Mate Parlov

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Olympic medal record
Men's Boxing
Gold	Munich 1972	Light Heavyweight

Mate Parlov (born on November 16, 1948 in Split), is a former Croatian boxer, and an olympic gold medalist. As professional, he won the European Light heavyweight title in 1976 and WBC Light heavyweight world title in 1978. He's widely regarded as one of the best Croatian (and Yugoslavian) boxers of all time.

During his amateur career Parlov was an eight time champion of Yugoslavia in the light heavyweight category (1967-1974), five time champion of the Balkans (1970-1974), a two time champion of Europe (1971 in Madrid, and 1973 in Belgrade) and the world title at the inaugural 1974 World Championships in Havana, Cuba. He won the Golden glove award two times, in 1967 and 1969. He participated in the Munich 1972 Summer Olympics and won the gold medal in the light heavyweight category.

[edit] Professional Career

Parlov went professional in 1974 and won the European light heavyweight champion title in 1976. He won the World light heavyweight champion title in 1978.

In 1976 he faced the future world champion Matthew Saad Muhammad. In their first fight, in Milan, he was defeated by an eight round decision. In a rematch with Muhammad, he and Muhammad struggled to a ten round draw. He lost the WBC light heavyweight version title by defeat from Marvin Johnson with a 10th-round KO in Italy (December 2, 1978).

In his amateur career he participated in 310 matches and lost only 13, and as a professional he had 29 fights, 24 wins, 3 losses and 2 ties.