Ondřej Pála

Ondřej Pála (born 20 September 1984) is a Czech former professional boxer who competed from 2005 to 2014. At regional level, he held multiple heavyweight championships, including the Czech title from 2005 to 2006. He holds a notable win over former world heavyweight champion Henry Akinwande.

Amateur career Pála started boxing at 17 under the lead of trainers Jan Balog and Antonín Hauer. His effort soon brought him the Czech Junior heavyweight title. At young age, he was also trying to compete in Muay Thai and Jiu jistu. In 2019, he returned to amateur boxing defeating Dominik Musil in the final of the Czech Championship, who is also a professional, by a second round TKO.

Professional career He turned professional in Médea boxing team and alongside his trainer Yuri Krivoruchko, he became one of the top prospects in the heavyweight division. He soon won several belts on the national level. In 2008, he beat the former WBO heavyweight champion Henry Akinwande. After the victory over Aleksey Masikin in March 2011, he became WBO European heavyweight champion and serious contender for the world belts.

On 30 November 2013, Pala fought for the WBO and vacant WBA International titles against former world title challenger Derek Chisora at the Copper Box Arena in London. Pála was able to land heavy left hooks in the first two rounds. In round three, Chisora trapped Pála in a corner and clubbed him to the head and body with a series of powerful shots which forced Pála to turn his back from the oncoming onslaught, forcing the referee to stop the contest.

On 12 April 2014, Pala lost via third-round knockout against David Price in Esbjerg, Denmark. Price was forced to climb off the canvas after a flash knockdown in the opening round, but was able to regain his composure in the second round before flooring Pala twice in the third, forcing the referee to call a halt to the action.

Professional boxing record Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location