Avni Yildirim

Avni Yıldırım, born on August 5, 1991, in Sivas, Turkey, is a Turkish professional boxer known by his nickname "Mr. Robot." With a height of 5 feet 11 and a half inches and a reach of 70 inches, he competes across multiple weight classes, including middleweight, super-middleweight, and light-heavyweight, fighting out of an orthodox stance. Yıldırım gained prominence in the amateur ranks, winning a bronze medal in the 2013 Mediterranean Games in the light-heavyweight division. He transitioned to the professional circuit, becoming a notable contender in the super-middleweight division. In 2017, he faced Chris Eubank Jr. in the World Boxing Super Series, suffering a knockout defeat, but he demonstrated resilience with a significant win over Lolenga Mock in 2018. His challenge for the WBC super-middleweight title against Anthony Dirrell in 2019 ended prematurely due to an accidental head clash, although his performance kept him in title discussions. Later, in 2021, he fought Canelo Álvarez for multiple titles but could not continue after three rounds.

Yıldırım’s technical approach centers on his jab, which functions as both a range finder and a tool for positioning opponents. This foundational strike allows him to maintain distance while maneuvering adversaries into vulnerable positions. During exchanges, he leans in, using subtle shifts to evade counters, staying within striking range for quick follow-ups. Defensively, he effectively blocks and absorbs punches, particularly against attacks on the center line. His use of lateral movement and circular jabs opens angles for targeted strikes, minimizing his risk of injury while maximizing damage to his opponent. This defensive awareness helps him control the ring and dictate the fight’s pace.

A notable aspect of Yıldırım’s technique is his wrist flexion during punches, particularly jabs and hooks. By flexing his wrists upon impact, he absorbs and distributes force, reducing the likelihood of hand injuries and enhancing his durability. This tactical precision is crucial in high-level bouts, allowing him to remain sharp throughout long exchanges. In his bout with Canelo Álvarez, Yıldırım displayed a calculated approach, pulling back to reset after initiating attacks, showcasing his grasp of advanced boxing dynamics even against elite competition. Despite the challenging outcome, his technical discipline highlighted Yıldırım’s strategic depth as a contender in the super-middleweight division.