Mihai ‘The Lion’ Leu, Former Undefeated WBO Welterweight Champion, Dies in Romania at 57

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

Bucharest, Romania (July 5th, 2025)–  Former World Boxing Organisation World Welterweight champion Mihai ‘The Lion’ Leu, also known as Michael Loewe, who won 180 of 200 amateur bouts, then went 28-0 as a professional in Germany and Austria on the way winning the world title, died in Bucharest, Romania after a long illness at age 57, on July 1, 2025.

Leu began his professional boxing career with a six round decision win over Getza Stipak in September 1991. His pro career lasted only six years, then was ended due to a hand injury. Leu won the vacant WBO World Welterweight title with a 12 round unanimous decision win at Sporthalle in February 1997 over Santiago Samaniego of Panama.

After defending his WBO title by 12 round majority decision over Michael Carruth at Tivoli Eissporthalle in Aachen, Germany, in September 1997, Leu retired from boxing at 28-0 with 10 knockouts. Leu began a new career as a rally car driver, rising to Romanian vice-champion in 1997, Romanian national champion in 2003, and team manager in 2010.

In an official statement on social media, the President of Romania, Nicusor Dan, stated “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.”

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Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, provides historical boxing articles and provides editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].