10 Top Fighters From Behind The Iron Curtain

[Spicoli]

Were there ever any top fighters who really were from behind the iron curtain, that is pre Mikhail Gorbachev days?

The whole perastroika (sp ?) reforms opened the doors.I remember in the early 90's a whole bunch of guys were brought over and trained by Tommy Gallhagar...USA tuesday night fights aired them alot "The Russians are coming" or something.One was a lightweight named Sergei Artemiev,dude had some skills and was right on the brink of a World Title shot.He was pretty badly injured against Carl Griffith for a minor stepping stone belt,Career ended suddenly as he fell into a coma and was lucky to recover.They had a big Heavy named Yuri Vaulin that didn't pan out,he took some rounds from Tommy Morrison but eventually got wrecked.

I'd definatly add Yuri Arbachakov to that list,very first Champion from Russia.Sent to Japan from Russia out of Amatuers along with a few others.Arbachackov and Orzubek Gussie Nazarov reigned as champions & exelled,ecspecially Yuri.5 yr flyweight champ.