Zeljko Mavrovic (43) To Fight Serb In Comeback
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Legendary retired Croatian boxer Zeljko Mavrovic is set to make a comeback in the ring at the ripe old age of 43. Mavrovic, known as the ‘Saka sa Srednjaka’ (‘Fist from Srednjaci’, the suburb in Zagreb he is from), will fight Serbian Enad Licina in Hamburg, Germany on 27 April, reports Jutarnji list.
Upon turning profession, Mavrovic became the boxing champion of Europe in 1995 and kept his title in 1996 and 1997 against seven opponents.
In 1998, he went up against Lennox Lewis for the world heavyweight champion title, but lost after twelve rounds on points. Although he was beaten by Lewis in the fight, his performance pulled appreciative comments from boxing insiders. Lewis’ manager Frank Maloney said that “Mavrovic must have 240lb of steel in his chin” after the fight. Lewis described the fight as the most awkward win of his career, citing Mavrović’s agility, motivation and preparedness.
