Biography
Mate Parlov (November 16, 1948 – July 29, 2008) was a renowned Croatian professional boxer and Olympic medalist. Born in Pula, Croatia, Parlov made an indelible mark in the boxing world during the 1970s, when he distinguished himself in the light heavyweight division. He achieved significant recognition by winning a silver medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich.
Parlov turned professional shortly after the Olympics, competing in a highly competitive era of boxing. He captured the WBC light heavyweight title in 1976, solidifying his status as one of the top boxers of his time. Over the course of his career, he achieved a remarkable professional record of 21 wins, 8 of which were by knockout, along with 3 losses and 1 draw.
After retiring from boxing in 1980, Parlov transitioned into a successful career as a sports commentator and later served in various roles within Croatian sports organizations. His contributions to boxing in Croatia are celebrated, and he is remembered as an iconic figure who inspired future generations of athletes. Parlov's legacy continues to be honored with various awards and recognitions in the sporting community.