Boxing is an immensely popular sport in Croatia, and the country has produced some of the most talented boxers in the world. From world champions to Olympic medalists, Croatian boxers have consistently earned accolades in their respective weight divisions.
In this article, we will be looking at some of the best Croatian boxers of all time and examining their impressive career accomplishments.
From their impressive knockout wins to their Olympic medal victories, these boxers have proven that Croatia is a country brimming with boxing talent.
1. Filip Hrgović
Filip Hrgović is an accomplished Croatian professional boxer, having achieved success at both amateur and professional levels.
At the amateur level, Hrgović was a two-time European amateur boxing champion, winning gold at the 2015 European Amateur Boxing Championships, and a bronze medalist at the 2016 Summer Olympics. At the professional level, he has enjoyed further success, having won the WBC International title in 2018 and the IBF International title in 2020.
These achievements demonstrate Hrgović’s commitment to the sport of boxing and his ability to compete at the highest levels. Hrgović is an inspirational figure in his native Croatia, and his success is a testament to the hard work and dedication he has put into his craft.
He is a true champion, having achieved success in both the amateur and professional boxing world, and his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring boxers all over the world.
2. Mate Parlov
Mate Parlov was a highly accomplished boxer who achieved international fame and success during his career. He was born in Croatia to a Yugoslavian family and was a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
His amateur boxing career was particularly impressive, as he was crowned European and World Champion. He was even voted the Best Balkan Athlete of the Year in 1974, a testament to his impressive accomplishments.
Parlov was known for his technique and skill, which allowed him to make a successful transition to the professional ranks. He became a professional boxer in 1975 and continued to enjoy success, even winning a world title in 1979.
His career spanned more than 20 years in total, during which time he also earned numerous regional titles. Parlov was respected and admired by boxing fans all around the world for his achievements and for his dedication to the sport.
His legacy as one of the greatest Croatian and Yugoslavian boxers of all-time continues to live on today.
3. Željko Mavrović
Željko Mavrović was a Croatian boxer who was active from 1993 to 1998. He was an undefeated challenger when he fought Lennox Lewis for the WBC heavyweight title in 1998. Unfortunately, he was not able to win the title and this fight ended up being his last.
After retiring from boxing, he decided to pursue a different career path and became an entrepreneur. His impressive career as a boxer was cut short, but his ambition and determination to succeed allowed him to carve out a successful business career.
Mavrović may not have won the WBC heavyweight title, but he was able to take his life to the next level and become a successful entrepreneur.
4. Stipe Drews
Stipe Drews is a retired Croatian professional boxer who enjoyed a successful career in the sport. He won the WBA’s version of the world light heavyweight championship title on 27 April 2007, after defeating American boxer Byron Mitchell by unanimous decision.
The fight was held at the SAP Arena in Mannheim, Germany. Drews had previously held the WBC Mediterranean light heavyweight title in 2002, as well as the IBF Inter-Continental light heavyweight title between 2004-2006.
He was also the Croatian national champion in 2005. Throughout his career, Drews fought a number of notable opponents, including former world champions Antonio Tarver and Zsolt Erdei.
He retired from boxing in 2012, with a record of 35 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. The victory against Mitchell was a major highlight in Drews’ career, and it cemented his status as one of the greatest Croatian boxers of all time.
This is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
5. Branko Sobot
Branko Šobot is a distinguished Croatian former professional boxer. During his career, he achieved incredible success by winning the IBF Inter-Continental middleweight and super middleweight titles.
In addition to his titles, he was also brave enough to challenge for the WBO World Super middleweight title. Unfortunately, Šobot was unable to come out on top and was defeated by Joe Calzaghe in the third round by a technical knockout (TKO).
Šobot’s career is a testament to his dedication and hard work. He always pushed himself to the limit and was never afraid of a challenge.
Despite his defeat against Calzaghe, Šobot remains a respected figure in the boxing community and his legacy is sure to live on for years to come.
6. Alen Babić
Alen Babić is a Croatian professional boxer who is striving for success in the sport. He has already made a name for himself, having challenged for the WBC bridgerweight title in April 2023.
Before his professional career began, Alen had a notable amateur career, competing at the 2017 European Championships in the heavyweight event.
He showed great promise during his amateur career, and he has continued to show that same potential since transitioning to the professional ranks. His goal is to become a champion, and he is determined to succeed.
He continues to challenge himself, and he is not afraid to take on any challenge that comes his way. Alen Babić is a boxer to watch out for in the future, as he has the potential to become a great champion.
7. Luka Plantić
Luka Plantić is a highly-accomplished Croatian professional boxer. He has had a distinguished career in the amateur boxing ranks, highlighted by a bronze medal at the 2022 European Amateur Boxing Championships.
Plantić competed in the light heavyweight category at the event, which is the highest weight class for amateur boxing. Plantić has always been a talented boxer, having competed in various tournaments throughout Europe as an amateur.
He has consistently impressed with his skill and strength, earning him the bronze medal in the light heavyweight class at the European Amateur Boxing Championships.
This is a great achievement for Plantić, as the competition is highly regarded and is attended by some of the best boxers in the world. Plantić’s success in the amateur ranks has earned him a professional contract in Croatia, where he continues to hone his craft.
He is now focused on improving his skills and putting on impressive performances in the professional game. Plantić’s dedication to the sport is evident, as he continues to train hard and strive for success.
His impressive achievement at the European Amateur Boxing Championships is a testament to his dedication and skill.
8. Petar Milas
Petar Milas is a Croatian professional boxer, and he has been a champion since 2018. He is the current holder of the WBC Mediterranean heavyweight title.
This title is awarded to the best boxer in the Mediterranean region, and Milas has been able to hold onto it since he won it in 2018. In addition to his championship title, Milas has won numerous other fights and titles throughout his career.
He has become a well-known figure in the boxing world and is respected for his skill and dedication to the sport. His commitment to the sport has allowed him to reach the top and stay at the top, something that not many boxers are able to do.
Milas is an inspiration to other boxers, and his success is a testament to his hard work and determination.
9. Mario Preskar
Mario Preskar is a renowned athlete in the world of boxing. He spent most of his professional career competing in the heavyweight division of the sport. He hailed from Croatia and trained at a renowned gym in the city of Zagreb known as Leonardo Boxing Gym.
Training under the guidance of a renowned trainer, Leonard Pijetraj, Mario Preskar polished his skills and developed a unique style of boxing that allowed him to have success in the ring. He was able to use his power and agility to outwit his opponents and win bouts.
During his career, he was able to earn several championships and accolades. He was also able to inspire many aspiring boxers from his native Croatia and beyond. Mario Preskar was a trailblazer in the sport of boxing and his legacy will never be forgotten.
10. Stjepan Božić
Stjepan Božić is a Croatian super middleweight boxer who made history when he won the title of World Boxing Foundation world champion on June 6, 2005. His opponent for this historic fight was Nader Hamdan, an Australian boxer.
After achieving this victory, Božić proceeded to defend his newly attained title on December 2 of the same year against Julio Vasquez, an Argentinian boxer. Božić managed to successfully defend his title against Vasquez, securing his place in boxing history.
Božić’s win over Hamdan was a major accomplishment, as the Australian was a formidable opponent. The fight against Vasquez was also an impressive performance, as Božić managed to hold onto his title in the face of a determined challenger.
Božić’s performance in both fights demonstrated his skill and talent in the boxing ring and cemented his legacy as a champion.
Stjepan Božić’s win over Hamdan and subsequent successful defense of his title against Vasquez prove that he is a force to be reckoned with in the super middleweight boxing division.
His skill and determination have earned him a place in boxing history, and his legacy will surely live on for years to come.
11. Ulderico Sergo
Ulderico Sergo was an accomplished professional boxer from Italy. He achieved a great feat in 1936 when he won the gold medal at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. In the final, he defeated Jackie Wilson of the United States in a decisive victory.
His success didn’t end there, however. He was part of the Italian team that won the international boxing event at Yankee Stadium on 9 June 1937. This was a remarkable accomplishment for Sergo, and it further cemented his status as a successful boxer.
His success is a testament to his great skill and determination, which enabled him to triumph over his competitors.
12. Renato Cornett
Renato Cornett is an Australian professional boxer who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics in the men’s lightweight event.
He is a highly respected athlete in the boxing community and is known for his dedication and hard work. Renato Cornett began his boxing career in Australia in the late 1970s.
He quickly rose to prominence in the Australian boxing circuit, eventually winning several national titles and the prestigious Australian National Boxing Championships in 1983.
He then went on to compete in the 1984 Summer Olympics, representing Australia in the men’s lightweight event. At the Olympics, Renato Cornett was able to make it to the quarterfinals.
While he was unable to win a medal at the Olympics, his performance was impressive and he gained a great deal of respect from the boxing community.
He continued to compete in the professional ranks in the years following his Olympic performance and often placed in the top five in his weight class. Renato Cornett is an example of the hard work, dedication, and skill that it takes to be a successful professional boxer.
His accomplishments speak to his determination and drive and are a testament to his incredible talent. He will always be remembered as an Australian boxing legend and an inspirational figure for aspiring athletes.
13. Mirko Cro Cop
Mirko Filipović, better known by his ring name Mirko Cro Cop, is a retired Croatian professional martial artist and combat athlete. He has a long history of success in multiple disciplines, including mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and amateur boxing.
He is most famous for his tenure in the Pride Fighting Championships, where he established himself as one of the most formidable heavyweights in the world.
Cro Cop has fought in some of the most prestigious combat sports organizations in the world, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), K-1, RIZIN, and Bellator.
He has achieved numerous wins and championships throughout his career and is widely considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in history.
He is also known for his signature move, the “Cro Cop Kick”, a devastating left high kick that has earned him many highlight reel KO victories.
Cro Cop is a legendary figure in combat sports, and his impressive accomplishments have earned him a place in the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He is a true pioneer in the sport and has paved the way for a new generation of fighters to follow.
He has inspired a generation of athletes to pursue their dreams and strive for greatness.
14. Antonio Plazibat
Antonio Plazibat is a prominent figure in the sport of kickboxing. He is Croatian and competes in the Heavyweight division of Glory, one of the premier kickboxing organizations in the world.
Plazibat has achieved much success in his career, including winning the 2014 FFC Futures Light Heavyweight tournament and the 2017 K-1 WGP Heavyweight World Grand Prix. He also held the title of K-1 Heavyweight Champion at one point.
His impressive accomplishments demonstrate his skill and commitment to the sport of kickboxing. Plazibat is considered one of the best Heavyweight kickboxers in the world and is an inspiration to many aspiring kickboxers.
Conclusion
The best boxing players in Croatia have consistently demonstrated their prowess in the ring. From the early days of boxing in Croatia to the present, these athletes have demonstrated a passion for the sport and a determination to be the best.
They have also taken part in international competitions, showing that Croatian boxing is of a high standard. With a strong foundation and plenty of talented boxers to choose from, Croatia has the potential to become a major force in the world of boxing.
