TRIBUTES have poured in following the tragic news that Michael Lowe has died at the age of 57.
Lowe, real name Mihai Leu, was a Romanian boxing world champion who later forged a career as a rally driver.
Mihau Leu has died at the age of 57 He was an unbeaten boxing world champion before injury forced him to abandon boxing AlamyHe later became a rally car driver[/caption]Bild report Leu died in Romania following a battle with cancer.
He was unbeaten across 28 professional fights between 1991 and 1997, scoring 10 knockouts.
And Leu’s prowess saw him achieve world champion status.
In February 1997, he defeated Santiago Samaniego to become the WBO welterweight world champion.
He then successfully defended his crown in September of that year, defeating Ireland’s Michael Carruth.
However, he called it quits on his career and retired as one of only three undefeated European world champions at the time, after Jack McAuliffe and Terry Marsh.
A hand injury suffered in his last fight forced him to abandon boxing altogether.
But refusing to give up on sports entirely, he decided to switch careers to become a rally car driver full-time, having made his debut in 1994.
And within three years of starting full-time in 1997, Leu was Romania’s rally vice-champion.
In 2003 he became his nation’s national champion.
He eventually gave up pro racing in 2008 but did return as a team manager in 2010.
In 2014 he survived a fight with colon cancer following surgery in Bucharest and treatment in Vienna.
He is survived by his loving wife, Anna, and son Marco.
The President of Romania, Nicusor Dan, paid tribute on social media.
He said: “I learned with deep sadness the news of Mihai Leu’s passing.
“Romania loses not only an exceptional champion with an impressive record in sports but also an honorable man who inspired through courage, passion, and integrity.
“His public presence was always synonymous with uprightness and respect for authentic values.
“He will remain in our memory as a true legend and a benchmark for what dignity means in sports and in life.
“I extend my sincere condolences to his family and all those close to him.”
Kickboxing Romania said: “Rest In Peace, Mihai Leu!”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania added: “Romania has lost a tenacious athlete who will forever remain a legend of the ring.
“Mihai Leu, our first world champion in professional boxing, has passed away. Thank you for everything you gave to Romanian sports. Rest in peace, champion!”
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