Mihai Leu, former world boxing champion and rally driver, has died. Romania loses another legend.
A few days ago I found out that he is in serious condition in the hospital. I watched every piece of news with bated breath. Unfortunately, the last one had the gift of hurting me. The great champion Mihai Leu passed away at the age of 56. The announcement was made by those close to him, on the athlete’s official Facebook account.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mihai this evening. A true champion, both in the boxing ring and on the motorsport circuits, Mihai was much more than an exceptional athlete – he was a symbol of willpower, courage and passion.
For fans, Mihai was and will remain a role model. A man who inspired through every struggle, through every race and through the dignity with which he lived his life. For us, for the family, a friend, a husband and a wonderful father.
For fans, Mihai was and will remain a role model. A man who inspired through every struggle, through every race and through the dignity with which he lived his life. For us, for the family, a wonderful friend, husband and father,” was the announcement posted on his Facebook page.
Mihai Leu, a fighter who is also alive
Mihai Leu has been fighting cancer for more than a decade. A battle that he managed, at one point, to win. Unfortunately, however, not definitively.
In recent months, the disease has relapsed, and the medical problems have worsened significantly. At the end of June, he was again in critical condition, in the hands of doctors. He was admitted to intensive care, at Fundeni Hospital, but, unfortunately, the medical staff were unable to stabilize his condition. The colon cancer had reached an advanced stage and his body gave in.
An exceptional sports career
In 1987, Mihai Leu became world champion in the light heavyweight category, before fleeing to Germany. In 1989 and 1990, he was the national champion of Germany and later switched to professional boxing.
Mihai Leu was known as Michael Lowe, when he was boxing in Germany. As an amateur, he played 200 matches, of which he won 190. He won the title of junior world champion (Havana), assisted by the emeritus coach Relu Auraş. As a professional, he played 29 matches, obtaining 28 victories, 10 of which by KO. He was the international champion of Germany. He won the WBO world championship belt in Hamburg (1997). He was a member of the Universium Box Promotion Club. in Hamburg.
Leo chose to retire from boxing after winning the world title, being plagued by medical problems caused by a hand injury. He dedicated himself to sports automibilism, and in 2003 he became national champion in booklets. Mihai Leu is an absolute rally champion and holds three national titles in Coastal Speed.
He served as an ANS advisor during the presidency of Gheorghe Florian. In 2000 he was awarded the National Cross for Faithful Service, class I.
PS
You’re probably waiting for a photo of Mihai, in black and white. Not. I specially chose this image by Balázs Attila. Because it’s from one of the last competitions in which I saw him compete. And that’s how I would like to see him, although I know that it is no longer possible.
Because, yes, we personally met not through boxing, but through cars, whether he was a driver or a competition organizer. And beyond his undeniable abilities, I had the privilege of feeling what the MAN Mihai Leu means.
Which is why the news received not so long ago hurts even more. Smooth road, Champ Mihai Leu! Smooth road, friend!
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