Firat Arslan (Turkish: Fırat Arslan, born September 28, 1970 in Friedberg, Germany) is a German professional boxer of Turkish descent best known to win a WBA cruiserweight title at the age of 37.
He has a fight record of 29 victories with 18 knockouts, 5 defeats and 1 draw, total of 35 bouts.
Southpaw Arslan began his professional career in 1997 and won his first 13 fights with aggressive brawling before dropping back to back decisions to Collice Mutizwa and Rüdiger May. His biggest success in the early phase of his career was a draw against unbeaten Russian Vadim Tokarev in 2003 but he lost his next fight to Czech Lubos Suda. In 2005 he beat local hero Alexander Petkovic and his career picked up momentum. His big breakthrough was entirely unexpected,though, as he managed to not only dominate but also KO unbeaten Russian fringe contender Grigory Drozd. For that he got a title shot in July 2007 and captured the Interim WBA Cruiserweight Title with a split decision win over yet another Russian in Valery Brudov. Later that year he bested 43 year old Virgil Hill for the WBA title. He beat contender Darnell Wilson on May 3, 2008 in Germany by Unanimous Decision.
He lost his title against Panamanian Guillermo Jones in Hamburg, on September 27, 2008, one day before his birthday. After the loss to Jones, Arslan took an extended leave from boxing and returned almost two years later to face unheralded Steve Herelius for the interim title. Arslan was in front but at the end of the 11th round he was unable to continue because a syncope.
| Preceded by Valery Brudov |
WBA Cruiserweight Interim Champion June 16, 2007 – November 24, 2007 Unified |
Vacant
Title next held by
Steve Herelius |
| Preceded by Virgil Hill |
WBA Cruiserweight Champion November 24, 2007 – September 27, 2008 Regular title until May 12, 2008 |
Succeeded by Guillermo Jones |