Born: 1976 (Kazakhstan, former Soviet Union)
Biography:
Natalia Yurievna Ragozina, better known as Natascha Ragosina, is an undefeated retired Russian professional boxer who spent much of her career ranked as the top female super middleweight in the world. She was born on April 5, 1976, in Kazakhstan, which was formerly a part of the Soviet Union. Currently residing in Moscow, Ragosina competed professionally for Russia and is of Russian descent.
Ragosina’s boxing career was nothing short of remarkable. She holds the record for being the longest reigning WBA female super middleweight champion and WBC female super middleweight champion. At the time of her retirement, she held all major female super middleweight titles and two heavyweight belts. Her illustrious collection included the IWBF (International Women’s Boxing Federation) super middleweight title, WIBF (Women’s International Boxing Federation) super middleweight title, WIBA (Women’s International Boxing Association) super middleweight title, Global Boxing Union Female super middleweight title, WBC female super middleweight title, WBA female super middleweight title, WIBC super middleweight title, WIBF (Women’s International Boxing Federation) heavyweight title, and WBF (Women’s Boxing Federation) heavyweight title.
On March 15, 2008, Ragosina made history by defeating Bermudian Teresa Perozzi and winning a record 7 championship belts in a single fight. This feat broke Giselle Salandy’s previous record of 6 belts won in a single fight. However, just two weeks later, Salandy, a light middleweight boxer, regained her record by defeating Karolina Lukasik in a match with 8 titles on the line.
One of Ragosina’s notable fights took place on July 11, 2008, against Conjestina Achieng. The fight ended in a controversial decision, with Ragosina winning by a close but unanimous decision. One judge awarded Ragosina the fight by a single round, while the other two judges had Ragosina winning by a two-round margin. Some boxing observers believe Achieng should have won the fight.
In a bid to settle the controversy, Ragosina and Achieng had a rematch on November 28, 2008, which Ragosina won more convincingly. She continued to prove her dominance in the ring and further solidified her legacy as a boxing legend.
On December 19, 2009, Ragosina faced heavyweight world champion Pamela London and emerged victorious by knockout. This win added two heavyweight championships to her resume, the WIBF Women’s International Boxing Federation heavyweight title and the World Boxing Federation heavyweight title. Despite a significant 65-pound weight disadvantage, Ragosina weighing in at 172 lb compared to London’s 237 lb, the 5 ft 11+1⁄2 in Ragosina used her reach and quickness to knock out London in the eighth round. This victory brought Ragosina’s record to 22-0, including a remarkable 16-0 record in title fights.
Outside the ring, Ragosina is a single mother, balancing her boxing career with her responsibilities as a parent. She is known to be good friends with fighters Fedor Emelianenko, Alexander Povetkin, and Nikolai Valuev. Ragosina’s influence on women’s boxing has been immense, as she paved the way for future generations of female fighters.
Awards:
– 2009 WBF heavyweight world champion
– 2009 W.I.B.F. heavyweight world champion
– 2008 I.W.B.F. super middleweight world champion
– 2007-09 W.B.C. super middleweight world champion (4 title defenses)
– 2007-08 W.I.B.A. super middleweight world champion (2 title defenses)