“Romania does not only lose an exceptional champion, but an integral man.” Nicușor Dan, message after the death of Mihai Leu
Mihai Leu. Photo: Agerpres
President Nicușor Dan sent a message of condolences to Mihai Leu, the former world box and rally champion, who died on Tuesday night.
In a message on X, the head of state says he has sadly learned about Mihai Leu's death and that “Romania does not lose an exceptional champion, with an impressive record in sport, but also an integral man, who inspired by courage, passion and common sense.”
Nicușor Dan says that the former champion will remain in history as “a legend and a landmark for what the dignity in sports and life means.”
“His public presence has always been synonymous with the verticality and respect for authentic values,” says Nicușor Dan.
I found out with deep sadness the news of Mihai Leu's disappearance.
Romania loses not only an exceptional champion, with an impressive record in sports, but also an integral man, who inspired by courage, passion and common sense.
His public presence was always synonymous with … pic.twitter.com/cl83wywdlv
– Nicușor Dan (@nicusordanro) July 2, 2025
Mihai Leu, World Boxing Champion and national rally champion
Mihai Leu started boxing in Hunedoara, in 1977. Throughout his career for professionals, between 1991 and 1997, the Romanian played 28 matches for professionals and won so many victories, of which 10 through KO.
He became a world boxing champion, in the medium in 1997. He was forced to withdraw in 1998 because of injuries.
Shortly after, Mihai Leu started a new career, this time in rallies. He became a national champion in 2003.
The former champion died on Tuesday evening, at the age of 56, after a long fight with cancer.
The announcement was posted on the Facebook page of the former athlete.
“With deep pain, we announce Mihai's non -ending, a real champion, both in the boxing ring and on the motorsport circuits, Mihai was much more than an exceptional athlete, was a symbol of will, courage and passion,” writes in the statement published on the Facebook page of Mihai Leu.
