Does anyone remember this guy? He was a Lt Heavyweight who beat an old Eddie Mustapha Muhammad to pick up an alphabet strap back in the 80's before getting beaten by Bobby Czyz. He had an outstanding amateur record and was an Olympic gold medallist in Moscow but had a fairly brief pro career under the guidance of Angelo Dundee (83-87). Being from an Eastern Block country he was in his mid 20's when he turned pro which was probably a little late but I'm wondering what style of fighter he was or if he had any potential as a fighter? He's a mystery to me as I certainly don't remember even hearing anything about him.
Did "slo catcher" as da flash always referred to him, really beat eddie gregory?? Hard to believe!! Eddie musta tanked it.
On the contrary, he gave probably THE single most vigorous and determined effort of his entire career, but was simply outhustled in an all-out war, and lost a close decision.
He was "big"-looking, strong, aggressive fighter with a high workrate, somewhat like Margarito I suppose. His fight with Mustafa was an all-out war and an overlooked classic - well worth seeking out. Mustafa was in great shape and showed near-prime form, and gave one of the most determined and vigorous efforts of his career, but Kacar finished strong and pulled out a razor thin decision. I thought Kacar was going to be a good fighter after that, but then he was surprisingly bombed out by Czyz in his first defense, and then just disappeared.
Skip Myslenski & Linda Kay. Chicago Tribune (pre-1997 Fulltext) [Chicago, Ill] 12 Apr 1985: 2. Turn on hit highlighting for speaking browsersHide highlighting Abstract (summary)Translate [unavailable for this document] What's in a name: Angelo Dundee--who has guided Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and eight other world champions--struts his stuff Friday night at the Americana-Congress Hotel when he works the corner for light-heavyweight Slobodan Kacar and Chicago junior welterweight Joey Ruiz. Kacar faces Milwaukee's Danny Blacke and Ruiz faces Milwaukee's Kevin Austin. The esteemed trainer was introduced to Kacar, the 1980 Olympic 179-pound gold medalist from Yugoslavia, when he was working in that country for CBS, and though he was immediately impressed by the boxer's skills, he wasn't thrilled by his name --which is pronounced "catcher." "I don't like it. 'Catcher.' Not a good thing for a boxer to be," joked Dundee. "I tried to change it. Tried to call him K-Car, and was hoping (Chrysler head) Lee Iacocca would name a car for him. I think I wrote him a letter, as a matter of fact. Never heard back from him, and he should be ashamed. Hurt my feelings." It looks lke Harold Ledermen had Eddie winning this fight with 2 other yugo judges deciding the other way. Did anybody see this fight?? Recall any robbery??
It was a very close fight in which Mustafa landed more of the clean punches, but Kacar outworked him, particularly in the last few rounds. Probably could've gone either way.
