Misha Aloyan

Sport: Boxing

Nation: Russian Federation

DOB: August 23, 1988

Career Highlights: Aloyan is the reigning world flyweight champion. He took home gold at the worlds in October by defeating heavy favorite Andrew Selby from Wales after knocking off 2008 Olympian Rau’Shee Warren of the U.S. in the semifinals. Aloyan also earned gold medals at the AIBA World Cup in 2008 and the European Elite Men Championships in 2010. He has won 16 of his 17 career AIBA matches, with the only loss coming in the final at the 2009 worlds to Mongolia's Tugstsogt Nyambayar by a score of 8-7. While his record may indicate dominance, Aloyan defeated his final four opponents at last year's worlds by fewer than three points on average, including a one-point victory over Selby. These close decisions come with Aloyan’s style, encouraging opponents to attack and often allowing them to stay in the bout until the end - leaving results up to the judges. However, he was much more impressive at the Governor Cup in May, easily winning all three of his bouts. "Boxing for me is life. When I am in the ring, I live, breathe," Aloyan said. "... I cannot imagine myself without boxing."

Olympic History: None