Mikhail Chalykh

Mikhail Viktorovich Chalykh — (; ; born November 20, 1983) is a retired Russian kickboxer. He is a Merited Master of Sports in kickboxing as well as a World Champion, a European Champion (2004) and a three-time Russian National Champion in kickboxing (2004, 2005 and 2007).

Early life Chalykh was born in Volgograd. At 16 years old, his childhood friend and future promoter, Maxim Voronov, introduced Chalykh to kickboxing at the gym of Viktor Petrovich Tuliev.

Career

Professional Chalykh started his professional career in 2004 and up until his first retirement in late 2007, he had only lost once in a close decision against Kickboxing legend, Dmitry Shakuta. Over his short professional career, he won the National WBKF (World BARS Kickboxing Federation) title three times. Additionally, in December, 2004, Chalykh knocked out two-time French National Champion in Kickboxing and Savate, Sylvio Danois for the WBKF European title. His most notable career wins came against WAKO World Full-Contact Champion Denis Grachev, Kickboxing and Muay Thai legend, Artem Levin, and Kickboxing legend, Artur Kyshenko.

WBKF World Championship In 2006, the WBKF organized a one-night 4-man tournament consisting of the best -76 kg fighters under their banner to fight for the WBKF World Championship. In the first round, Russian kickboxing great, WBKF Eurasian Champion, Vladimir Tyuin beat WAKO World Champion and WBKF Eurasian Champion, Kyrgyz, Katanbek Sydygaliev by unanimous decision. On the other side of the bracket, Chalykh beat two-time Ukrainian National Muay Thai Champion and 2006 I.F.M.A. World Championship gold medalist, Artur Kyshenko by split decision.

Retirement At the end of the year of 2007, after beating Draženko Ninić, Chalykh retired at 24 years old, with a record of 18–1, reportedly due to knee injuries.

In 2015, eight years after his last professional fight, at 31 years old, Chalykh decided to make his comeback heavier than he'd ever been at 85 kg against Moroccan, Samir Boukhidous on the undercard of Glory 20: Dubai. He lost by TKO in round 1 after getting knocked down twice.

After this, he returned to the Amateur ranks where he participated in the National Tournament. He went 2–1 in the tournament, losing his third fight by, reportedly, controversial decision. Chalykh decided to sit out 2016 and not go to the World Championships.

Two years after his last professional comeback, at 33 years old, Chalykh attempted another one as he had stated that he wants to fight in GLORY again. He was scheduled to face Filip Verlinden who had just challenged for the Enfusion Middleweight (85 kg) title. Chalykh won by unanimous decision. This was his first professional win in over ten years and it would be his last career win as he lost his last two fights in 2018 against Aurel Ignat and top Belarusian kickboxer Igor Bugaenko.

Titles

Professional 2007 WBKF Russian Champion - 76 kg 2006 WBKF World Champion - 76 kg 2005 WBKF Low-Kick Russian Champion - 76 kg 2004 WBKF European Champion - 76 kg 2004 WBKF Russian Champion - 76 kg Amateur 2011 WAKO Russian Champion - 81 kg 2007 WAKO Russian Champion - 75 kg 2006 WAKO Russian Champion - 75 kg 2006 WAKO European Championship runner-up - 75 kg 2005 WAKO World Muay Thai Champion - 75 kg 2005 WAKO Russian Championship runner-up - 75 kg 2004 WAKO European Champion - 81 kg 2004 WAKO Russian Championship runner-up - 81 kg 2002 WAKO Russian Champion - 75 kg 2002 WAKO World Champion - 75 kg

Professional record