10.11.05 – By Gennadi “Komar” Komarnitzsky and Izyaslav “Slava” Koza: On November 6th 2005, in the town of Checkov near Moscow, Legendary Soviet Boxer Nikolai Federovich Korolev was immortalized forever by an unveiling of a Monument bearing his familiar likeness..
Nikolai Korolev was an honored-deserved Master of Sports in boxing, as well as an unprecedented 9 time Soviet champion in the Heavyweight division, as well as a 4 time absolute undisputed champion of the USSR. He is also remembered for his successor and opponent talented Lithuanian Algirdas Shotzikas.
The people of the Soviet Union will remember him for his great deeds behind enemy lines and on the battlefields of World War 2, for which he earned numerous military medals and honors. The world will remember him for his unsuccessful attempt at fighting arguably the best heavyweight in the history of boxing, in Joe Louis, something he could not accomplish based on the politics of the time.
The following people were present at the unveiling: Representatives of the Checkov city government, legendary soviet boxer and 2-time Olympic champion Boris Lagutin, Olympic champion Valeryan Sokolov, Current Heavyweight Olympic Champion and Professional boxer Alexander Povetkin ( pictured in Devils ball cap), international boxing judge, and commentator for the TV channel “EuroSport” Nikolai Puchkov, Nikolai Korolev’s daughter Nadezhda, and amateur Soviet, European, and World Champion Vitali Kachanovski. Many Soviet World War 2 veterans were also present as well as many younger kids and fans of the art of the “sweet science.”
The Monument is located near the “Vityaz” boxing gym where Alexander Povetkin trains.
This is the first monument to Nikolai Korolev located on Russian territory.
The following is a link to an article written by Mr. Komarnitzsky and translated and edited into English by myself
Photos:
The photo on the statue pictures Boris Lagutin, Nikolai Korolev and Viktor Ageev three of the most legendary soviet boxers in history.
Photos of the Statue Unveiling courtesy of Mr. Komarnitzsky
The text under the black and white photo of the three soldiers reads: “ 1945 from right to left S Sherbakov, N Korolev, and E Orlov- 3 boxers 3 officers.
Another is a photo of Nikolai Korolev and his daughter Nadezhda at a young age.
Photos of Mr. Korolev courtesy of the archive of Nadezhda Koroleva-Basharov.