Urkal is of Turkish descent, and has a fight record of 38 wins and 4 defeats. He is the former WBC International Light-Welterweight, twice European Light-Welterweight and European Welterweight champion. Urkal has fought for the world title three times losing to Kostya Tszyu and twice to Vivian Harris. He won four straight after his defeat to Harris; this winning streak came to an end on 4 March 2007, when WBA Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto successfully defended his title when Urkal's corner threw in the towel after the referee deducted a second point for a headbutt, leading Urkal's corner to believe he was being unfair.
