The organization of the international boxing tournament “Adriatic Pearl” in Budva, the conclusion of the international youth camp in the vibrant Montenegrin tourism hub, and the international camp for senior women preparing for the World Championship in Niš from March 8 to 17 were the focal points of the press conference hosted by the Boxing Federation of Montenegro at the “Splendid” hotel in Bečići.

During the conference, BSCG President Aleksander Klemenko, the head coach of the Montenegrin boxing team Nikola Ružić, the head coach of the Serbian women’s boxing team Mirko Ždralo, and Serbian national team member Sara Ćirković shared their insights.

BSCG President Aleksander Klemenko expressed pride in the fact that the “Adriatic Pearl,” now in its 34th edition, has maintained its status as a World Cup event for the third consecutive year and is recognized as the premier World Cup for youth, second only to the World Championship.

– With participants from the biggest boxing nations like Cuba, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, the “Adriatic Pearl” is officially recognized as the strongest global competition for boxers aged 17-18. We take great pride in hosting an international camp for senior women athletes who are preparing for the World Championship in Niš, including several Olympic, world, and European champions. We have organized everything to the highest standards, ensuring satisfaction among participants, and I am confident they will achieve their goals at the championship in Serbia. Additionally, we organized an international camp for youth, bringing together boxers from six nations: Serbia, Russia, Belarus, Seychelles, Germany, and Montenegro, further solidifying Montenegro’s growing reputation as a boxing nation, said Aleksander Klemenko.

Nikola Ružić, the coach of the Montenegrin national team, highlighted that the “Adriatic Pearl” is the oldest international boxing event in Montenegro and expressed his delight that what began as a modest one-day tournament has evolved into a World Cup with seven to eight days of competition.

– This year, we anticipate exceptional competition with top youth boxers from 21 countries across four continents, totaling around 250 participants. I would also like to mention the two international training camps that we conducted concurrently, providing outstanding conditions for training, nutrition, accommodation, and all essentials for effective preparation. For the Montenegrin boxers who participated in the camp, it was an invaluable experience to train alongside the world’s best at such a young age, remarked Nikola Ružić.

Mirko Ždralo, coach of the Serbian women’s boxing team, emphasized the strong collaboration between the Boxing Federations of Montenegro and Serbia in executing joint training programs.

– I take great pride in the fact that Serbia will host the Women’s Boxing World Championship for the very first time. Our national team will be fully represented in Niš, with athletes in all 12 categories. We have prepared thoroughly and believe we have the capability to secure Serbia’s first world medal in women’s boxing, said Mirko Ždralo.

One of Serbia’s leading hopes in Niš is Sara Ćirković.

– The preparations at the camp were excellent, featuring intense sparring with boxers from various countries. I feel fully prepared both physically and mentally, and I am eager for the competitions to commence. My expectations are high and, I would say, realistic. I aspire to make history in Serbian boxing and secure a world medal for my country, stated Sara Ćirković.

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