Dmitry Kirillov

Biography

Dmitry "The Baby" Kirillov, born November 24, 1978, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, built a respectable career as a skilled and resilient competitor in the super-flyweight division. Known for his orthodox stance and disciplined approach, Kirillov gained recognition for his technical ability and willingness to face elite opposition during his tenure as a professional boxer.

Kirillov debuted on May 2, 1998, in his hometown of Saint Petersburg, where he defeated Gennadi Sukmanov by unanimous decision. Over the next six years, he put together an impressive 20-fight winning streak, showcasing his consistency and earning a reputation as a reliable contender in the lighter weight classes. His first major test came in his 21st bout when he faced Spend Abazi for the European Bantamweight Title in Viborg, Denmark. Despite a spirited effort, Kirillov suffered his first professional loss via unanimous decision.

Undeterred, Kirillov continued his ascent, and by 2004, he earned a shot at Masamori Tokuyama for the WBC World Super Flyweight Title in Osaka, Japan. Although he showcased his technical skills, the champion's experience and ring IQ carried the day, and Kirillov lost by a unanimous decision. Following this defeat, Kirillov returned to domestic competition, capturing the vacant Russian Bantamweight Title in December 2004 with a unanimous victory over Marsel Kasimov.

In 2005, Kirillov began positioning himself for another shot at world honours. On May 6, 2006, he faced Luis Alberto Perez for the IBF Super Flyweight Title. Kirillov came up short in a closely contested bout, losing by split decision. This narrow defeat only fueled his determination, and he bounced back with a majority decision win over Reynaldo Lopez in an IBF title eliminator in Moscow.

His perseverance paid off on October 13, 2007, when he fought Jose Navarro in Moscow for the vacant IBF Super Flyweight Title. Kirillov outboxed the American challenger, securing a unanimous decision victory and claiming the championship. The win marked the pinnacle of his career, establishing him as one of the best in the division.

Kirillov's first defence came against Cecilio Santos in New York on February 28, 2008. The bout ended in a majority draw, allowing him to retain his title but exposing some vulnerabilities. On August 2, 2008, he faced the explosive Vic Darchinyan in Tacoma, Washington. Darchinyan, known for his power and aggression, overwhelmed Kirillov, knocking him out in the fifth round to take the IBF title. This loss marked the end of Kirillov's reign as a world champion.

Kirillov continued to compete sporadically in the following years, moving up in weight but finding limited success. His final bout took place on September 26, 2015, in Ekaterinburg, where he fought Evgeny Chuprakov for the vacant WBO European Super Featherweight Title. Kirillov was stopped in the eighth round, ending a professional career that spanned nearly two decades.

With a record of 31 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw, Kirillov's career is remembered for his technical skill, resilience, and willingness to challenge the best in the sport. His victory over Jose Navarro to capture the IBF title and his battles with elite fighters such as Darchinyan and Tokuyama highlight his place among the notable names in the super-flyweight division.