Pampellone remain unbeaten with impressive wins at Next Gen fight night". New Zealand Herald. 13 April 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  25. ↑ "From 12-year-old addict to rising boxing star: The wild life of Andrei Mikhailovich". Fox Sports. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  26. ↑ "Boxing: Kiwi middleweight Andrei Mikhailovich edges closer to title fight with knockout win over King Davidson". Newshub. 14 April 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  27. ↑ "Andrei Mikhailovich continues KO streak with brutal stoppage of Ernesto Espana". Sport s News. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  28. ↑ "'The world awaits...' Huni 'masterclass' downs Goodall in bloody boxing 'war'". Fox Sports. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  29. ↑ "Ranking reward looms for NZ middleweight Andrei Mikhailovich after brutal KO win in Brisbane". Stuff NZ. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  30. ↑ "IBF World Rankings". IBF. 20 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  31. ↑ "WBO World Rankings". WBO. 14 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  32. ↑ "Boxing: Andrei Mikhailovich expected to join middleweight rankings after another impressive knockout win". New Zealand Herald. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  33. ↑ "Boxing: Rising Kiwi star Andrei Mikhailovich eyes world title bid with Fight for Life victory". Newshub. 20 July 2022. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  34. ↑ "Live updates: Fight for Life - Carlos Spencer v Paul Whatuira at Auckland's Eventfinda Stadium". Newshub. 21 July 2022. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  35. ↑ "Andrei Mikhailovich vows to knock out 'bogan' rival Issac Hardman in December clash". Stuff NZ. 7 November 2022. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  36. ↑ "Andrei Mikhailovich 'frustrated' after grudge match postponed". Stuff NZ. 25 November 2022. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  37. ↑ "IBF December 2022 Rankings". IBF. 5 December 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
  38. ↑ "WBO November 2022 Rankings". WBO. 14 November 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
  39. ↑ "Rankings boost gives NZ middleweight Andrei Mikhailovich sniff of world title shot". Stuff. 8 March 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  40. ↑ "Live updates: Fight for Life - Mea Motu v Tania Walters IBO world super bantamweight title at Auckland". Newshub. 27 April 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  41. ↑ "'He's ready for the big time': Andrei Mikhailovich one win from middleweight title shot". Stuff NZ. 14 June 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  42. ↑ "Mea Motu and Lani Daniels set to defend their world titles on 'emotional' homecoming show". Stuff NZ. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  43. ↑ "Andrei Mikhailovich ready to shock the boxing world after locking in IBF title eliminator". Stuff NZ. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  44. ↑ "Boaz Peach Trainer Post". Facebook. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  45. ↑ "Successful start for the New Zealand Boxing Gladrap Awards". Ring News 24. 3 January 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  46. ↑ "BENJIS 2020 NEW ZEALAND BOXING AWARDS". New Zealand fighter. 5 January 2021. Archived from the original on 7 January 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  47. ↑ "Benji's New Zealand Boxing Awards 2021". New Zealand fighter. 20 December 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  48. ↑ "How Andrei Mikhailovich made the 'Russian Hammer' a deadly weapon in his boxing arsenal". Stuff NZ. 20 April 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
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