Career
He is a three-time world heavyweight title challenger and also held the European heavyweight title. Schulz first fought for a world title in 1995, when he challenged George Foreman for his IBF heavyweight title. Schulz lost a very close majority decision, but was immediately granted a second opportunity at the title in the same year.
With Foreman having vacated the title after refusing a rematch, Schulz faced Frans Botha but lost the fight via split decision.
However, Botha later tested positive steroids, which led to Schulz receiving a third chance at the title. In 1996 he fought Michael Moorer for the vacant IBF heavyweight title, losing again via split decision.
Record: 78 wins, 20 losses. After reunification, Schulz turned professional.
1992 and 1993 saw two fights against Henry Akinwande for the European championship.
The first fight was declared a draw, but in the return match Schulz suffered his first professional defeat. Fights for the IBF Championship
On 22 April 1995 Schulz fought George Foreman for the IBF heavyweight title, losing controversially on points. After refusing a rematch, Foreman was stripped of his title and Schulz was given a second opportunity when he fought Francois Botha for the vacant title on 12 December 1995.
Following a split decision verdict in Botha’s favour, the result was changed to a no-contest when Botha failed a doping test.
A third chance followed for Schulz on 22 June 1996 when he faced Michael Moorer for the still vacant title. Several fights against lower quality opposition followed.
These included a stoppage victory over Kevin McBride, who eight years later would defeat a badly faded Mike Tyson. Schulz ended his career after suffering a stoppage at the hands of Wladimir Klitschko on 25 September 1999 for the vacant European championship.
Schulz had been thoroughly outclassed.
Comeback attempt
Since the end of his career Schulz has worked in television as a summariser. In December 2005 he received an offer to fight again from Carl King, the stepson of the boxing promoter Don King. His comeback fight took place on November 25, 2006, against Brian Minto.
He lost the fight in the sixth Round (TKO).
He retired with a record with 26-5-1 and one no contest with 11 knockouts. Axel Schulz married in March 2006.