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Roman Greenberg (Hebrew: רומן גרינברג; born May 18, 1982) is an Israeli former heavyweight boxer based in the United Kingdom, with Moldovan origins[1] (his parents emigrated from Soviet Union when he was 6 years old), former International Boxing Organization's (IBO's) Intercontinental heavyweight champion, with a 27–1 record.[2][3] Greenberg has been nicknamed the "Lion from Zion."[4]
Roman Greenberg | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 18, 1982 |
| Nationality |  Israeli |
| Other names | "Lion from Zion" |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Heavyweight |
| Height | 189 cm (74 in) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 28 |
| Wins | 27 |
| Wins by KO | 18 |
| Losses | 1 |
Greenberg was born on May 18, 1982, in Bălţi, Moldova. His family immigrated to Tel Aviv, Israel, soon after his birth. He began boxing at age 11 after a friend took him to a boxing club in Kiryat Bialik. He won a silver medal at the 2000 Junior World Championships in Budapest.[5] Greenberg speaks four languages – Hebrew, Russian, German, and English.[6] Greenberg's brother was the Junior Chess Champion of Israel in 2004. [citation needed] He is well known for his vocal support of the State of Israel. Greenberg wears a Star of David on his trunks.[5] He trains in Maidenhead, Berkshire, and has a home near Haifa.[7] His manager and trainer is Jim Evans.[8]
In 1999, Greenberg became the youngest person to win the Israeli national heavyweight title.[9] Greenberg won a silver medal at the Junior World Championships in 2000 in Budapest where he beat Viktar Zuyev 14:8 but lost to Dzhamal Medzhydov (Ukr). He posted a 47–5 amateur record.[citation needed]
"Greenberg has the fastest hands for a heavyweight since Muhammad Ali."[10]
Greenberg made his pro debut in November 2001, after serving seven months in the Israeli Army.[11] In 2003, he knocked out Lithuanian Mindaugas Kulikauskas in the 5th round.[12] He won his first 27 professional bouts – 18 by K.O. – before he was beaten in 2008.
He won the IBO Intercontinental Championship by 6th round TKO against Alex Vassilev in March 2006.[13] His 25th victory was a unanimous decision over Michael Simms (formerly 19–6–1; 13 KOs) at Madison Square Garden in March 2007. He won nine out of 10 rounds.[14][15][16]
Greenberg next defeated American veteran Damon "Dangerous" Reed at the South Town Exhibition Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 18, 2007. Reed, 43-11-(5), a former WBO title challenger, had won his last three fights and fought some of the leading heavyweight and cruiserweight contenders in the world since turning professional in April 1995.[17]
Greenberg defeated Colin Kenna on points over eight rounds in London in October 2007.[18] The only time Greenberg "was in any trouble was when his stool collapsed under his sixteen and a half stone frame at the end of fifth round."[19]
In December 2007 Greenberg underwent a hand operation to repair an injury to the second and third metacarpals of his right hand.[20]
Greenberg lost his first bout against heavyweight contender Cedric Boswell (28–1; 22 KOs) in August 2008. He lost via TKO in the second round, after taking numerous punches from Boswell, who won for the 28th time in 29 fights, and is looking for a title bout opportunity. In June 2009, he was ranked 53rd in the International Boxing Organization's heavyweight computerized rankings. Of those ahead of him, only two were younger than he is.[21] Greenberg has not fought in the ring after his loss to Boswell.[citation needed]
"Through the Star of David, I represent Israel and myself. All through history, the Jews have always had to fight for their freedom and for their lives. When I come out wearing the Star of David, it shows the whole world that the Jews are still here and that they are successful."[22]
— Greenberg
Greenberg was one of three top Jewish boxers in January 2009, the others being Dmitry Salita junior welterweight (29–0–1) and Yuri Foreman, the middleweight (30–1–2).[23]
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