Avni Yildirim’s Record: Is He Underrated?

Turkish professional boxer Avni Yildirim will take on Canelo Alvarez in a couple of weeks, which the biggest fight of his career. Despite this, the 29-year-old is a low-profile fighter. So we look at Yildirim’s record and see if he is underrated.

Known for his combination punching, Yildirim started his professional career as a light-heavyweight. He had ten bouts at 175 lbs and then moved down to super-middleweight. His professional record stands at 21-2-0.

In his ten fights in the light-heavyweight division, Yildirim became the WBC International Silver champion. In his subsequent fights in the 168 lbs division, the Turk has challenged for two world titles and is set for his third.

Looking at his record, Yildirim has an average professional record with 12 of his 21 victories coming through knockouts. However, when you watch the fights, 8 were technical knockouts. Thus, the Turk is more of a combination puncher than a brutal knockout artist.

Therefore, he won’t have showreel knockout highlights. Therefore, it also means he is not as big an attraction as the powerful punchers. Moreover, his frame and weight mean he is not one of those slick boxers who move smoothly across the canvas.

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Avni Yildirim losses: what do they say about him?

So, the 29-year-old is old-fashion in his victories. He is comfortable exchanging with his opponent with the aim to outland him. However, what about his losses- what do they say about his boxing style?

Yildirim has two losses on his record. Both against former champions in Chris Eubank Jr. and Anthony Dirrell. In the Eubank Jr. fight, Yildirim’s tactics let him down as the Englishman was too fast and slick. He out-boxed him for three rounds and knocked him out.

Against Dirrell was a different story. The American fought in a manner similar to Yildirim, and the pair clashed in the center of the ring for most parts of the fight. In the end, Dirrell took home a controversial technical decision. However, Yildirim failed to showcase his power on both occasions.

Therefore, all things considered, the Turk’s record is not underrated. He is a good fighter with a decent skillset. However, he did not beat any noteworthy fighters. Moreover, his one-dimensional fighting style means those suggesting an easy win for Alvarez are not undervaluing the 29-year-old. 

What do you make of Avni Yildirim’s record? Do you think the boxing world underrates the Turkish fighter?

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