Jovan Nikolić triumphed in a brutal boxing match against Almir Memić, winning by unanimous judges' decision after three rounds.

The match was intense, with punches flying in every second. Nikolić admitted after the fight that he did not expect such a result in Obrenovac.

- Just over a month ago, I returned to the ring after an injury. I didn't expect to perform as well as I did at the European championships, and yet, here is the gold, a splendid result. The first match was nothing special, in the second match, I was still recovering, even though I didn't give my all, in the third match, I gave it everything I had. We almost perished out there.

Nikolić mentioned that he initially considered not participating in the match, given his familiarity with Memić.

- No, it doesn't make sense to waste ourselves, as we are familiar with each other. We can share our knowledge with other fighters, but we know each other too well and there's no significant progress. That's why I didn't want to fight this match, it was a coin toss, but fortunately, it worked out. There was a story that we would reach the finals and do it, but then we talked and agreed it was pointless. It's fair and honest to end this way. Attention is on us, that's the deal.

A couple of direct hits in the second round changed the rhythm of the fight.

- Indeed, I hit him there, praise be to God. That was the first and last time.

Nikolić expressed concerns about the treatment of Serbian athletes by international judges.

- One thing I fear, again, we get cheated wherever we go as Serbia, we are always disadvantaged somewhere. There are obstacles, but we must trust in a higher power. Our goal is an Olympic medal.

About the match, Nikolić said it was brutal.

- A brutal match, I thought it would never end, will it ever end, brother? It's brutal, believe me. I didn't think, I knew he was a warrior, he could last until the end. I didn't pay attention to how we trained together. In the end, it was nothing like that, it was pointless not to fight.

(Telegraf.rs)