Alex Blanchard promotion poster with autograph

Who is Alex Blanchard

Alex Blanchard is one of the most striking names in Dutch boxing history. He made an international name for himself as a technically skilled, powerful, and strategic fighter, and managed to maintain his position at the European top for many years. His professional career earned him several titles, including the European light heavyweight championship, which he successfully defended several times. He also managed to win a world title within an independent world federation, further confirming his position as a top athlete.

After his active career in the ring, Alex chose to pass on his experience and expertise to others. He developed into a boxing trainer, personal trainer, and coach, and nowadays works with a broad audience: from business professionals to athletes who want to strengthen their technique, strength, or mental resilience. His training sessions are known for a direct, personal approach in which technique, discipline, and body awareness are central.

Activities

Former professional boxer with international titles and dozens of victories to his name (six-time European champion)
Boxing trainer & personal trainer for individuals, entrepreneurs, executives, and teams (Boxing Influencers, White Collar Boxing etc.)
Coach in physical and mental development, using sport as a means for growth
Trainer for companies focused on vitality, stress reduction, leadership qualities, and team dynamics (ABN Amro, Ernst&Young, Baker&McKenzie)
Trainer in boxing technique for both beginners and advanced students

Vision & inspiration

For Alex, boxing is not just about physical strength, but especially about awareness, control, and personal growth. He sees the sport as a means to bring people closer to themselves:

learning to listen better to body and mindset,
developing discipline and self-confidence,
finding balance between tension and relaxation
and pushing boundaries in a safe and effective way.

His lessons are a combination of technique, movement, focus, and mental resilience. What distinguishes him is the way he translates his years of experience into practical insights that are applicable to everyone — regardless of level or objective. His inspiration comes from the conviction that everyone can grow when body and mind work together in harmony.

Location: Dortmund, Germany

Opponent: Manfred Jassmann

Occasion: Defense of European boxing title

Manfred Jassmann had already fought 25 matches at that time, of which he had only lost one – a match against Rudy Koopmans, in which he had to give up in the eighth round. In the fight with Alex Blanchard, however, Jassmann already gave up in the fourth round, after his corner threw in the towel.

Some days you never forget in your life. For me, September 15, 1985 was such a day. That evening my wish came true.

I was charging myself in the ring for the title fight. While the speaker announced me, the spotlights suddenly turned to the legend who came to watch my match; Muhammad Ali.

I told Ali face-to-face how I adored him at a young age and wrote fan mail to ‘Deer Lake Pennsylvania’, his training camp from the 80s. As young as I was, I wanted to show that I (like him) also had the zodiac sign ‘Capricorn’. I wrote to him:

“Dear Ali, I mention you’re also a Stone Goat like me. I’m wondering if I’m welcome to train in your camp.”

Ali’s eyes started to shine.
He grabbed my glove and said laughing: