Axel Schulz

Last updated
Axel Schulz
Axel Schulz 01.jpg
Schulz in 2007
Born (1968-11-09) 9 November 1968 (age 56)
NationalityGerman
Other namesDer sanfte Riese
("The Gentle Giant")
Statistics
Weight(s) Heavyweight
Height1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Reach193 cm (76 in)
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights33
Wins26
Wins by KO11
Losses5
Draws1
No contests1
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing Flag of East Germany.svg  East Germany
World Championships
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 1989 Moscow Heavyweight
European Championships
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 1989 Athens Heavyweight

Axel Schulz (born 9 November 1968) is a German former professional boxer who competed from 1990 to 1999, and in 2006. He challenged three times for both the IBF and European heavyweight titles. As an amateur he won a bronze medal at the 1989 World Championships and silver at the 1989 European Championships, both in the heavyweight division.

Contents

Schulz first fought for a world championship in 1995, when he challenged George Foreman for his IBF title. Schulz lost a very close majority decision, but was immediately granted a second opportunity at the title in the same year. With Foreman having vacated the title after refusing a rematch, Schulz faced Francois Botha but this time lost via (a controversial) split decision. However, Botha later failed a drug test, which led to Schulz receiving a third chance at the title. In 1996 he fought Michael Moorer for the vacant IBF title, losing again via split decision. During his career, Schulz also fought Jeremy Williams and former world champions Henry Akinwande, James Smith and Wladimir Klitschko.

Amateur career

Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1989-0326-004, halle-Saale, 18. Internationales Boxturnier, Boxer.jpg
Axel Schulz and Torsten Schmitz at the awards ceremony of the 1989 Chemistry Cup

From 1982 Schulz boxed for the army sports club Vorwärts in Frankfurt (Oder), later becoming the East German youth champion. From 1986 onward, he was a Stasi informer under the codename "Markus". [1] At the junior European championships in Denmark in 1986, Schulz won the light-heavyweight title, and in 1988, under the tutelage of Manfred Wolke, he became East German heavyweight champion. In 1989 he won the Chemiepokal in Halle (Saale), the silver medal at European Championships in Athens, and a bronze medal in the world championships in Moscow, where he lost to Félix Savón. Amateur record: 78 wins, 20 losses.

Professional career

After reunification, Schulz turned professional. In 1992 he became German heavyweight champion after defeating Bernd Friedrich in Kassel.

1992 and 1993 saw two fights against Henry Akinwande for the European championship. The first fight was declared a draw, but in the return match Schulz suffered his first professional defeat.

IBF heavyweight title challenges

On 22 April 1995 Schulz fought George Foreman for the IBF heavyweight title, losing controversially on points. This was Foreman's first fight since regaining the title from Michael Moorer, and Schulz was viewed at the time as being a weak, unknown opponent. After refusing a rematch, Foreman was stripped of his title and Schulz was given a second opportunity when he fought Francois Botha for the vacant title on 12 December 1995. Following a split decision verdict in Botha's favour, the result was changed to a no-contest when Botha failed a doping test. A third chance followed for Schulz on 22 June 1996 when he faced Michael Moorer for the still vacant title. Moorer won on points.

Several fights against lower quality opposition followed. These included a stoppage victory over Kevin McBride, who eight years later would defeat a badly faded Mike Tyson. Schulz ended his career after suffering a stoppage at the hands of Wladimir Klitschko on 25 September 1999 for the vacant European championship. Schulz had been thoroughly outclassed. In the end, despite lofty expectations after the George Foreman fight, Schulz was unable to win a title at European or world level.

Comeback attempt

Since the end of his career Schulz has worked in television as a summariser. In December 2005 he received an offer to fight again from Carl King, the stepson of the boxing promoter Don King. His comeback fight took place on November 25, 2006, against Brian Minto. He lost the fight in the sixth Round (T.K.O.).

He retired with a record with 26-5-1 and one no contest with 11 knockouts.

Axel Schulz married in March 2006. He and his wife had their first child, a girl, on 19 August 2006: Paulina Patricia Clara and another girl born in January 2010: Amelina Patricia Hedwig.

Professional boxing record

33 fights26 wins5 losses
By knockout112
By decision153
Draws1
No contests1
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
33Loss26–5–1 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Brian Minto TKO6 (10), 1:3025 Nov 2006 Flag of Germany.svg Gerry Weber Stadion, Halle, Germany
32Loss26–4–1 (1) Flag of Ukraine.svg Wladimir Klitschko TKO8 (12), 2:4225 Sep 1999 Flag of Germany.svg Kölnarena, Cologne, GermanyFor WBA Inter-Continental and vacant European heavyweight titles
31Win26–3–1 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Richard MasonUD1022 Aug 1998 Flag of Germany.svg Trade Fair, Leipzig, Germany
30Win25–3–1 (1) Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Julius Francis UD1228 Feb 1998 Flag of Germany.svg Westfalenhallen, Dortmund, Germany
29Win24–3–1 (1) Flag of Ireland.svg Kevin McBride TKO9 (10)30 Aug 1997 Flag of Germany.svg Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany
28Win23–3–1 (1) Flag of Spain.svg Jorge ValdesUD1026 Apr 1997 Flag of Germany.svg Leipzig, Germany
27Win22–3–1 (1) Flag of Cuba.svg Jose Ribalta UD107 Dec 1996 Flag of Austria.svg Vienna, Austria
26Loss21–3–1 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Michael Moorer SD12 22 Jun 1996 Flag of Germany.svg Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, GermanyFor vacant IBF heavyweight title
25NC21–2–1 (1) Flag of South Africa.svg Francois Botha SD129 Dec 1995 Flag of Germany.svg Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, GermanyVacant IBF heavyweight title at stake;
Originally an SD win for Botha, later ruled an NC after he failed a drug test
24Loss21–2–1 Flag of the United States.svg George Foreman MD12 22 Apr 1995 Flag of the United States.svg MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, USFor IBF and vacant WBU heavyweight titles
23Win21–1–1 Flag of the United States.svg James Smith UD1017 Sep 1994 Flag of Germany.svg Leverkusen, Germany
22Win20–1–1 Flag of the United States.svg Jack BastingUD1018 Jun 1994 Flag of the United States.svg Bismarck Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, US
21Win19–1–1 Flag of the United States.svg Troy JeffersonPTS84 Jun 1994 Flag of Germany.svg Westfalenhallen, Dortmund, Germany
20Win18–1–1 Flag of the United States.svg Al EvansTKO3 (10)7 May 1994 Flag of Germany.svg Sporthalle Oberwerth, Koblenz, Germany
19Win17–1–1 Flag of the United States.svg Carlton WestKO216 Oct 1993 Flag of Germany.svg Koblenz, Germany
18Win16–1–1 Flag of the United States.svg Kimmuel OdumUD107 Aug 1993 Flag of the United States.svg Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
17Loss15–1–1 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Henry Akinwande UD121 May 1993 Flag of Germany.svg Sporthalle Charlottenburg, Berlin, GermanyFor vacant European heavyweight title
16Draw15–0–1 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Henry Akinwande MD1219 Dec 1992 Flag of Germany.svg Berlin, GermanyFor vacant European heavyweight title
15Win15–0 Flag of the United States.svg Ricky Parkey PTS82 Oct 1992 Flag of Germany.svg Deutschlandhalle, Berlin, Germany
14Win14–0 Flag of Germany.svg Bernd FriedrichUD1019 Sep 1992 Flag of Germany.svg Kassel, GermanyWon vacant Germany BDB heavyweight title
13Win13–0 Flag of Hungary.svg Laszlo PaszterkoPTS825 Apr 1992 Flag of Germany.svg Berlin, Germany
12Win12–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Gary McCroryTKO2 (8)6 Mar 1992 Flag of Germany.svg Berlin, Germany
11Win11–0 Flag of the United States.svg Ricardo SpainTKO2 (8)28 Jan 1992 Flag of Germany.svg Legien-Center, Berlin, Germany
10Win10–0 Flag of the United States.svg Charles DixonKO26 Dec 1991 Flag of Germany.svg Düsseldorf, Germany
9Win9–0 Flag of Sierra Leone.svg David MuhammedPTS82 Oct 1991 Flag of Germany.svg Halle, Germany
8Win8–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Steve GeeKO2 (8)13 Sep 1991 Flag of Germany.svg Düsseldorf, Germany
7Win7–0 Flag of Hungary.svg Laszlo ViragTKO328 Jun 1991 Flag of Germany.svg Dinslaken, Germany
6Win6–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Steve GarberKO5 (8)31 May 1991 Flag of Germany.svg Berlin, Germany
5Win5–0 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Ramon VoornTKO5, 2:3928 Feb 1991 Flag of Germany.svg Philips Halle, Düsseldorf, Germany
4Win4–0 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Ramon VoornPTS614 Dec 1990 Flag of Germany.svg Europahalle, Karlsruhe, Germany
3Win3–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Barry EllisPTS67 Dec 1990 Flag of Germany.svg Berlin, Germany
2Win2–0 Flag of Germany.svg Jens PloesserTKO116 Nov 1990 Flag of Germany.svg Sporthalle Wandsbek, Hamburg, Germany
1Win1–0 Flag of Uganda.svg George AjioUD65 Oct 1990 Flag of Germany.svg Philips Halle, Düsseldorf, Germany

Television viewership

Germany

DateFightViewership (avg.)Source(s)
22 April 1995
George Foreman vs. Axel Schulz
3,900,000
[2] [3]
9 December 1995
Axel Schulz vs. Francois Botha
18,030,000
[4]
22 June 1996
Axel Schulz vs. Michael Moorer
11,000,000
[3]
7 December 1996
Axel Schulz vs. Jose Ribalta
8,940,000
[5]
28 February 1998
Axel Schulz vs. Julius Francis
8,370,000
[6]
25 September 1999
Axel Schulz vs. Wladimir Klitschko
10,530,000
[7] [8]
25 November 2006
Axel Schulz vs. Brian Minto
11,530,000
[9]
Total viewership74,300,000

Citations

  1. "Axel Schulz gibt Stasi-Mitarbeit zu". Mitteldeutsche Zeitung. 1995-10-26. Archived from the original on 2012-01-01. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  2. "Als Schulz gegen Foreman die Niederlage seines Lebens kassierte" (in German). 20 April 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  3. 1 2 "Boxen bei RTL - Die größten Quoten-Erfolge" (in German). 14 November 2006. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  4. "Die Faust, die die Boxwelt veränderte" (in German). 20 March 2022. Archived from the original on 15 May 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  5. "Endlich! Nach 20 Monaten siegt Axel Schulz wieder" (in German). 9 December 1996. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  6. "Axel Schulz bezwingt In Dortmund Julius Francis" (in German). 1 March 1998. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  7. "Wladimir Klitschko Profile - East Side Boxing" . Retrieved 16 May 2020.
  8. "Die Schwergewichtsboxer Vitali und Wladimir Klitschko über Hiebe, Geld und den Showdown in Las Vegas" (in German). Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
  9. "Boxen: Debakel für Axel Schulz, Triumph für RTL" (in German). 26 November 2006. Retrieved 15 May 2022.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Moorer</span> American boxer

Michael Lee Moorer is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2008. He won a world championship on four occasions in two weight classes, having held the WBO light heavyweight title from 1988 to 1991; compiling 22 straight KOs in 22 fights and the WBO heavyweight title from 1992 to 1993; the unified WBA, IBF and lineal heavyweight titles in 1994; and regained the IBF heavyweight title again from 1996 to 1997 becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion.

Tony Craig Tucker is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1980 to 1998. He won the IBF heavyweight title in 1987, and was the shortest-reigning world heavyweight champion at just 64 days. In an interview with Barry Tompkins, he referred to himself as the "invisible champion," due to the press and general public largely neglecting him. He is best known for giving Mike Tyson in his prime a relatively close fight, in which he, in the words of Larry Merchant, "rocked Tyson" in the first round. However, Tyson went on to win a unanimous decision. As an amateur, he won the 1979 United States national championships, the 1979 World Cup, and a gold medal at the 1979 Pan American Games, all in the light heavyweight division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wladimir Klitschko</span> Ukrainian boxer (born 1976)

Wladimir Klitschko is a Ukrainian former professional boxer who competed from 1996 to 2017. He held multiple heavyweight world championships between 2000 and 2015, including unified titles between 2008 and 2015. During this time he also held the International Boxing Organization (IBO) and Ring magazine titles.

Christopher Cornelius Byrd is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1993 to 2009. He is a two-time world heavyweight champion, having first won the WBO title in 2000 after an upset corner stoppage over then-undefeated Vitali Klitschko. In his first title defense later that year, he lost to Vitali's brother Wladimir Klitschko. In 2002, Byrd defeated Evander Holyfield to win the IBF heavyweight title for his second reign as world champion. He made four successful defenses until losing his title again to Wladimir Klitschko in a 2006 rematch. He was ranked by BoxRec in the world's top 10 heavyweight from 1998 to 2004, reaching his highest ranking of No.3 in 2000.

Henry Adetokunboh Akinwande is a British former WBO boxing world champion who competed from 1989 to 2008. He held the WBO heavyweight title from 1996 to 1997, as well as the Commonwealth heavyweight title in 1993, and the European heavyweight title from 1993 to 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Francois Botha</span> South African boxer

Francois "Frans" Botha is a South African former professional boxer and kickboxer. He competed in boxing from 1990 to 2014, and is perhaps best known for winning the IBF heavyweight title against Axel Schulz in 1995, but was later stripped after failing a drug test. He later challenged twice for world heavyweight titles in 2000 and 2002. Botha has competed against former Heavyweight Champions Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Michael Moorer and Evander Holyfield late in their respective careers. Botha competed once in mixed martial arts in 2004.

Johnathon Banks is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2014. He held the IBO cruiserweight title from 2008 to 2009 and challenged once for the IBF cruiserweight title in 2009. He currently works as a boxing trainer, most notably for former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, and was himself trained by the late Emanuel Steward. He is currently coaching Gennady Golovkin as well as Badou Jack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Klitschko brothers</span> Ukrainian boxers

Vitali Klitschko and Wladimir Klitschko, known as the Klitschko Brothers, are Ukrainian former professional boxers. During their peak years between 2004 and 2015, they were considered the dominant world heavyweight champions of their era, and among the most successful champions in boxing history. In 2011, they entered the Guinness World Records book as brothers with most world heavyweight title fight wins. In the years following the retirement of heavyweight titlist Lennox Lewis in 2004, the Klitschko brothers would eventually accumulate all four major world heavyweight titles. Known for their exceptionally large physiques, speed, and punching power, they each developed a style that utilized their athleticism and arm reach to break down opponents.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield</span> Boxing competition

Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield, billed as Finally, was a professional boxing match fought between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson for the WBA heavyweight championship on November 9, 1996, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada. The bout was Tyson's first defence of the WBA title that he had won from Bruce Seldon on September 7 of that year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timo Hoffmann</span> German boxer

Timo Hoffmann is a German professional boxer and multiple-time European heavyweight title challenger. He is perhaps best known as being the first fighter to have gone the full distance against Vitali Klitschko, who held at the time of their bout a record of 27 wins, 1 loss, and 27 knockouts. Between Klitschko's debut in November 1996 to December 2009 when Klitschko fought Kevin Johnson (boxer), Hoffmann was the only fighter who went the full distance with him. He holds notable wins over Corey Sanders, and Ross Puritty. He fought but did not beat the aforementioned Vitali Klitschko, Francois Botha and Henry Akinwande

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kubrat Pulev</span> Bulgarian boxer (born 1981)

Kubrat Venkov Pulev is a Bulgarian professional boxer. He has held the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title since December 2024. At regional level, he has held multiple heavyweight championships, including the European title twice between 2012 and 2016. As an amateur, he won multiple medals at international tournaments, including gold at the 2008 European Championships and bronze at the 2005 World Championships, all in the super-heavyweight division. He also represented Bulgaria at the 2008 Olympics.

Boxing in the 2010s includes notable events about boxing which occurred between 2010 and 2019. The decade saw high intensity action in the welterweight division. The match between veterans Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao broke PPV records. The broadcast of the fight in the Philippines was watched by nearly half the country's households. Mayweather retired at a record 50-0-0 while Pacquiao became the first eight division champion. The middleweight division saw immense action in the later years of the decade. After a draw in 2017, Canelo Alvarez ended Gennady Golovkin's long reign in 2018. The heavyweight division was dominated by Klitschko brothers before Wladimir's loss to Tyson Fury in 2015. Other talents that emerged were Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder and undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksander Usyk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Moorer vs. George Foreman</span> 1994 professional boxing match

Michael Moorer vs. George Foreman, billed as One for the Ages, was a professional boxing match contested on November 5, 1994 for the WBA and IBF heavyweight championships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evander Holyfield vs. Michael Moorer II</span> Boxing competition

Evander Holyfield vs. Michael Moorer II, billed as Return to Glory, was a professional boxing match contested November 8, 1997 for the WBA and IBF heavyweight championships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evander Holyfield vs. Lennox Lewis</span> Boxing competition

Evander Holyfield vs. Lennox Lewis, billed as Undisputed, was a professional boxing match contested on March 13, 1999 for the WBA, WBC, and IBF undisputed heavyweight championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George Foreman vs. Axel Schulz</span> Boxing competition

George Foreman vs. Axel Schulz, billed as Celebration, was a professional boxing match contest, held on April 22, 1995, for Foreman's IBF and lineal heavyweight championships, as well as the vacant WBU heavyweight championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko II</span> Boxing competition

Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko II, billed as "Revenge Is The Name Of The Game", was a professional boxing match contested on 22 April 2006 for the IBF and vacant IBO heavyweight championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Moorer vs. Axel Schulz</span> Boxing match

Michael Moorer vs. Axel Schulz was a professional boxing match contested on 22 June 1996, for the IBF heavyweight championship.