Andrei Mikhailovich

Andrei Mikhailovich, on December 15, 1997, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, is a Russian-born, New Zealand-raised professional boxer. Competing in the light middleweight, middleweight, and super middleweight divisions, he stands 6 feet tall with a reach of 74 inches and fights with an orthodox stance. Mikhailovich has won multiple New Zealand national championships and holds regional titles such as the IBF Pan-Pacific and WBO Global middleweight belts.

Mikhailovich began his professional career in April 2018 with a victory over Rob Ramsey. Over the next year, he defeated several notable opponents, including Adrian Taihia and Chase Haley, and won his first professional title by beating Gunnar Jackson in August 2019 for the New Zealand National Middleweight title. In November 2020, he claimed another national title in the Super Welterweight division and defended it successfully against Shay Brock in April 2021. Mikhailovich's rivalry with Alex Hanan culminated in a highly publicized grudge match in June 2021, which he won by TKO in the second round.

In 2022, Mikhailovich signed a long-term promotional agreement with Dean Lonergan and continued to build his career with significant victories, including a first-round knockout of King Davidson and a third-round stoppage of Ernesto Espana to win the IBF Pan Pacific and WBO Global middleweight titles. Mikhailovich's success propelled him into the world rankings, where he reached 10th in the IBF and 12th in the WBO. In April 2023, he overcame a first-round knockdown to defeat Edisson Saltarin, positioning himself for a world title eliminator against Denis Radovan, scheduled for December 16 in the UK. In February 2024, Mikhailovich announced a move to No Limit Boxing under Matt and George Rose, further advancing his promising career.

Andrei Mikhailovich is a master of absorbing and deflecting force, skillfully utilizing his legs to absorb punches and swiftly turning his chin to mitigate impact - a defensive maneuver popularized by Gennady Golovkin, particularly during his trilogy with Canelo Alvarez. Mikhailovich's remarkable ability to slip punches and counteract with his powerful dominant hand is noteworthy. When facing a southpaw, he employs a unique strategy of parrying with his lead hand, a technique often referred to as “cat-pawing,” to counter his opponent's jab. From that position, he is quick to retaliate with his formidable rear hand, effectively harnessing his opponent’s momentum to set up his own strikes. He epitomizes the relentless pressure fighter, preferring to crouch low beneath punches while shifting his weight to create deceptive angles, thus allowing him to explosively deliver devastating combinations. Additionally, Mikhailovich strategically employs collar ties, using them to set up brutal uppercuts from close proximity, which significantly enhances his prowess as an inside fighter.

Renowned for his astute clinch work, Mikhailovich excels at controlling his opponent’s arms, ensuring they remain at a disadvantage. He effectively pins down their arms or navigates around the clinch, using this position to deliver impactful body shots, disengage, or simply take a moment to recuperate. His clinching is not passive; rather, it serves as a strategic component of his fighting style, enabling him to continuously transition between different positions while setting up powerful, stamina-draining shots. Even when backed against the ropes or cornered, he is rarely idle - constantly active, he unleashes punches, identifies openings, and skillfully escapes from the clinch when the opportunity arises. Mikhailovich’s approach to blocking is unconventional; he is known for his tendency to "block with his face" while maintaining a high guard, rolling his chin to deflect a barrage of punches, thereby showcasing both his mental and physical resilience.

Mikhailovich's mental fortitude is truly remarkable; he possesses the willingness to endure punishment and delve deep into his reserves, relying on his determination when technical aspects may falter. He excels at the technique known as “holding the phone” for protection, ensuring that his defense remains robust and never fully exposed. His signature one-two-three combination is executed with impeccable precision and force, often rendering his opponents unsteady on their feet. Moreover, he demonstrates proficiency in doubling up punches, effectively landing shots both upon entering and exiting exchanges, consistently delivering power that drains his opponent’s stamina. Mikhailovich does not merely engage in brawling; he fights with calculated aggression, ensuring that every punch carries significance, systematically breaking down his opponents with a blend of technique and unwavering determination that keeps him a formidable threat until the final bell.