About Mate
He was born in Split on November 16, 1948. His nickname was Teo.
He was originally from Imotski. He moved with his parents to Pula when he was ten years old.
He started training in the boxing school in Pula, which was opened in December 1964, guided by Aldo Banovac and Aldo Buršić.
“BK Pula” was the first and only club in his entire career.
Mate with his father Mate and his mother Mira
“BK Pula” 1968 (boxing club)
His idol was his father Mate after which he was named.
About the fans, who were always by his side : “They meant a lot to me. I had a huge sense of responsibility towards the whole nation that cheered for me.”
About emotions in the ring : “You need to beat yourself first, to be able to defeat others. You can't go far with emotions.”
Mate and his father Mate
Mate on the arms of the fans
He liked poetry and his favourite poets were Marko Marulić, Ivan Gundulić, Ivan Mažuranić, Petar Preradović, Dobriša Cesarić, Antun Gustav Matoš, Silvije Strahimir Kranjčević and Tin Ujević.
Some phrases were his guidance in life and above all “Nulla dies sine linea” to emphasize the importance of daily exercise for achieving success in life.
“Non multa, sed multum” - Many, but noth much.
“Beatus ille, qui procul negotiis...” - Blessed who is far from business.
His most remarkable statement : “How can I be nationalist if I am a world champion?”
He married Laura in 1975. They had a daughter Mira and a son Matko.
He graduated in economics in Rijeka in 1976.
He opened his own café “Mate” at Giardini in Pula in 1979.
Before the end of his career he bowled for “KK Zanatlija” from Pula, and played football for “NK Staklar” also from Pula.
He said goodbye to boxing in 1980.
His favourite title
“The gold medal from the World Amateur Championships. It was the hardest title I won and my favourite and most valuable one.
The first ever Amateur World Champion.”
He was the selector of the Yugoslavia Olympic Team prior to the Olympic games in Los Angeles in 1984. At this Olympic games the best results ever were achieved: one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.
He lived in Fažana near Pula away from sport and public life.
He died in Pula on July 29th, where he was buried on July 31st.
