Andrei Mikhailovich Explained

Andrei Mikhailovich
Real Name:Andrei Mikhailovich Driessen
Nickname:Renegade
Weight:Light middleweight
Middleweight
Super middleweight
Height:1.82 m
Reach:189 cm
Nationality:Russian New Zealander
Birth Date:15 December 1997
Birth Place:Saint Petersburg, Russia
Style:Orthodox
Total:21
Wins:21
Ko:13
Losses:0

Andrei Mikhailovich Driessen (Russian: Андрей Михайлович; 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. They 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 guaranteed 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] In February 2024, Mikhailovich and Peach Boxing announced their departure with Dean Lonergan D&L Events and had signed with No Limit Boxing under Matt and George Rose.[44]

Exhibition career

In November 2019, Mikhailovich fought in China against their National Champion. The opponent was 10 kgs heavier than Mikhailovich.[45]

Boxing titles

Amateur

Professional

Professional boxing record

ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
20Win20–0Edisson SaltarinTKO5 (10), 27 Apr 2023
19Win19–0Francis WaitaiUD821 Jul 2022
18Win18–0Ernesto EspañaTKO3 (10), 15 Jun 2022
17Win17–0King DavidsonTKO2 (8), 13 Apr 2022
16Win16–0Alex WaltersTKO2 (8), 16 Jun 2021
15Win15–0Shay BrockTKO9 (10), 9 Apr 2021
14Win14–0Dylan WrightTKO3 (4), 19 Dec 2020
13Win13–0Marcus HeywoodUD813 Nov 2020
12Win12–0Dylan WrightUD611 Jul 2020
11Win11–0Nicholas TaylorTKO2 (6)31 Aug 2019
10Win10–0Gunnar JacksonUD103 Aug 2019
9Win9–0Chase HaleyUD618 May 2019
8Win8–0Omah IsmailTKO4 (4), 29 Mar 2019
7Win7–0Adrian TaihiaUD615 Dec 2018
6Win6–0James UokaTKO1 (4), 2 Nov 2018
5Win5–0Jessie Nikora3 (4), 29 Sep 2018
4Win4–0Simon JulianUD625 Aug 2018
3Win3–0Daniel Maxwell2 (4), 14 Jul 2018
2Win2–0Jerome Pascua630 Jun 2018
1Win1–0Rob Ramsey2 (4), 21 Apr 2018

Awards

Personal life

Mikhailovich is married and is a father of two boys[49]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Watt. Benjamin . 4 August 2019 . Beginning of an Era, End of a Legend. 15 June 2022. Scoop. en.
  2. Web site: 18 January 2021 . FULL FIGHT Andrei Mikhailovich vs Marcus Heywood. 15 June 2022. Podis . en.
  3. Web site: 15 June 2022 . Heavyweight blockbuster UP NOW after 'bizarre' move, 'KO of year' contender - LIVE. 15 June 2022. Fox Sport . en.
  4. Web site: 11 November 2020 . From troubled orphan to national champ: Kiwi boxer defies odds in and out of the ring . 15 June 2022. One News . en.
  5. Web site: Cleaver. Dylan . 22 May 2021 . From Russia with gloves. 15 June 2022. New Zealand Herald . en.
  6. Web site: 3 Aug 2019 . Boxing tonight at Karapiro. 15 June 2022. Cambridge News . en.
  7. Web site: 17 May 2019 . Big clash for Dunedin pugilist. 15 June 2022. Otago Daily Times . en.
  8. Web site: 20 May 2019 . Haley loses on decision. 15 June 2022. Otago Daily Times . en.
  9. Web site: Watt. Benjamin. 15 July 2018 . Lani Daniels Retains New Zealand Title. 15 June 2022. Womens Boxing Archive Network . en.
  10. Web site: 28 Aug 2018 . Mikhailovich continues unbeaten run. 15 June 2022. Sun Live . en.
  11. Web site: 5 Jul 2019 . Grudge match: Warhorse vs Show Pony. 15 June 2022. Ring News 24 . en.
  12. Web site: Money Bill Can't Box. 15 June 2022. Ring News 24 . en.
  13. Web site: Watt. Benjamin. 5 Aug 2019 . Mikhailovich beats Jackson for vacant title. 15 June 2022. Sun Live . en.
  14. Web site: Watt. Benjamin. 10 Aug 2019 . Andrei's win – Gunnar's stunna. 15 June 2022. Cambridge News . en.
  15. Web site: Clifton . Michael . 7 Aug 2020 . ANDREI MIKHAILOVICH :" I JUST WANT TO HOP IN THAT RING, GET ME FOCUSED AND DO WHAT I DO BEST WHICH IS FIGHT." . 15 June 2022 . New Zealand Fighter . en . https://web.archive.org/web/20210407014610/http://newzealandfighter.co.nz/news/andrei-mikhailovich-i-just-want-to-hop-in-that-ring-get-me-focused-and-do-what-i-do-best-which-is-fight . 7 April 2021 . dead.
  16. Web site: Clifton . Michael . 11 April 2021 . ANDREI MIKHAILOVICH RETAINS SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLE WITH WIN OVER SHAY BROCK . 15 June 2022 . New Zealand Fighter . en . https://web.archive.org/web/20210411053348/https://newzealandfighter.co.nz/news/andrei-mikhailovich-retains-super-welterweight-title-with-win-over-shay-brock . 11 April 2021 . dead.
  17. Web site: Seconi. Adrian. 20 May 2021 . Hanan out to put fellow Kiwi in his place. 15 June 2022. Otago Daily Times . en.
  18. Web site: 30 July 2018 . Rising Star Alex Hanan calls out NZ Boxing! Address Bowyn Morgan, Shaye Brock, Andrei Mikhailovich!. 15 June 2022. Gladrap . en.
  19. Web site: 20 December 2018 . Andrei Mikhailovich reflects on 2018, fight with Adrian Taihia, addresses Beau O'Brian & Alex Hanan. 15 June 2022. Gladrap . en.
  20. Web site: 18 May 2021 . 'Call me daddy... I'll f*** you up': Bizarre war of words erupts in Gallen vs Huni undercard. 15 June 2022. Fox Sports . en.
  21. Web site: 17 June 2021 . 'Disgusting' pre-fight move backfires as boxing's nastiest feud settled in brutal fashion. 15 June 2022. Fox Sports . en.
  22. Web site: 17 June 2021 . Kiwi boxer dishes out instant karma with early TKO after rival's pre-fight cheap shot. 15 June 2022. One News . en.
  23. Web site: 8 April 2022 . Kiwi middleweight Andrei Mikhailovich wants Michael Zerafa-Issac Hardman winner. 15 June 2022. The Sports News . en.
  24. Web site: 13 April 2022 . Boxing: Andrei Mikhailovich, Jerome Pampellone remain unbeaten with impressive wins at Next Gen fight night. 15 June 2022. New Zealand Herald . en.
  25. Web site: 11 April 2022 . From 12-year-old addict to rising boxing star: The wild life of Andrei Mikhailovich. 15 June 2022. Fox Sports . en.
  26. News: 14 April 2022 . Boxing: Kiwi middleweight Andrei Mikhailovich edges closer to title fight with knockout win over King Davidson. 15 June 2022. Newshub . en.
  27. Web site: 15 June 2022 . Andrei Mikhailovich continues KO streak with brutal stoppage of Ernesto Espana. 15 June 2022. Sport s News . en.
  28. Web site: 15 June 2022 . 'The world awaits...' Huni 'masterclass' downs Goodall in bloody boxing 'war'. 15 June 2022. Fox Sports . en.
  29. Web site: 16 June 2022 . Ranking reward looms for NZ middleweight Andrei Mikhailovich after brutal KO win in Brisbane. 18 June 2022. Stuff NZ . en.
  30. Web site: 20 June 2022 . IBF World Rankings. 22 June 2022. IBF . en.
  31. Web site: 14 June 2022 . WBO World Rankings. 22 June 2022. WBO . en.
  32. Web site: 16 June 2022 . Boxing: Andrei Mikhailovich expected to join middleweight rankings after another impressive knockout win. 3 December 2022. New Zealand Herald . en.
  33. News: 20 July 2022 . Boxing: Rising Kiwi star Andrei Mikhailovich eyes world title bid with Fight for Life victory. 3 December 2022. Newshub . en.
  34. News: 21 July 2022 . Live updates: Fight for Life - Carlos Spencer v Paul Whatuira at Auckland's Eventfinda Stadium. 3 December 2022. Newshub . en.
  35. Web site: 7 November 2022 . Andrei Mikhailovich vows to knock out 'bogan' rival Issac Hardman in December clash. 3 December 2022. Stuff NZ . en.
  36. Web site: 25 November 2022 . Andrei Mikhailovich 'frustrated' after grudge match postponed. 3 December 2022. Stuff NZ . en.
  37. Web site: 5 December 2022 . IBF December 2022 Rankings. 7 December 2022. IBF . en.
  38. Web site: 14 November 2022 . WBO November 2022 Rankings. 7 December 2022. WBO. en.
  39. Web site: 8 March 2023 . Rankings boost gives NZ middleweight Andrei Mikhailovich sniff of world title shot. 30 November 2023. Stuff. en.
  40. Web site: 27 April 2023 . Live updates: Fight for Life - Mea Motu v Tania Walters IBO world super bantamweight title at Auckland. 30 November 2023. Newshub. en.
  41. Web site: 14 June 2023 . 'He's ready for the big time': Andrei Mikhailovich one win from middleweight title shot. 30 November 2023. Stuff NZ. en.
  42. Web site: 20 September 2023 . Mea Motu and Lani Daniels set to defend their world titles on 'emotional' homecoming show. 30 November 2023. Stuff NZ. en.
  43. Web site: 27 October 2023 . Andrei Mikhailovich ready to shock the boxing world after locking in IBF title eliminator. 30 November 2023. Stuff NZ. en.
  44. Web site: Top Kiwi boxers sign with powerhouse Aussie promoter. Stuff NZ. 2024-02-23 . 2024-02-23.
  45. Web site: Boaz Peach Trainer Post. 23 July 2022. Facebook. en.
  46. Web site: 3 January 2020 . Successful start for the New Zealand Boxing Gladrap Awards. 15 June 2022. Ring News 24 . en.
  47. Web site: 5 January 2021 . BENJIS 2020 NEW ZEALAND BOXING AWARDS . 15 June 2022 . New Zealand fighter . en . https://web.archive.org/web/20210107063908/https://www.newzealandfighter.co.nz/news/benjis-2020-new-zealand-boxing-awards . 7 January 2021 . dead.
  48. Web site: 20 December 2021 . Benji's New Zealand Boxing Awards 2021. 15 June 2022. New Zealand fighter . en.
  49. Web site: 20 April 2022 . How Andrei Mikhailovich made the 'Russian Hammer' a deadly weapon in his boxing arsenal. 15 June 2022. Stuff NZ . en.

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