Ruslan Karpov

Ruslan Karpov
Born August 26,1979,Vityazk City,CAO Profession Boxer International Competitions Second Olympics Awards Coocoostan Middleweight Championship, Olympic Bronze Medal

Ruslan Karpov(Born August 26,1979) is a Coocoostani Middleweight Boxer, currently Middleweight Champion and an Olympic medallist. Karpov is easily one of the most recognizable sporting personalities in the country, as his rise to fame was the premise of a low-key documentary on BSC Sport. His personal life, in particular his relationships, have also garnered some attention.

Early Career

Karpov began boxing as a hobby at the age of 15 in the Vityazk City area. When trainers deemed he had some potential, they referred him to the City's Dynamo Sports club, which took him on. Determining that his optimal fighting weight would be at Middleweight, they grew him into his frame. Karpov quickly fought the maximum 10 novice amateur matches, winning most of his by knockdown and moved into the semi-professional ranks.

Semi-Pro Career

Karpov fought as a semi-professional, which in Coocoostan means that the boxer is an amateur, but is allowed to make money for others. Karpov proved to be a popular fighter and a good draw, as his hard-hitting style proved popular, as it was unusual for someone in his weight class. Upon the establishment of the 6 weight class system for Coocoostan's boxing, he was awarded the Vacant middleweight title. His lone title defence was during the May 5th, 2006 event at the Puhdahl Bowl in Anadahl. As 74,000 fans looked on, Karpov easily handled Jake Sutton, with a 3rd round KO, after dominating the fight. It was then Karpov became somewhat involved with actress Nadia Malenkova, although by the end of the summer, they were no longer seen together. This apparently hit Karpov hard, with his being cited for being drunk in public in a West Coocoobad park in October 2006.

Comeback

While not a comback per se, Karpov was not in fighting shape after almost six months of casual training. He was also caught up in the Coocoostan National Police investigation of boxing's financial side, which confirmed some links to organized crime. The Coocoostan Boxing Council(CBC) banned fighting at 8 venues, including the Puhdahl Bowl and shifted the fights into more open venues. Karpov cut ties with his old trainers, who were receiving bribes, to train with the de facto national team at the Coocoobad Boxing Gym. Here, trainer Herbie Bernstein trained six fighters with the goal of sending them to the olympics. When word spread, the CBC cancelled the Olympic trials, to send the six men, as well as Super Heavyweight Tiny Harrison, who trained elsewhere. Karpov worked on balancing his fighting style, resisting the urge to throw big punch after big punch to time his shots carefully. As well, he began to focus on body punches.

Olympics

Karpov arrived in Querzakhi in time for the Opening Ceremony and marched in the Athlete's Parade. He was involved in the move into university dorms for four days, returning the night before his quarterfinal match. Due to the sparse entries in the Boxing competition, fighters were guaranteed a medal with one win. Karpov did not dissapoint. Fighting tactically in the first two rounds, Karpov threw his trademark haymakers in the final round, to win 24-19 over Mario Zanchetti of Reineberg 24-19. In the semifinals, Oscar Della-Gianis of St. Samuel walked away with a five point victory, but not before Karpov hit him for 25 points, the total of the winner of the other semifinal.

Post-Olympics

Karpov is planning on a return to domestic championship boxing, with a title defence towards the end of June.

Medals