Felix Sturm, the German boxer originating from BiH, defeated the Russian Fedor Chudinov and won the title of world champion for the 5th time.
Catic is a great left-handed fighter and record holder for the most of the titles in the WBA middleweight category, and his career is an example of how person can overcome many ups and downs. And not only can, but must if he wants to be successful. Catic had his first fight in the professional category in 2001, and the last against Chudinov, and he boxed a total of 49 times. In these matches, he recorded 5 defeats, 3 draws and 41 victory. Defeats against De la Hoy, Castillo, Geale, Soliman and Chudinova every time made the rumors that Catic already showed his best and that significant drop will follow, but he would come back stronger and better every time.
It seemed that the defeat against Chudinov in May 2015 ended the career of Adnan Catic. Even his biggest fans thought so. However, he did not. He prepared for the rematch and returning the title, and he returned it by showing great maturity and patience. At his age, it is not easy to withstand 12 rounds of the fight, but Catic managed to do it. Koenig Pilsner Arena in Oberhausen was enthusiastically cheering for their champion, and after judges formally declared the new winner, the eruption of enthusiasm continued. Chudinov, together with his team, was only unhappy.
Felix did not miss the opportunity to criticize Axel Schulz, a man who declared him a lost cause. Axel entered the ring and apologized to the world champion in the WBA category, and then Adnan Catic spoke in Bosnian. He addressed the Bosnians, saying that he has one more match by the end of his career and he wants the match to be in BiH, specifically in Sarajevo, with all his heart. It would be, he said, the best way to repay all of them for their support during the most difficult moments of his career.
This desire sent a strong message to the local public and domestic politics.
True, Catic was not born in Sarajevo. However, he is a world figure. He is one of the best in the world in the sport where many people are engaged. He is a Bosnian, not by place of birth but by personal decision, which is pretty amazing.
In a city where culture and sports are slowly dying, an event such as the fight for the title of world champion in the WBA category would be a great event and a great encouragement for local artists and athletes to deal with their occupations out of love, and to know that their existence and success are not meaningless.
(Source: novovrijeme.ba)
