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Under straw(h)m: Nobody bullies this cop anymore!

Aleksandar Mraovic aka "Austrian Bull" is ready for the ultimate hay fight.(Bild: SpartaCF, Instagram/@austrianbull, stock.adobe.com (KI))

Once a victim of bullying, now a muscle machine: Aleksandar Mraovic has transformed himself from an overweight teenager to a hardened, successful boxer. On Saturday, the "Austrian Bull" strikes in the hay fights of the "Sparta Royale" gala, which Krone+ subscribers(here our offers) can watch in the livestream from 6 pm.

The "Krone" interrupted the training. Although "interrupted" is the wrong word. "Never mind, let's talk, I'll keep training on the side anyway," winks Aleksandar Mraovic. He works out every day at Gym23 or not far away at FIT/One. He boxes, of course, does endurance workouts and tones his muscles with weights. His broad chest is adorned with a tattoo of a boxer with a bull's head, under which is written: "Mess with the bull and you get the horns". 

Opponent "no threat"
And the "Austrian Bull" has already lowered them - in the direction of Vlad Ivashenko, his opponent Saturday in the fight up to 100 kilos at "Sparta Royale". Also a (super)heavy boy, but significantly less well-trained than Mraovic. How does the Viennese assess his opponent? "I've looked at his stance, his movement in fights: He's not a threat!"

(Bild: SpartaCF)

His self-confidence is now right - it used to be different. As an overweight teenager, Aleks was bullied and even beaten. To defend himself, he started boxing at the age of 15. It soon became clear that the sport could give the talented, eager athlete confidence on several levels. Mraovic celebrated youth and U22 successes and won European Championship medals. When his Olympic ambitions were dashed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Mraovic turned professional.

This is Sparta Royale

• A multi-part martial arts series with a ring made of hay, which opens on Saturday in Vienna's Ariana Hall.
• During the fights, thin MMA gloves are worn instead of thick boxing mittens. However, boxing rules apply, no kicks, chokeholds etc.
• Each fight lasts three rounds of two minutes each. If the referees disagree, they can call an optional bonus round.

There are several reasons why he - recently slowed down by hand injuries - is now taking part in the "Sparta Royale" hay fights of all things: "Firstly, Mago (note: organizer Magomed Ozniev) is a long-time friend. And when I saw the last Sparta events, I was mega-motivated to be there! Secondly, I want to make a statement and challenge every heavyweight in Austria with a win. And thirdly, a bull feels good on hay," laughs Mraovic.

The show must go on!
The "bull" has long since discovered that the martial arts scene requires not only a hard punch but also self-promotion and a certain amount of humor. On Instagram alone, he provides 343,000 fans with pictures and entertaining clips. "When I used to post fight videos of myself on social media, they went down quite well, but nowhere near as well as the ones where I combine the sport with comedy!"

The fact that you also want to hit your opponents below the belt and lure them out of their shell has always been part of the show in martial arts. The young (TikTok) generation also jumps at the chance. But boxing has much more to offer, as Mraovic knows first and foremost: "It not only boosts self-confidence, but also makes you fit and trains discipline. A complete sport - there's nothing better!"

Livestream to share the excitement
If you want to see for yourself, check out krone.at on Saturday from 6pm. That's when the livestream of "Sparta Royale" starts for Krone+ subscribers. No subscription yet? Here are our offers!