Leonard Dorin

Biography

Leonard Dorin Doroftei, known as "The Lion," was born on April 10, 1970, in Ploie?ti, Romania. Standing at 5 feet 4 inches with a reach of approximately 64 inches, he fought with an orthodox stance in the lightweight division. Dorin began boxing at the age of 14 at the Ploie?ti boxing club, quickly establishing himself as a formidable amateur. He amassed an impressive amateur record of 239 wins and 15 losses, securing bronze medals in the light welterweight division at the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Additionally, he clinched the World Amateur Championship title at lightweight in 1995.

Transitioning to the professional arena in 1998, Dorin made his debut on April 24 at the Palais des Sports Léopold-Drolet in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, where he earned a unanimous decision victory over Jerry Villareal in a four-round bout.

Throughout his professional career, Dorin faced several world-class opponents. A notable highlight was his bout against Argentinian boxer Raúl Horacio Balbi. On January 5, 2002, Dorin captured the WBA World Lightweight Title by defeating Balbi via a split decision. The two fighters had a rematch on May 31, 2002, in Bucharest, Romania, where Dorin secured a unanimous decision victory, further solidifying his championship status.

On May 17, 2003, Dorin engaged in a title unification bout with IBF Lightweight Champion Paul Spadafora in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The closely contested match concluded in a draw, with scores of 114-114, 115-113, and 114-115, allowing both fighters to retain their respective titles.

Dorin's final professional fight occurred on July 24, 2004, when he challenged Arturo Gatti for the WBC Super Lightweight Title at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Unfortunately, Dorin suffered a knockout loss in the second round, leading to his retirement from professional boxing.

Over his professional career, Dorin compiled a record of 22 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 8 victories coming by way of knockout.