Since its independence, Montenegro has seen a surge of hope in boxing, with numerous medalists emerging from various competitions at younger age levels. Nonetheless, it comes as a surprise that it took 24 years for the first senior-level medal to be won by Tomislav Djinovic.

The lightweight boxer from BK Zlaticanin achieved a long-awaited medal for Montenegro at the European Championship held in Belgrade in early 2024. With outstanding performances, he fought tenaciously against the trophy-winning Frenchman Lounesa Hamrauija, even after suffering a broken jaw, and successfully reached the semi-finals, fulfilling his dream at just 20 years of age.

– I was aware that in the first two rounds, I boxed the best I ever have; however, I also understood that the fighter across from me was one of the best I had the privilege to share the ring with. Yet, I didn’t want to play it safe; I wanted to stick to my style. Bato Đinović doesn’t take a step back. I value boxers who embrace confrontation. I recognized the Frenchman’s confidence—he was defending the silver from the last championship—he was more experienced and taller than me. His movement was a considerable advantage, but I noted that he found it challenging to engage in an open exchange at times. I waited for the right moment and seized the opportunity to strike decisively. To anyone who doubts or undermines my success, I wholeheartedly recommend watching the fight video on YouTube. And then, there’s the four victories that earned me the title of the best boxer at the ‘Belgrade Winner’—a reflection of my fearless and self-assured spirit, says Bato Đinović in an interview for the New Year’s edition of ‘Vijesti’.

It was perhaps a lack of experience or the determination not to give away any ground to a favored opponent that led to Djinović getting hit in the third round. That blow didn’t waver him; however, it caused an injury, and the medical team advised him against competing in the final.

– I have no regrets; that’s simply the cost of my fighting style. There are very few instances during matches when I’ll heed advice from my corner to play it safe because it’s rarely necessary. I will not ‘conserve’ myself for the next fight when I already have the advantage. I box in a manner that I appreciate watching. Jarvonte Davis is my favorite boxer, and I admired the style of Dejan Zlaticanin among the many past champions. Currently, I find immense enjoyment in the fights of Petar Liješević. He too stands his ground fiercely. I’m also an admirer of female boxer Bojan Gojković; even though she’s less conventional in the ring, she does not shy away from intense exchanges, explains Đinović.

A medal in Belgrade, following two European bronze medals—one at the European Cup and one at the European Under-22 Championship—adds to the accolades of the young boxer, who also showcased his talent by defending his under-22 bronze at the Continental Championship in Sofia. Djinović has kickstarted the Montenegrin sports scene impressively, despite others failing to achieve standout results before the year’s end.

– I am pleased with the medal recognition from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, as well as the scholarship I receive from them. Following my success in Belgrade, I did not receive any plaque or support from the Montenegrin Olympic Committee. I firmly believe that, according to the Rules, I deserved to be recognized as the best athlete, which is why I opted not to attend the trophy presentation for the Feat of the Year at Villa Gorica. Additionally, I have a scholarship from the Boxing Association of Montenegro, as well as continuous support from the Association’s president Aleksandar Klemenko. Without that assistance, my boxing journey would be unfeasible, given that I have no opponents in Montenegro and even lack a sparring partner—my coach Momčilo Zlaticanin manages that. Sometimes, before significant matches, Dejan Zlaticanin joins me in the gym, and his guidance is invaluable, especially before turning professional.

Does this imply you’re transitioning into professional boxing?

– The rules permit simultaneous participation, and I am currently preparing for my professional bouts. I have already completed two rounds of a four-round fight and emerged victorious. Professional boxing is fundamentally different; the gloves are smaller, rendering the punches far more painful. Everything about professional matches varies greatly, and my primary ambition is to compete in the World Championship for Olympic boxing in May, followed by the entire Olympic cycle leading to the Los Angeles Olympics. That is my aim.

Your weight class was absent from the Olympics in Paris; will it be included in Los Angeles in 2028?

– Absolutely! Boxing is a globally revered sport, recognized for its prestige and fan engagement. The issues and conflicts between the IOC and the World Boxing Federation will be resolved, especially given that athlete interests take precedence in the management of BSCG. Our association will also be a member of the association selected by the IOC, states Đinović, officially recognized as the best athlete in Podgorica, with conviction.

Time is on My Side

Tomislav Đinović’s journey began together with the establishment of BK Zlaticanin. He walked into the gym for the first time at the age of 10 and has grown and progressed alongside the club ever since.

– This year, for the first time, I was honored as the best boxer in Montenegro, while Momčilo Zlaticanin was awarded the title of best coach. Ever since my first day in the gym, I have been passionately in love with boxing; I cannot envision my life in any other arena. I typically train three times daily—my first session at six in the morning, one at 11 a.m., and the last one at 7 p.m. I reserve Sundays for leisure, watching movies or enjoying time with friends. During training breaks, I study boxing matches; after all, we’ve always been family friends with the Zlaticanin boxing brothers, making boxing a constant in my upbringing, Đinović reflected.

Montenegro has secured multiple medals in recent years across younger age categories. Senior female boxers have won medals, with Tamara Radunović earning bronze and Bojana Gojković taking silver. What do you believe is essential for achieving success?

– Dedication and intense effort, along with the good fortune of avoiding injuries, are crucial. In boxing, there is no room for improvisation; any lapse in training can lead to perilous outcomes. We are fortunate that our president facilitates various international camps and major competitions in Montenegro. I recall in the club’s first generation, there were two incredibly talented boys alongside me, but their lack of dedication and eagerness to succeed hindered their progress. Moreover, we are blessed with exceptional coaches—Momčil, coach Nikola Ružić, and national team coach Sergej Kudravcjov. Professionalism in training is vital.

Đinović keeps a close eye on elite boxing…

– The bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitri Bivol for the first absolute title in light heavyweight was pure artistry! Ukrainian Oleksandr Usik must not be overlooked; he is an extraordinary talent. His preparation is so meticulous that the old adage, “when a fist lands a solid blow to the head, all tactics fade away,” fails to apply to him. He is currently the best heavyweight. Achieving a level like that is a monumental task. Therefore, when I spar with former WBC champion Dejan Zlaticanin, I acknowledge how much more work I need to put in. But I have time on my side, concluded Zlaticanin.

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