Is Zeljko Mavrovic the first and only Croat to challenge for a world heavyweight title?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by jdoro63, Oct 29, 2016.


  1. jdoro63

    jdoro63 Member Full Member

    273
    83
    Aug 11, 2015
    In 1998, Zeljko Mavrovic put up a hell of an effort against Lennox Lewis for the WBC version of the heavyweight title. Not much is available out there, however, about the national significance of this title bout for Zeljko, a native of Croatia. Mavrovic had to have been the first – and to date, only – Croat in boxing to challenge for a piece of the heavyweight crown? The only other heavyweight we heard about was Mario Preskar, but despite being talented, has since retired without ever receiving a title shot. Thus, does that make Mavrovic the first and only Croat to have fought for what was once the most coveted prize in sports?

    We don't hear much about heavyweights from that part of the globe. Figured I'd strike up something new. Please comment. Thanks guys!
     
    jdoro63, Oct 29, 2016
    jdoro63, Oct 29, 2016
    #1
  2. Pugilist_Spec

    Pugilist_Spec Hands Of Stone Full Member

    4,937
    785
    Aug 17, 2015
    For now, yes, Mavrovic has been the only one.
     
    Pugilist_Spec, Oct 29, 2016
    Pugilist_Spec, Oct 29, 2016
    #2
  3. Mirko

    Mirko Member Full Member

    347
    142
    Jul 17, 2009
    George Chuvalo fought for the title twice. was even close in his titlefight against Terell. Chuvalo is not born in croatia though, his parents were both croatian
     
    Mirko, Oct 30, 2016
    Mirko, Oct 30, 2016
    #3
    BCS8, greynotsoold, Unforgiven and 1 other person like this.
  4. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

    97,620
    28,887
    Jun 2, 2006
    Unless you want to count George Chuvalo ,who is of Croatian descent ,I think the answer is yes.
     
    mcvey, Oct 30, 2016
    mcvey, Oct 30, 2016
    #4
  5. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

    26,131
    17,015
    Apr 3, 2012
    NoNeck, Oct 30, 2016
    NoNeck, Oct 30, 2016
    #5
  6. jdoro63

    jdoro63 Member Full Member

    273
    83
    Aug 11, 2015
    What do you make of Filip Hrgovic? Will he make history for Croatia and become his country's first heavyweight champion of the world?
     
    jdoro63, Oct 22, 2017
    jdoro63, Oct 22, 2017
    #6
  7. Pugilist_Spec

    Pugilist_Spec Hands Of Stone Full Member

    4,937
    785
    Aug 17, 2015
    It depends on how long it takes him to reach the top of the division and how much the heavyweight scene changes until then. He was in the ring with a few top heavyweights behind the scenes. He cut Haye up pretty badly and was Pulevs sparring partner in preparation for the Klitschko fight so he has some real experience under his belt despite just starting his pro career. If he moves up the ranks quickly enoguh he could probably knock off both Parker and Wilder but I don't fancy his chances against Joshua much although he may exceed my expectations.
     
    Pugilist_Spec, Oct 22, 2017
    Pugilist_Spec, Oct 22, 2017
    #7
    ticar and jdoro63 like this.
  8. Sting like a bean

    Sting like a bean Well-Known Member banned Full Member

    2,047
    1,594
    Apr 9, 2017
    If you count MMA, there's Mirko Cro Cop...
     
    Sting like a bean, Oct 22, 2017
    Sting like a bean, Oct 22, 2017
    #8
    ticar and BCS8 like this.
  9. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

    60,094
    80,132
    Aug 21, 2012
    BCS8, Oct 22, 2017
    BCS8, Oct 22, 2017
    #9
    ticar likes this.
  10. ticar

    ticar Well-Known Member banned Full Member

    2,264
    764
    Dec 7, 2008
    Mavrovic had one of the most underrated chins in hw division, he took punches from Lennox Lewis for 12 rounds like nothing!

    At least Mercer tuck his chin and kept his hands up, Mavrovic at times was wide open and took them hard punches and didn't even flinch, crazy!
     
    ticar, Oct 23, 2017
    ticar, Oct 23, 2017
    #10
    BCS8 likes this.
  11. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

    55,255
    10,344
    Jun 29, 2007
    <<< I think he will win one of the belts, and is the best all around heavyweight prospect since Klitschko.

    http://boxrec.com/en/boxer/813758
     
    Mendoza, Oct 23, 2017
    Mendoza, Oct 23, 2017
    #11
    jdoro63 likes this.
  12. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

    55,255
    10,344
    Jun 29, 2007
    Hrgovic has a rock for a chin, and it has been tested numbers times. He doesn't retreat or need to clinch when hit and is aggressive.

    Mavrovic only fought one puncher, and it was Lewis. Lewis actually changed his mind about trying to stop Mavrovic after taking a solid right hand later in the match. Clarification is needed, but I read that Lennox collapsed in his dressing room after this fight.

    Had it been 15 rounds who knows if the result changes or not.
     
    Mendoza, Oct 23, 2017
    Mendoza, Oct 23, 2017
    #12
    jdoro63 likes this.
  13. ticar

    ticar Well-Known Member banned Full Member

    2,264
    764
    Dec 7, 2008
    Yes, I would love to seem him learn and do some infighting, he could be like a Eastern European Riddick Bowe... He has the chin and stamina to put a high workrate it seems
     
    ticar, Oct 23, 2017
    ticar, Oct 23, 2017
    #13
    jdoro63 likes this.
  14. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

    55,255
    10,344
    Jun 29, 2007
    He can in-fight, and uses an uppercut.
     
    Mendoza, Oct 23, 2017
    Mendoza, Oct 23, 2017
    #14