Montenegro has had numerous hopes in boxing, since gaining independence and medalists from the biggest competitions in younger age categories, but it is somewhat surprising - after 24 years, the first to reach the big award in the senior competition Tomislav Djinovic.
The lightweight boxer from BK Zlaticanin brought Montenegro a long-awaited medal at the European Championship in Belgrade in early 2024. With fantastic fights, he heartily and courageously "kidised" the trophy-winning Frenchman Lounesa Hamrauija despite breaking his jaw, he reached his goal - the semi-finals and the realization of his dream at only 20 years old.
- I knew that in the first two rounds I had boxed the best in my career, but also that across the street was the best fighter with whom I had the honor to cross gloves. However, I didn't want to keep the advantage and be tactical, giving up my style. Bato Đinović never takes a step back. Direct confrontation is my style and I value boxers who accept war the most. I knew that the Frenchman was confident, he defended the silver from the previous championship, he was more experienced and taller than me. It is also true that his great movement is his great asset, but I have noticed that it is a challenge for him to occasionally get into an open exchange. I waited for that moment and seized the opportunity to hit him devastatingly. And to all those who doubt, underestimate my success, I honestly and from the bottom of my heart recommend watching the video of the fight on YouTube. Or the four victories by which I was declared the best boxer of the "Belgrade winner" - traditionally fearless and self-confident, says Bato Đinović for the New Year's issue of "Vijesti".
Only lack of experience or the desire not to give up even a millimeter the center of the ring to a favored rival cost Djinović a shot in the third round. Even that blow did not shake him, but it did cause an injury and the medical team forbade him to box for the final.
- I don't regret it, because that is the price of my way of fighting, and there are very few matches when I will listen to advice from the corner not to take risks because it is unnecessary. To 'save' myself for the next fight due to the advantage I have. I box in a way that I like to watch. Jarvonte Davis is my favorite boxer, I loved the style Dejana Zlaticanica if I choose one of the galaxy of previous aces, and now I enjoy the fights the most Petar Liješević. He doesn't budge a millimeter either. Also, I love women's boxing fights Bojan Gojković, even though she is fluffy in the ring, she doesn't avoid often getting into terrible exchanges - explains Đinović.
A medal in Belgrade, after two European bronzes - at the European Cup and the European Under-22 Championship, fills the treasury of the young boxer who confirmed his class in Sofia by defending the bronze under-22 at the Old Continent Championship. Đinović made the start of the season in Montenegrin sports look great, although no one else by the end of the calendar year had achieved the results that would have earned them the status of a top athlete.
- I am satisfied with the medal award from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, as well as the scholarship I receive from the relevant ministry. After the success in Belgrade, I did not receive a plaque or any help from the Montenegrin Olympic Committee. I believe that according to the Rules I deserved the award for the best athlete and that's why I didn't go to the presentation of the trophy for the Feat of the Year in Villa Gorica. I also have a scholarship from the Boxing Association of Montenegro, but also the endless support of the Association's president Aleksandar Klemenko. Without that help, there would be no boxing, because I have no opponent in Montenegro, I don't even have a sparring partner, my coach is in charge of that. Momcilo Zlaticanin. Sometimes, in the midst of preparations before important matches, he comes to the hall and Dejan Zlaticanin, sparring with me and his advice means a lot to me. It helps me especially before professional fights.
Does that mean you're moving into professional boxing?
- The rules allow comparative performances, and now I'm just preparing for professional fights. Admittedly, I had two out of four rounds and I was celebrating. It's a different kind of sport, the gloves are small, the blows are incomparably more painful and it's like being punched. Everything is different in professional fights, and my primary goal is the World Championship in Olympic boxing in May, and then the entire Olympic cycle until the Olympics in Los Angeles. They are my goal.
Your category was not at the Olympics in Paris, will it be in Los Angeles in 2028?
- Of course he will! Boxing is one of the most prestigious sports everywhere in the world, with the largest audience and earnings. Those problems and the conflict between the IOC and the World Boxing Federation will be a thing of the past, especially since the interest of athletes is a priority for the management of BSCG. Our association will also be a member of the association chosen by the IOC - Đinović, officially the best athlete in Podgorica, is decisive.
Time is an ally
The beginnings of Tomislav Đinović are connected with the founding of BK Zlaticanin. At the first training session of the club, at the age of 10, he entered the gym and grew and progressed along with the club.
- This year, for the first time, I was declared the best boxer of Montenegro, and Momčilo Zlaticanin was recognized as the best coach. From the first time I entered the gym, I fell in love with this sport and I can't see myself in any other ring. And I don't even have time, training is three times a day, the first at six o'clock, then at 11 a.m. and the last at 19 p.m. Sunday is free and then I watch a movie or take a walk with friends. During breaks from training, I watch boxing fights. After all, we are family friends with the Zlaticanmin boxing brothers, and boxing has always been present in my growing up - Đinović reflected.
Montenegro has won numerous medals in recent years in younger age groups. Senior female boxers won, Tamara Radunović bronze and Bojana Gojković silver. What is crucial for success?
- Dedication and tremendous work, with the luck of avoiding injuries. This is very important, and there is no improvisation in boxing, any shortcoming in work can be dangerous. We are lucky that the president provides us with numerous international camps, big competitions in Montenegro. I remember that in the first generation in the club there were two more talented boys than me, but they were not dedicated and eager to succeed. And we also have great coaches in Momčil, coach Nikola Ružić and national team coach Sergej Kudravcjov. Professional work is very important.
Đinović also follows top boxing...
- The fight for the first absolute title in light heavyweight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitri Bivol - that was art! The Ukrainian Oleksandr Usik should not be wasted, he is a phenomenon. He is so prepared that the famous boxing saying that "when the fist hits the head hard, all tactics disappear" does not apply. He is the best heavyweight today. That level is hard to reach. So, when I spar with the former WBC champion Dejan Zlaticanin, I am aware of how much work is still needed. But time works for me - concluded Zlaticanin.
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