At Sparta Royale 5

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

Once a victim of bullying, now a muscle monster: Aleksandar Mraovic has transformed himself from an overweight teenager to a hardened, successful boxer. On Saturday, the "Austrian Bull" will strike again at the Sparta Royale 5 hay fights after a long injury break. Krone+ subscribers(see our offers here!) can watch it live from 6pm.

When Aleksandar Mraovic trains at Gym23 in Vienna, he's sure to attract the attention of others. Endless muscles, a striking face - and crisp sayings that get under your skin. 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". 

Comeback after injury
And the "Austrian Bull" has lowered them again. But against whom? Dardan Avdylaj would have been the target, but: "It looks like Dardan got cold feet," winks Mraovic. A replacement was sought at short notice - and found. With Vlad Ivashenko (Ukr), an old Sparta acquaintance is now waiting for the "Bull", who was out of action for over a year and a half ...

What happened? Two days after his victory over Michal Kamensky at Sparta Royale 1 in February 2024, Mraovic was suddenly tormented by a sharp pain in his back at night. An MRI revealed that he had suffered a double herniated disc during his professional boxing career. "At the time, I thought I would never recover from it - but I didn't give up and tried many therapies." In particular, stem cell therapy with Andreas Skutetzky (Andy Medicus) in Nuremberg worked, and Mraovic literally fought his way back.

(Bild: Sparta)

From victim to "top dog"
Unsurprisingly, the powerhouse already mastered difficult situations when he wasn't one. As an overweight teenager, Aleks was bullied and even beaten. To be able 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. However, 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 celebrates its fifth edition on October 25 at the Multiversum Schwechat.
• During the fights, thin MMA gloves are worn instead of thick boxing mittens. However, boxing rules apply, no kicks, chokeholds etc.
• Each fight lasts at least three rounds of two minutes each, with the three main fights scheduled for 5x2 minutes.

At the beginning of 2024, the Sparta stable calls for new hay fights and knocks on the "bull's door". He doesn't have to think twice: "Mago (note: promoter Magomed Ozniev) is a long-time friend. What's more, the last Sparta events had mega-motivated to be there! I also want to make a statement and challenge every heavyweight in Austria with victories. And: A bull feels good on hay!"

The show must go on!
The Mucki Monster 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, the "Austrian Bull" provides 415,000 followers with pictures and entertaining clips. "It's fun, but it's a means to an end to make my name better known. My true passion will always be fighting!"

Especially as boxing has much more to offer than just clumsy punching, as Mraovic knows first and foremost: "It not only boosts your self-confidence, but also makes you fit and trains your discipline. A complete sport - there's nothing better!"

Livestream to share the excitement
If you want to see for yourself, check out krone.at this Saturday. All PLUS subscribers can watch Sparta Royale 5 live from 6pm. Action-packed, brutal fights in the straw are guaranteed! No subscription yet? Check out our offers here!