Boris "The Bear" Knokimov is a fictional Russian boxer who debuted in Midway's 1999 sports game Ready 2 Rumble Boxing. Known for his immense strength and bear-themed aesthetic, he returned as a playable fighter in the 2000 sequel Ready 2 Rumble Boxing Round 2.
Hailing from Siberia, the character represents the powerhouse archetype within the Midway sports franchise, utilizing slow but devastating punches and a high-defense fighting style. In the original 1999 release of
Ready 2 Rumble Boxing, players can train him in Championship Mode to maximize his strength and stamina stats. His visual design emphasizes his rugged background, featuring traditional fur-lined boots and boxing trunks adorned with Soviet-style imagery.
For the 2000 sequel,
Ready 2 Rumble Boxing Round 2, his presentation was expanded to include a distinctive ring entrance where he wears a heavy winter coat and a traditional ushanka hat. His moveset in the sequel features high-impact maneuvers such as the "Siberian Express" and various overhead haymakers, which capitalize on the game's arcade-style physics and "Rumble" meter mechanics. Across both titles, his vocalizations consist of deep grunts and bear-like roars, voiced by actor John Garry. This distinct audio design, combined with his slow movement speed and high damage output, positions him as a high-risk, high-reward selection for players favoring defensive, counter-punching strategies.