We often come across unique inspirational stories from the world of sports that make us marvel at the sheer will power and determination athletes display to reach the top. But the story of Vangelis “Cobra” Chatzis is in a league of its own. Whats’s so social about Vangelis you might ask? He is the only one-handed boxer in the world who managed to distinguish himself in a combat sport! The 27-year-old boxer, who fights in the AEK gym, lost his right arm from the elbow down at just 3-months old. Doctors had diagnosed a malignant tumour infection and were forced to amputate the right arm to save his life. As he explains, the doctors attributed the tumour to side effects from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the Ukraine. Despite his handicap in the ring, Vangelis has won the respect of all his opponents, becoming a living example of how determination, hard work, faith in ones abilities and human will can drive someone to achieve any goal they set their minds and hearts to. His adversity did not stand in the way of Vangelis being crowned lightweight champion in the prestigious “No Limits” tournament in 2015. “You are a winner when you go up there and compete, not when you win”, he says.
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