Choi Tseveenpurev | |
---|---|
Statistics | |
Real name | Choijiljavyn Tseveenpürev |
Rated at | Featherweight |
Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
Reach | 65 in (165 cm) |
Nationality | Mongolian |
Born |
Ulan Bator, Mongolia |
October 6, 1971
Stance | Orthodox |
Boxing record | |
Total fights | 43 |
Wins | 36 |
Wins by KO | 24 |
Losses | 7 |
Draws | 0 |
No contests | 0 |
Choijiljavyn "Choi" Tseveenpürev (Mongolian: Чойжилжавын Цэвээнпүрэв; born 6 October 1971 in Ulan Bator, Mongolia) is a Mongolian featherweight boxer based in the United Kingdom. Tseveenpurev won the Prizefighter series Featherweights tournament on 29 October 2011, the same month that he passed 40. This followed a ten-round victory on 18 June 2011 over former IBO featherweight champion Jackson Asiku – a fight nominated for the British boxing fight of the year.
Tseveenpurev, known as the Mongol Warrior, began his career with ten-rounders as an away fighter in South Korea and Thailand fighting legendary former and future world champion Veeraphol Sahaprom in only his third contest. This is one of only 7 defeats, all by points verdicts.
His boxing career saw him travel to Finland, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and China before settling in the UK in 2000. Tseveenpurev is currently trained by promoter Spencer Fearon, having previously worked with Jack Doughty and Lee Wilkins.
On 6 June 2008, he was awarded with the title of 'State Honoured Athlete' by the Mongolian President, Nambaryn Enkhbayar.
He won the vacant World Boxing Foundation (WBFo) title by knocking out David Kiilu in the third round. Tseveenpurev defended the title twice before becoming the WBU Featherweight champion with a destructive win over Derry Mathews in Bolton on 5 April 2008,.
During the bout, Tseveenpurev was described as "Britain's answer to Manny Pacquiao" by boxing commentator John Rawling. With his unrelenting style and similar trademark ponytail, Choi has also been compared to Hall of Fame boxer Kostya Tszyu. Tseveenpurev himself lists Tszyu as his idol, along with Roberto Duran.