by croatiaweek
September 14, 2026
in
(Photo: Grad Imotski)
IMOTSKI, 14 September 2026 (Hina) – A 3.5-metre bronze statue honouring legendary Croatian boxer Mate Parlov, regarded as one of the country’s greatest athletes of the 20th century, was unveiled on Saturday at the entrance to Gospin Dolac City Stadium in Imotski.
The ceremony was attended by State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport Josip Pavić, Split-Dalmatia County Prefect Blaženko Boban, Imotski Mayor Luka Kolovrat, representatives of the Croatian Boxing Federation and members of the Parlov family.
Parlov was an Olympic, World and European champion before going on to become European and world professional champion. He was later named Croatia’s greatest athlete of the 20th century in a poll of sports experts.
The monument was created by sculptor Anto Jurkić and depicts Parlov in his recognisable victorious pose.
State Secretary Josip Pavić said he felt “deep happiness and gratitude” that both he and Parlov had roots in the area. He described it as remarkable that such a sporting giant had come from the region.
(Photo: Grad Imotski)
“Mate won everything,” Pavić said, adding that beyond his sporting achievements, Parlov had also won the hearts of people and could serve as an example for future generations, both in sport and in life.
Pavić thanked everyone involved in the initiative to erect the monument, as well as the Parlov family. He said the monument would remain a landmark for everyone, adding that its unveiling came at a particularly fitting time, with Croatian boxer Filip Hrgović now a world champion.
Imotski Mayor Luka Kolovrat said choosing the location was “absolutely the right decision”. The statue stands close to the Blue Lake, the Topana fortress and a monument dedicated to fallen Croatian defenders, creating what he described as a complete circle.
“The circle closes with the greatest, with a world champion – as I said, the best athlete of the 20th century. That circle says a lot about this region, this city, the people of Imotski and this rugged landscape, which has never been fond of mediocrity,” Kolovrat said.
(Photo: Grad Imotski)
Parlov’s son Matko said he was “very happy and proud” that his father had returned to Imotski and that the statue had been placed at a location where he spent part of his childhood.
From Gospin Dolac, there is a view towards the house where Parlov lived, around 100 metres from the statue.
“He was a man with a big heart. Everyone who knew him knew that,” Matko Parlov said, adding that his father rarely spoke about boxing in his private life.
“He gave his whole self, his soul and body, for those 16 years during which he trained so hard and gave everything he had. He probably wanted to turn a new page and live, as I would say, a more normal life,” he said.
(Photo: Grad Imotski)
“We are very proud. I am especially proud that it is here, at exactly the location where he lived through his childhood. It means a lot to us as a family,” Matko Parlov said.
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