Anton Josipovic
Encyclopedia
Anton Ante Josipović (born 22 October 1961 in Banja Luka
, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia) is a former boxer
from Bosnia and Herzegovina
(then part of Yugoslavia
). He won the light heavyweight gold medal
at the 1984 Summer Olympics
.
and Evander Holyfield
from the US had disqualified the American boxer for having knocked out his opponent as he yelled break while Holyfield was in the middle of throwing combinations.
In spite of several protests and appeals by the hosts, Holyfield, who later became the only person to ever capture the professional world heavyweight championship four times, was not allowed to compete in the final bout, while Barry could not compete because of the knock-out, which resulted in Josipović’s being awarded gold medal by default.
During the medal ceremony Josipović pulled Holyfield to the top of the podium to join him.
His cousin Aleksandar Josipović
won the Yugoslavian National Championship in Ballroom dancing five times and is a dancer of the Moulin Rouge
in Paris. He also performed as Master of Ceremonies
at the Eurovision Song Contest 2008
.
Banja Luka
-History:The name "Banja Luka" was first mentioned in a document dated February 6, 1494, but Banja Luka's history dates back to ancient times. There is a substantial evidence of the Roman presence in the region during the first few centuries A.D., including an old fort "Kastel" in the centre of...
, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia) is a former boxer
Boxing
Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
(then part of Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
). He won the light heavyweight gold medal
Olympic medalists in boxing
This is the complete list of Olympic medalists in boxing from 1904 to 2008.-Light flyweight:*1968 - : up to 48 kg.-Flyweight:*1904: up to 105 lb *1920-1936: up to 112 lb *1948-1964: up to 51 kg...
at the 1984 Summer Olympics
1984 Summer Olympics
The 1984 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIII Olympiad, was an international multi-sport event held in Los Angeles, California, United States in 1984...
.
Amateur career
Josipović, a member of "Slavija" from Banja Luka, won his first Yugoslav champion title in 1982, and went on to become a Balkan champion in 1983. In LA for the first time a Yugoslav athlete was awarded a gold medal by default. Josipović was left without an opponent after Gligorije Novičić, a Yugoslav referee, in the other semifinal bout between New Zealand's Kevin BarryKevin Barry (boxer)
Kevin Michael Joseph Barry is a noted New Zealand former boxer, boxing trainer, manager and occasional commentator...
and Evander Holyfield
Evander Holyfield
Evander Holyfield is a professional boxer from the United States. He is a former undisputed world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, earning him the nickname "The Real Deal"...
from the US had disqualified the American boxer for having knocked out his opponent as he yelled break while Holyfield was in the middle of throwing combinations.
In spite of several protests and appeals by the hosts, Holyfield, who later became the only person to ever capture the professional world heavyweight championship four times, was not allowed to compete in the final bout, while Barry could not compete because of the knock-out, which resulted in Josipović’s being awarded gold medal by default.
During the medal ceremony Josipović pulled Holyfield to the top of the podium to join him.
Olympic results
1984 - Olympic Games, Los Angeles, USA: Gold Medal (light heavyweight)- W-PTS 4-1 Markus BottMarkus BottMarkus Bott is a former boxer.- Amateur career :*1984 represented West Germany at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Results were:**1st round had a bye**Lost to Anton Josipović 1-4...
(Germany), - W-PTS 5-0 Georgica Donici (Romania),
- W-PTS 5-0 Mustapha MoussaMustapha MoussaMustapha Moussa is a boxer from Algeria.Moussa won the bronze medal in the Light Heavyweight division at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He shared the podium with the USA's Evander Holyfield...
(Algeria), - W-Forfeit Kevin BarryKevin Barry (boxer)Kevin Michael Joseph Barry is a noted New Zealand former boxer, boxing trainer, manager and occasional commentator...
(New Zealand)
Pro career
Josipović began his professional career in 1990 and won his first eight bouts. In 1994, he took on Asmir Vojnović for the Croatian Cruiserweight Title and lost a decision. In the rematch in 1995, Josipović again lost by decision and retired from boxing.Personal life
He later became a sports journalist and covered Holyfield's career.His cousin Aleksandar Josipović
Aleksandar Josipovic
Aleksandar Josipović is French artist from Yugoslavia, champion in the sport dance, professional dancer, artist and Educator- Early life :...
won the Yugoslavian National Championship in Ballroom dancing five times and is a dancer of the Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge is a cabaret built in 1889 by Joseph Oller, who also owned the Paris Olympia. Close to Montmartre in the Paris district of Pigalle on Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement, it is marked by the red windmill on its roof. The closest métro station is Blanche.The Moulin Rouge is...
in Paris. He also performed as Master of Ceremonies
Master of Ceremonies
A Master of Ceremonies , or compere, is the host of a staged event or similar performance.An MC usually presents performers, speaks to the audience, and generally keeps the event moving....
at the Eurovision Song Contest 2008
Eurovision Song Contest 2008
The Eurovision Song Contest 2008 was the 53rd edition of the Contest. It was hosted in Belgrade, Serbia after Marija Šerifović won the 2007 Contest in Helsinki, Finland. This year was the first contest to have two semi-finals which were held on 20 and 22 May, and the final held on 24 May 2008...
.