Champion Nikolija Milosevic interview: Talks triple gold and turning pro!

Nikolija Milosevic defeated Giulia Grossi in the tournaments semifinals. Photo IMMAF

Swedish amateur bantamweight standout Nikolija Milosevic became European Champion after completely destroying the opposition in Italy this weekend. The Swede was a force of nature throughout the IMAAF tournament, and delivered brutal second-round TKO’s in all of her three bouts.

Talking to Frontkick, the Gothenburg fighter comments on winning the tournament in such dominant fashion.

“I was determined to finish the fights at all costs, to finish my opponents in every fight. I wasn’t sure I was going to make it, but that was my goal,” Milosevic says. “I’ve been pissed off at judges’ decisions for a long time, and I was like ‘enough is enough’. Never leave it to the judges again.”

A dominant force throughout the tournament

In the European Champions quarterfinals she faced Mercedes Custodio Lopez from Spain. Milosevic won the fight after taking her opponents back to land heavy shots. She then defeated Giulia Grossi from Italy in the semifinals with relentless ground-and-pound.

In the finals, Milosevic put on a powerful performance against Paulina Kontna from Poland. She showcased her great striking and slick footwork before ending the fight with yet another second-round TKO.

“In tournaments you can get unevenly matched. You can get the toughest first and the easiest last. Styles, experience and strength – all these factors matter in a tournament,” Milosevic said. “Giulia Grossi from Italy, who I faced in the semifinals, was my hardest opponent. She has the same style as me. We both like to pressure, but the one who pressures hardest wins.”

Nikolija Milosevic. Photo IMMAF

Nikolija Milosevic will turn pro

2022 is definitely Milosevic’s year. In less than 10 months, the GBG MAC fighter won gold medals in the World Championships, the Swedish Championships – and this weekend – in the European Championships.

“It’s been a great year of course, but also a very turbulent year. I had my eyes on the price, and if you want something, you can make it happen. You have to be the most motivated of all competitors. And train like hell,” Milosevic says with a laugh.

Is it time to turn pro now?

“That’s the plan. Honestly, I really don’t know yet. I haven’t talked to any organizations yet. I don’t know if it will be next week, in three months or six months. I’m going to turn pro, but first I want to enjoy what I’ve accomplished.”

Follow Frontkick on Instagram for the latest news!