Dejan Zlaticanin’s Historic WBC Crown
On June 11, 2016, Dejan Zlaticanin stopped Franklin Mamani in the third round in Verona, New York, to capture the vacant WBC lightweight championship. The victory made him Montenegro’s first professional boxing world champion.
A European run built on tough tests
Zlaticanin developed his professional record outside the sport’s biggest markets, collecting regional experience before taking a major step in Glasgow in June 2014. He met former two-division world champion Ricky Burns, who was fighting at home. Zlaticanin entered as the underdog and won a 12-round split decision, a result that strengthened his standing among lightweight contenders. Sky Sports reported that the victory also secured the WBC International lightweight title.
He followed the Burns win by continuing to take difficult bouts. In June 2015, he stopped unbeaten prospect Ivan Redkach in the fourth round in Alabama. ESPN described Zlaticanin as 21-0 before his next fight and noted the Redkach victory as another important upset. The two performances helped make the Montenegrin a credible challenger for a full world title.
Montenegro’s first professional world champion
On June 11, 2016, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, Zlaticanin challenged Franklin Mamani for the vacant WBC lightweight championship. The Montenegrin southpaw stopped Mamani in the third round. The win made him the first boxer from Montenegro to capture a professional world championship, and brought his record to 22-0.
His reign lasted one defense. PBC: Garcia–Zlaticanin result. On January 28, 2017, Zlaticanin faced Mikey Garcia in Las Vegas. Garcia dropped and stopped the champion in the third round at 2:21, taking the WBC belt. Premier Boxing Champions reported that Garcia controlled the fight and outlanded Zlaticanin 50-16.
What the record shows
Zlaticanin’s championship story is defined by the WBC lightweight title he won against Franklin Mamani after proving himself against Ricky Burns and Ivan Redkach. The victory established him as Montenegro’s first professional world boxing champion.
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Sources
- PBC: Garcia–Zlaticanin result
- Sky Sports Zlaticanin beats Ricky Burns
- Premier Boxing Champions: Zlaticanin championship records
Article Tags
Dejan Zlaticanin, Boxing, Boxing History, Championship Results
