Sven Ottke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sven Ottke |
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Ottke in 2017
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| Born | 3 June 1967 Berlin-Spandau, West Germany |
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| Other names | The Phantom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nationality | German | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Division |
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| Reach | 175 cm (69 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stance | Orthodox | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fighting out of | Karlsruhe, Germany | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trainer | Ulli Wegner | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years active | 1985–2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Professional boxing record | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wins | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By knockout | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amateur record | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 308 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wins | 256 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draws | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Sven Ottke is a famous German former professional boxer. He was born on June 3, 1967. He competed in boxing from 1997 to 2004. Sven Ottke was a world champion in the super-middleweight division. He held the IBF title from 1998 to 2004. He also held the WBA (Unified) title from 2003 to 2004. Ottke successfully defended his title 21 times. This is a record in the super-middleweight division. He is one of only a few European boxers to retire as an undefeated world champion. As an amateur, he won a bronze medal. This was in the middleweight division at the 1989 World Championships.
Contents
Early Life and Start in Boxing
Sven Ottke was born in Spandau, a part of Berlin, Germany. Before becoming a boxer, he learned two trades. He trained as a plasterer and also as an industrial clerk. When he was 14 years old, he joined a boxing club. This club was called Spandauer BC 26 Berlin.
Amazing Amateur Career
Many people thought Sven Ottke started boxing too late. However, he proved them wrong. At just 18 years old, he became the German Champion. This was in the Middleweight division. He went on to win ten more German titles.
Olympic and European Success
Sven Ottke competed in three Olympic Games. He participated in the 1988, 1992, and 1996 Olympics. He also became a European Champion twice. He won gold medals in 1991 and 1996. In 1993, he earned a bronze medal at the European Championships.
Notable Amateur Wins
During his amateur career, Ottke defeated several future professional stars. These included Antonio Tarver, Chris Byrd, and Michael Moorer. He also beat Zsolt Erdei and Juan Carlos Gómez. His amateur record was very impressive. He had 256 wins, 47 losses, and 5 draws. Most of his amateur fights took place in Germany.
Professional Boxing Journey
After a long and successful amateur career, Sven Ottke became a professional boxer in 1997. He had competed in 308 amateur fights. Less than a year later, he won his first world title. On October 24, 1998, he defeated Charles Brewer. This win made him the IBF super middleweight champion. Some people debated the decision in that fight.
Defending His World Titles
Sven Ottke was known for his strong defense. He successfully defended his IBF title 16 times. He fought against tough opponents like Thomas Tate and Glen Johnson. He also beat Silvio Branco, James Butler, and Anthony Mundine. He even had a rematch with Charles Brewer, which he won. One of his wins against Robin Reid was also widely discussed.
Unifying the Titles
In 2003, Ottke reached the peak of his career. On March 13, 2003, he fought Byron Mitchell. Ottke won this fight by a split decision. This victory made him the WBA champion. This meant he held both the IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles at the same time.
Retirement as an Undefeated Champion
Sven Ottke retired from boxing on March 27, 2004. He stepped down as an undefeated world champion. He had an amazing professional record of 34 wins and no losses. Only 6 of his wins came by knockout. He was known for winning most of his fights by points decisions. In 2003, the IBF named him their "Fighter of the Year."
Fighting in Germany
Ottke chose to defend his titles only in Germany. This was a notable part of his career. The referees and officials for his fights were often German. Some people felt that certain decisions in his fights were very close. For example, after his fight with Robin Reid, many commentators discussed the judging.
Images for kids
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Ottke in 2017
See also
In Spanish: Sven Ottke para niños
