Tribute to the legendary Mate Parlov – monument unveiled in Fažana

Fažana, January 8, 2018 - At the town promenade bearing his name, not far from his family house in Fažana, the legendary boxing Olympian Mate Parlov was tribute with a statue in his natural size.
The cast bronze statue, work of the academic sculptor Ante Jurkić, was unveiled by Mate’s wife Laura and representatives of Fažana municipality exactly on the 40th anniversary of Mate winning the professional title of World Champion in the light-heavyweight category (according to the WBC version) when he knocked out the Argentinian Miguel Angelo Cuella in Milan. The unveiling of the monument was followed by a video presentation of his matches and a trophy exhibition for the numerous guests of the one and only "golden left hand".
The boxer who has won all that could have been won during his amateur and professional career, bearer of Olympic gold from Munich in 1972, was proclaimed the Best Croatian Athlete of the 20th century in the poll conducted by the Croatian Radio Television in the late 90’s.

Mate Parlov left us on July 29, 2008 after a serious illness and - besides the mentioned promenade in Fažana – sports hall Dom sportova in Pula and the streets in the cities of Zagreb and Biograd na moru bear his name as well. (coc/vk)