Andreas Katzourakis

Andreas Katzourakis is a prominent Greek professional boxer competing in the super welterweight division. Born on September 12, 1997, in Athens, Greece, Katzourakis began his journey in combat sports at the age of five, inspired by his father, a former kickboxer. He participated in numerous kickboxing and point fighting matches, both nationally and internationally. At 15, he transitioned to boxing, quickly making a name for himself in Greece.

During his amateur boxing career, Katzourakis achieved an impressive record of 21 wins with no losses, including 16 victories by stoppage. He won four Greek National Championships. Katzourakis turned professional in June 2018, debuting with a first-round knockout of Chukwuka Willis in Costa Mesa, California.

In April 2019, Katzourakis faced tougher competition and secured a unanimous decision victory over veteran Walter Wright in Montebello, California. In August 2023, he fought Raphael Igbokwe in Atlanta, Georgia. Despite being knocked down early in the first round, Katzourakis demonstrated resilience and tactical adjustments, ultimately stopping Igbokwe in the eighth round. In May 2024, he had a closely contested bout against Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in Houston, Texas, winning by majority decision and advancing in the OTX junior middleweight tournament.

Patriotic and driven, Katzourakis views his career not just as a personal journey but as a mission to inspire young Greek athletes to believe in their potential. Outside of training, he maintains a disciplined lifestyle, focused on continuous mental and physical improvement. His interests in history and literature reflect a thoughtful personality behind the gloves; he often references ancient Greek philosophy and the warrior ethos as guiding principles. Katzourakis aspires to become Greece’s first world boxing champion since 1941.

Andreas Katzourakis, often hailed as the “Pride of Hellas,” embodies a fusion of ancient warrior ethos and modern boxing prowess. His fighting style is a testament to the Hellenic martial tradition, reminiscent of Achilles, the legendary “breaker of ranks.” His orthodox stance, tight high guard, and rhythmic head movement enable him to close distances effectively, much like the lightly armed Paeonian javelin throwers employed by Alexander the Great to disrupt enemy formations.

From the age of five, Katzourakis was immersed in combat sports, guided by his father, a former kickboxer. He honed his rotational power and balance, skills that allow him to generate strong hooks and uppercuts from close range—a hallmark of his strategy. Katzourakis employs another hellenistic methodical approach by keeping his opponents on the ropes and delivering sustained combinations, much like Alexander the Great chasing the last Persian king from Greece to India at a god-like pace.

Under the tutelage of esteemed coach Ronnie Shields in Houston, Texas, Katzourakis has advanced his technique. His favorite sequences often involve a lead jab followed by a left hook to the body and a right uppercut, effectively breaking down defenses. This strategy reflects the calculated might of Alexander’s campaigns, where psychological warfare and tactical precision were paramount. He is always in campaign mode, ensuring his opponents feel the pressure like the rock band Paramore's "Misery Business."