Another great success of our sport, Croatia has the champion and vice-champion of Europe in boxing

At the European Championships for athletes under 19 years old held in Loznica, Serbia, Croatia secured two medals in women's boxing, gold and silver, marking another major success for its sports program. Lorena Horvat of BK Thor in Bartolovc claimed gold and was crowned European champion in the -70 kg category, while Agata Štajcer of BK Pit Bull Gym in Split took silver in the -65 kg division. Lorena Horvat, a member of BK Thor, won her second gold medal at this year’s European Championships, making it her fourth overall. This achievement marks her transition from the cadet category to the junior level, where she has now become the European champion. She previously earned titles as both a cadet and junior European runner-up. In the final match, Horvat defeated Turkish boxer Buse Nur Yazan, who had beaten her in the junior European Championship final in Sarajevo two years ago. The victory came with a score of 4-1 from the judges. Prior to the final, Horvat had already defeated European champions from Poland, Sweden, and England. Agata Štajcer, representing BK Pit Bull Gym in Split, lost the gold medal match in the -65 kg category to Russian fighter Belle Zueve. The bout ended in the third round, with German referee Halim Mihalović calling a stop after the third count. Only about thirty seconds remained until the bell. Despite the loss, Štajcer performed exceptionally well against Zueve, a dominant competitor on the international stage. Zueve is a junior European champion, winner of the Nations Cup, and a world champion in the under-19 category. Štajcer had previously overcome European champions from Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine before reaching the final. The competition in Loznica saw top-tier performances from young boxers across Europe. The event brought together some of the best talents in the age group, showcasing their skills and determination. The atmosphere was electric, with fans and officials alike watching closely as each bout unfolded. The Croatian delegation was particularly proud of its athletes' achievements, especially given the high level of competition. Both Horvat and Štajcer have shown consistent form throughout the tournament. For Horvat, the win solidifies her position as one of the leading female boxers in Europe. Her journey from cadet to junior champion highlights her dedication and skill. Štajcer, despite the close defeat, demonstrated resilience and strength, earning respect from opponents and spectators alike. Their performances reflect the growing strength of Croatian boxing on the international stage. Looking ahead, both athletes will continue to train and compete at the highest levels. The success at the European Championships is likely to boost their confidence and motivation for future competitions. As they prepare for upcoming tournaments, including potential World Championships, their experiences in Loznica will serve as valuable lessons and inspiration. The results from this event underscore the progress being made by Croatian boxing and the talent emerging within the country.