Ljubljana (Slovenia), March 2011 – On Friday 18th February 2011 Dejan Zavec defended IBF world welterweight boxing title after winning against Paul Delgado (USA) with technical KO in 5th round.
Dejan Zavec (won 31, KO 18, 1 lost) showed once again his quality after convincing victory against Paul Delgado. Mr. Simpathycus won by TKO in 5th round and successfully defended IBF World Welterweight Title for 3rd consecutive time.
The bout was performed in excellent atmosphere in front of 12.000 spectators in Ljubljana (Slovenia). Besides great attendance in Stozice Arena, great TV ratings have to be exposed. The match – covered by national Slovene TV; TV Slovenija – was averagely followed by 290.000 TV spectators (AMR: 15,11 %), while the peak reached even 488.400 TV spectators (AMR: 25,08 %).
Ljubljana, 11th May 2011 – Dejan Zavec revealed potential opponents for the next match: Andre Berto and Randall Bailey are among favourites.
“If I could choose, I would pick up Berto. Wishes to fight for the IBF title are coming from his team also, after he lost the World Champion in WBC,” said Dejan Zavec (31 win, 18 KO, 1 lost), the IBF World Champion, about famous potential opponents at his press conference yesterday.
Dejan Zavec (internationally known as Jan Zaveck) expects to fight before the end of the summer and gives 90% possibility that the fight will happen in USA. However, the final decision about who Mr. Simpatikus will fight against will be made at the end of May at the IBF Congress.
Andre Berto (27 wins, 21 KO, 1 lost), the eminent boxer in the welterweight category, looks to be the most possible opponent, what has also been spoken a lot about in foreign media and Twitter. Berto is ranked 4th on the BoxRec ratings, just a place higher from Zavec. His physical training for the match will once more be under his fitness coach Tomi Jagarinec supervision, as technical and tactical training with coach Dirk Dzemski will take place in Magdeburg (Germany).
Tomi Jagarinec, his fitness coach is convinced that Dejan will be at his best physical fitness so far in his career: “At 35 he is at the peak of his fitness – physical as well as mental. It is still some time to go, so I believe there is no one who wants to see Zavec in the opposite corner.” Dejan added in his style: “I am ready to fight anyone. There are no “miracles”. They all have one head and two hands, the same as me.”
Ljubljana (Slovenia), July 2011 - Dejan Zavec (aka Jan Zaveck) has spoken about September’s bout against Andre Berto on his official press conference. “I am going to USA to win!” was a clear message from the IBF World Champion. Exclusive and appealing calling out video clip was launched for American public alongside the Dejan’s official website new look.
“Honestly I have been waiting for this opportunity all my life. This is going to be the beginning of my global career,” were first words of Dejan Zavec (31 win, 18 KO, 1 lost) who is going to defend his IBF World Champion’s title against boxing star Andre Berto (17 win, 21 KO, 1 lost) on 3rd September in USA.
“This is going to be my first break overseas, but definitely not the last. We have done a lot of work to come this far, this is a dream fight for me”, were Dejan’s words while describing his 27 years old opponent Berto as: “He is a great fighter in all the matters, but far from being invincible. I am going to USA to win the fight, not to watch it.”
Dejan has lifted up 310kg
Dejan is leaving now to Germany, where he will do his final trainings with practice matches under the supervision of his coach Dirk Dzemski. They plan to go to the crime scene in USA around three weeks before the fight. “We will allow no coincidence. Dejan has never been that well prepared as he is this moment. On 3rd September, he will be the best and ready to fight on the moon if it takes. No one will want to meet him in the ring on that day!” is convinced Dejan’s physical trainer Tomi Jagarinec, who adds: “We have been through five months of hard work and just these days Dejan has broken his record, lifting 310 kg from half crouch. Now we will focus on raising his form and timing to reach the peak on 3rd September. It will be experience that will make the difference and Dejan is the one who is in a better position here.”
Official website new look and Calling out video
Dejan’s website (www.dejanzavec.com) has got a whole new look (English version will be online next week; till then ckeck out old version here) and tempting video clip just been recorded, where Dejan is calling out to the international (especially American) boxing public (see below).
Ljubljana (Slovenia), 9th July 2011 – Dreams of the World Boxing Champion Dejan Zavec came true – he is going to defend his IBF World Champion’s belt on the 3rd September in USA against Andre Berto, one of the best and globally most recognised boxers in the world. “He has no bad sides, he is good in all parts, but definitely not unbeatable,” were Dejan’s words about his opponent.
It has become official - the next match of Dejan Zavec (aka Jan Zaveck) (31 win, 18 KO, 1 lost) will take place in USA with his opponent standing Andre Berto (27 win, 21 KO, 1 lost), Haiti born American. Zavec will defend the Welterweight IBF World Champion title on 3rd September, definitely in USA with the location to be announced shortly.
The spectacular match against 27 year old Berto is opening up new career dimensions of 35 year old Zavec, who has wished to perform in USA for a long time. The wish of boxing in front of the world’s biggest boxing auditorium and against one of the best and most famous contemporary boxers is now coming true. Berto is ranked 4th on the total BoxRec rankings (Zavec is just a place behind) and on the Ring rankings even on the 3rd, just behind Manny Paquaio and Victor Ortiz. The latter is the only one defeating Berto so far.
“I don’t even know what to say in this moment, I am only trying to put all the feelings together. Hardly am I beginning to realise that my dreams are coming true,” said emotionally Dejan. “It is an honour, a compliment and a reward for me to fight against Berto. To deserve your place in this highest and privileged boxing league is a great achievement, which I could compare to miracles. However, I believe in life things happen for a reason and I this way I also see my fight in USA.”
Andre Berto had started his professional career in 2004 and has just recently lost the World WBC Champion title in welterweight category against Ortiz in April this year, which he won back in 2008. Among others boxers Berto has beaten in his professional career (27 wins, 21 KO) are also some famous names like Ex-World Champions Luis Collazo and Carlos Quintana.
“There is no need in searching for quality of Andre Berto. Just looking up at the top 20 on the rankings, you can see they are all perfect and quality boxers. This highest level is clearly evident in Berto – he is a world class boxer with a sophisticated style. He has no bad sides, he is good in all parts, but definitely not unbeatable!” said Zavec who also found some extra motivation because of the famous opponent. “If you want, I can say I arrogantly show Berto a lot of respect, but I am completely confident in my success and defence of the World Champion’s belt!”
After successes against Martinez, Jackiewicz and Delgado it is going to be the fourth time Zavec will be defending his IBF World Champion title in welterweight category after he won in back in December 2009 in South Africa against Isaac Hlatshwayo.
Las Vegas, 8th June 2011 – IBF has published new rankings at the end of the last week. No big changes happened in welterweight category where Dejan Zavec (aka Jan Zaveck) has been the IBF World Champion for 18 months already.
Dejan Zavec (31 win, 18 KO, 1 lost) is still waiting for the first challenger, with Randall Bailey(41 win, 36 KO, 7 lost) on the 2nd place. Dejan’s most probable opponent Andre Berto (27 win, 21 KO, 1 lost) from Miami (born Haiti) has kept his 10th place on the rankings. However, 27 year old Berto has been the WBC World Champion until recently (he lost the title in April against Victor Ortiz) and holds the 2nd place on the WBC rankings.
Interestingly Dejan has been the IBF World Champion for 18 months already as he won it against Isaac Hlatshwayo on 11th December 2009 in Johannesburg (South Africa). Mr. Simpatikus has later defended the title three times – in April 2010 against Rodolfo Martinez (ARG), in September 2010 against Rafal Jackiewitcz (4th place on IBF rankings) in front of 13.000 spectators in Ljubljana and finally in February 2011 against the American Paul Delgado also in the sold out arena of Stozice in Ljubljana.
IBF rankings in all categories (Wladimir Klitschko is 1st in Heavyweight) available here.
Ljubljana, 1st June 2011 – At the IBF Congress that is taking place these days in Las Vegas, it is going to be revealed who will be fighting for the IBF World Champion title. The current Champion Dejan Zavec is expecting his opponent to be someone from the biggest stars of the welterweight category.
“For now I do not have any information; however I am all ears to get some. Until the end of the week things shall be clearer already,” was Dejan’s (31 wins, 18 w/ KO, 1 loss) comment about the happening at the IBF Congress that is going on in “the holy place” of boxing - Las Vegas.
Otherwise Dejan has been clear about his wishes for his next opponent: “I want to fight against one of the major stars of world boxing. Besides I really want the fight to happen in the USA, as well for myself as for the people around me that want the same.”
Dejan is training hard at the moment and interestingly enough he has already adapted his trainings to the US time, which means he does his trainings late in the evening. “Because I believe wishes come true if you believe in it and if you are ready to put all your energy for that, I already train at the US time. That means I train late in the evening, which will help me to fight the time difference.”
Ljubljana (Slovenia), November 3, 2010 - Dejan Zavec, the IBF World Boxing Champion is going to watch the spectacular fight between Manny Pacquiao in Antonio Margarito live in Dallas. »This is my opportunity!«, said Mr. Simpatikus before his trip to USA.
The clash between the 31 yeard old Pacquaio (won 51 (KO 38), lost 3 (KO 2), drawn 2) and one year older Margarito (won 38 (KO 27), lost 6 (KO 1)) is going to be the biggest boxing match in USA this year and will take place at the 70,000 seated stadium -the home of the NFL team Dallas Cowboys. The superiority of the fight is seen just by looking at the prize money involved. Pacquaio (Filipini), at the moment the world's best boxer and a WBO World Champion in Welterweight category will earn 25 million USD and 10 million USD will go to Margarito.
There have been conversations already about Dejan(won 30 (KO 17), lost 1) going to see that match and now the information is official. »The organisers of the match showed interest in me to be watching the match, so I agreed to come to Texas« said Dejan who travels to USA on Tuesday. »In a way I am going to reward the great season by watching that fight and at the same time I believe the doubts about future career will get more clear after this USA visit.«
Dejan is sure that the visit to USA is a great opportunity. »I believe in destiny and so do I believe this visit is my real opportunity. Like I said, I will have some talks in Dallas that will definitely influence my future career,« adds Dejan Zavec aka Jan Zaveck, who returns to Slovenia next Monday (November 15).
Ljubljana (Slovenia), 6.9.2010 - On Saturday 4th September Dejan Zavec (Jan Zaveck) successfully defended IBF world welterweight title after winning against Rafal Jackiewicz (Pol). The bout was performed in excelent atmosphere in front of 13.000 spectators.
Sunrise (Florida), 10.4.2010 – HBO, one of the most important and appreciated world boxing broadcasters, put Slovene fighter Dejan Zavec in the TOP 6 world welterweight fighters.
HBO announced TOP 6 welterweight fighters before broadcasted match between Andre Berto and Carlos Quintana (Berto won with TKO in 8th round). Beside Dejan Zavec/Jan Zaveck (29-1-0 (17 KOs)), world welterweight IBF champion, the HBO’s welterweight ratings are completed by Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Shane Mosley, Andre Berto and Miguel Cotto.
Ljubljana, 9.4.2010 - Dejan Zavec, “Mr. Sympathicus” has remained the IBF World Champion! In the 12th round he had beaten Rodolfo Martinez with a technical knockout (TKO) and defended the title.
Slovenian and Argentinean represented a great boxing show lasting nearly full 12 rounds. The fight was over just 45 seconds before the end of the last round, when Mr. Sympaticus finally awaited the decision of the referee to interrupt the fight. It was him, who fairly dominated the whole fight and even though the Argentinean showed an astonishing resistance and stamina, the referee had to call it for the TKO, as Martinez was stumbling over the ring (he has already found himself on the floor earlier in the 8th round).
Dejan Zavec (aka Jan Zaveck) won 29th fight in his professional career and at the press conference after the match he announced that he is going to fight Rafal Jackiewicz (who is the only one who had beaten Zavec so far).
Johannesbourg - South Africa, 11.12.2009 — Dejan Zavec defeated Isaac Hlatshwayo with 3rd round TKO to win the IBF welterweight title at Wembley Indoor Arena in spectacle named "Perfect Match".
Hlatshwayo was knocked down once in the second round and twice in the third before American referee Kenny Chevalier stopped the fight with 10 seconds left in the third. Zavec dominated the match from the opening bell.
When asked at what point he felt he took control of the fight, Zavec said: "With my first punch." In short interview he also expressed thankfulness to promoter, manager, trainer, family and fans. He added "Thank you Africa for giving me the chance. I love Africa and I will never forget South Africa."
Hlatshwayo in sports manner admitted that Zavec was better opponent and that he will try to get back to the top with next fights.
“If I could choose, I would pick up Berto. Wishes to fight for the IBF title are coming from his team also, after he lost the World Champion in WBC,” said Dejan Zavec (31 win, 18 KO, 1 lost), the IBF World Champion, about famous potential opponents at his press conference yesterday.
“Honestly I have been waiting for this opportunity all my life. This is going to be the beginning of my global career,” were first words of Dejan Zavec (31 win, 18 KO, 1 lost) who is going to defend his IBF World Champion’s title against boxing star Andre Berto (17 win, 21 KO, 1 lost) on 3rd September in USA.
It has become official - the next match of Dejan Zavec (aka Jan Zaveck) (31 win, 18 KO, 1 lost) will take place in USA with his opponent standing Andre Berto (27 win, 21 KO, 1 lost), Haiti born American. Zavec will defend the Welterweight IBF World Champion title on 3rd September, definitely in USA with the location to be announced shortly. 
Dejan Zavec (31 win, 18 KO, 1 lost) is still waiting for the first challenger, with Randall Bailey (41 win, 36 KO, 7 lost) on the 2nd place. Dejan’s most probable opponent Andre Berto (27 win, 21 KO, 1 lost) from Miami (born Haiti) has kept his 10th place on the rankings. However, 27 year old Berto has been the WBC World Champion until recently (he lost the title in April against Victor Ortiz) and holds the 2nd place on the WBC rankings.
“For now I do not have any information; however I am all ears to get some. Until the end of the week things shall be clearer already,” was Dejan’s (31 wins, 18 w/ KO, 1 loss) comment about the happening at the IBF Congress that is going on in “the holy place” of boxing - Las Vegas.
The clash between the 31 yeard old Pacquaio (won 51 (KO 38), lost 3 (KO 2), drawn 2) and one year older Margarito (won 38 (KO 27), lost 6 (KO 1)) is going to be the biggest boxing match in USA this year and will take place at the 70,000 seated stadium -the home of the NFL team Dallas Cowboys.
Hlatshwayo was knocked down once in the second round and twice in the third before American referee Kenny Chevalier stopped the fight with 10 seconds left in the third. Zavec dominated the match from the opening bell.