Imotski unveils monument to boxing legend Mate Parlov

A 3.5-meter bronze monument honoring Mate Parlov, widely regarded as Croatia’s greatest athlete of the 20th century, was unveiled in Imotski. The statue, created by sculptor Anto Jurkić, depicts the legendary boxer in a signature winning pose and is located at the entrance to the Gospin Dolac City Stadium.

Parlov’s career was historic; he was an Olympic, World, and European champion, and later became a professional European and World champion. He was notably the first boxer from a socialist country to win a professional world title.

The ceremony was attended by government officials, including State Secretary Josip Pavić, local leaders, and representatives from the Croatian Boxing Federation, alongside members of the Parlov family. The monument’s location near the stadium holds personal significance, as it is close to the house where Parlov spent part of his childhood.