Athlete of the Week – Boxer Cristian Ciocan

At the end of last week, Romanian boxer Cristian Ciocan defended his WBO heavyweight belt.

Florin Orban, 07.02.2017, 13:30

In a boxing gala held in London, Ciocan defeated by technical KO British David Price. Aged 29, Ciocan thus clinched the 21st win of his professional career, of which 12 by KO. For his remarkable achievement, we have designated Cristian Ciocan Athlete of the Week on Radio Romania International.

The boxing match in London marked the first time Cristian Ciocan has defended his WBO belt ever since he won it back in 2016. His opponent turned out to be quite a challenge. David Price’s record sheet is very similar to the Romanian’s, although the British boxer is 15 cm taller than Ciocan. Another advantage for the British was the home turf.

Settled in Germany, Cristian Ciocan succeeded in getting the fist fight very close, where he had the advantage, throwing one punch after another at Price. After the fourth bout, Ciocan’s right hook hit its mark, followed by a devastating left-fist blow that sent Price to the floor and thus put an end to the match at the end of round seven. Cristian Ciocan might again fight to defend his WBO title on March 25, in Hamburg.

Cristian Ciocan is undefeated since 2015, when he lost to Tyson Fury of Great Britain at the end of an eight-round boxing match. At the time Cristian Ciocan threw in the towel. Had he knocked out Fury, he could have had a turn at challenging the defending world champion, Vladimir Klitschko.

Born on September 27, 1987 in Galati, eastern Romania, Cristian Ciocan turned pro in 2008. He is presently living in Hamburg, Germany, and is known by his stage name as Christian Hammer.

(Translated by V. Palcu)