Souleymane Cissokho

Souleymane Diop Cissokho, born on July 4, 1991, in Dakar, Senegal, is a professional boxer representing France. At the age of four, Cissokho moved to France, settling in the Paris suburb of Villiers-le-Bel. His introduction to boxing was somewhat fortuitous, as he started accompanying friends to a local gym. However, he quickly developed a passion for the sport, winning his first French national title just 18 months later.

Cissokho's amateur career was distinguished by several significant achievements. He won a gold medal at the 2009 Jeux de la Francophonie in the lightweight category and secured a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the welterweight division. In addition, he claimed gold at the 2014 World University Boxing Championships held in Russia.

Turning professional in January 2017, Cissokho made an immediate impact by defeating Renato Goman via first-round knockout. On April 7, 2018, at the Dôme de Paris, he faced José de Jesús Macias, winning by unanimous decision after ten rounds. His ascent continued on June 23, 2018, when he defeated former IBF World Champion Carlos Molina by unanimous decision over ten rounds, again at the Dôme de Paris. On May 8, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, he faced Kieron Conway and won by split decision after twelve rounds, claiming the WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Title. On September 10, 2021, at Roland Garros in Paris, Cissokho retained his WBA Intercontinental Title by forcing Ismail Iliev to retire after the fourth round. He defended his WBC Silver Title on November 4, 2023, at the Casino de Monte Carlo Salle Medecin in Monaco, securing a unanimous decision victory over Isaias Lucero after twelve rounds.

Managed by Anthony Joshua's 258 Management, Cissokho has expanded his presence beyond France, competing in prestigious venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York and AT&T Stadium in Texas. He has been recognized for his sportsmanship, receiving the Prix Olivier Schwarz in 2016, awarded to the most likable French athlete. Additionally, he served as a torchbearer for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Cissokho under the guidance of world-class trainers such as Abdoulaye Faye and Virgil Hunter high guard that he adjusts his coaches emphasize “la boxe éducative,” the French amateur foundation Cissokho is Senegalese by birth, raised in France, and his approach blends both cultures. From Senegalese roots comes pride in form, foot placement, and balance. His stance is textbook: feet just under shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, weight evenly distributed from head to toes, allowing balance in defense. Under Virgil Hunter, Cissokho has developed more patience and subtle traps - Hunter-style tactics include hand control and small slips. He has moments where he walks opponents down, not with reckless pressure but with silent authority.

Cissokho is a tactical mirror: he adjusts based on what’s in front of him, drawing from amateur experience, immigrant hunger, and a modern understanding. His jab is calculated, often doubling as a rangefinder and a setup for the straight right. He is active, not reactive, working off timing.

Cissokho, like Charlo, uses controlled footwork. He circles with balance. Both fighters share the habit of coiling slightly before throwing—using the hips and knees to generate snap without telegraphing. Their defensive discipline is similar too: tight elbows and eyes always locked on the target.

While Charlo’s style is deeply rooted in American gyms - fast-twitch drills, Philly shell nuances, power-first tempo - Cissokho fuses that with his French Olympic background: clean angles, minimalism, and a focus on scoring efficiency. It’s like Charlo with an amateur twist—less rage.

Against Roberto Valenzuela Jr., Cissokho took a similar tactical tone. He neutralized Valenzuela’s wild aggression by forcing him to reset with every missed punch. Cissokho used Ward-like principles: clinch when necessary, score between exchanges, then made Valenzuela pay with quick two-punch checkdowns - jab-straight or jab-left hook. Nothing wide, nothing wasted.