Monaco’s National Anthem echos through the Balkans: Hugo Micallef takes gold in Slovenia

Hugo Micallef continues his ascent toward the ultimate crown that awaits him.
At only 18 years old he has already defeated a number of national champions including, for him the most important, France and also Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Kazakhstan.

Recently he travelled to Slovenia to fight and was paired in the final there against the Croatian National Champion (veteran of 128 fights) in a weight category above Hugo’s level of super lightweight. A brave choice on Hugo Micallef’s part to fight as a lightweight which, though slightly risky, turned out well. He beat his 29 year opponent over 3 rounds, hotly contested, but taking every round and won the gold medal for the tournament.

In addition, an extra honour, and the icing on the cake, Monaco’s own was also elected “best boxer of this tournament”, namely the 4th Slovenian Grand Prix of 2017. The Monaco National Anthem resonated over the Balkans one more time in celebration of his victory.

The talent is there; the victories are being accumulated, let us track Hugo Micallef as he scales the mountain.The difficult road up, including the politics of the sport itself, and the hard, hard work to glory continues. Nothing that is worth fighting for comes easy.

No sooner had Hugo returned to Monaco than he was back again on the way to battle; in Finland this time where controversy awaited him against a Scottish opponent. The fight was stopped in the second round by the fight-doctor with the Scotsman’s eye bleeding and face bruised – yet against the odds was awarded the bout. There appears to have been a misunderstanding and Hugo left that tournament greatly disappointed.

Not to let a controversial setback stand in his way Hugo Micallef at 18 years old and 69 fights behind him, has already defeated the European champion and competed in the world championships where he very narrowly missed going past the quarter final rounds by a single point. Now he has added the gold medal from Slovenia to his haul of medals and trophies.

Talent will find its way to the high echelons of the sport. More victories await him. Monaco can wave its flag proudly.