Romanian former world boxing champion Mihai Leu passed away after a long illness in Bucharest.
Mihai Leu, also known as Michael Lowe, was a professional boxer who competed from 1991 to 1995 and went on to win the WBO welterweight title in 1997.
He started boxing in 1977 at the Hunedoara Constructorul club. In 1981, he moved to Hunedoara Metalul, from which he moved on to Dinamo Bucharest in 1982.
In 1991, he became a professional boxer in Germany. He went on to win the vacant WBO welterweight title in 1997 by defeating Santiago Samaniego.
He defended the title once against Irish challenger Michael Carruth, retiring in 1998.
That same year, he began his new career at the wheel of a Ford Ka, and after only three years, he managed to become Romania’s vice rally champion.
Five years later, in 2003, he became Romania’s national champion driving a Hyundai Accent WRC, with co-driver Ciprian Solomon.
Mihai Leu Tragically Died Due To Complications Of Colon Cancer
Former world boxing champion Mihai Leu took his last breath on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 56, after a long battle with colon cancer.
He died at Fundeni Hospital in Bucharest, where he had been hospitalized in June with pulmonary failure.
Mihai was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2014. Over the past decade, he underwent several surgeries, but the disease returned in December 2024.
Dan Blaga, a personal trainer at Club Sportiv Dan Gym Box, took to his official Facebook handle and mourned the death of Mihai by stating,
Mihai Leu was not only a symbol of sporting performance, but also of dignity, courage and passion. For all of us, he was a role model – in the ring, on the track and in life. Farewell, Mihai Leu. You will always remain in our hearts!
Dan Blaga
Alexandru Lucian Mihai, a Smeura, Arges, Romania resident, also took to his Facebook handle and wrote,
What a huge loss for our country: #MihaiLeu died at the age of 56. How I loved this man (professional boxing world champion, national champion in automobile)… May the good Lord rest him in peace!
Alexandru Lucian Mihai
Claudiu Tarziu, President of Conservative Action, also offered his heartfelt condolences. He wrote,
The great champion Mihai Leu passed away at just 56 years old, after battling a relentless illness for years. A consummate athlete, who reached the pinnacle of performance in world boxing since his junior years and who found the strength to start a new career in the world of rallying, after an injury that prevented him from entering the ring. Mihai Leu remains in the memory of our generation as an example of talent, character and courage! May God rest his soul!
Claudiu Tarziu
Other close ones and famous personalities also offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Mihai’s family, urging them to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
Mihai will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions as a boxer and racer.
Rest in Peace, Mihai Leu.
Mihai Leu Leaves Behind His Wife Anna And Son Marco Leu
According to Mihai Leu’s wife Anna’s official Facebook page, she is originally from Treviso, Italy, and currently resides in Hunedoara.
Sadly, their married life ended following the tragic death of Mihai.
Last week, Anna announced that Mihai had been battling colon cancer since 2014 and had been placed in a medically induced coma.
On July 2, 2025, Anna took to her official Facebook handle and mourned the tragic death of Mihai. She wrote,
You are gone, my love, but not from my heart. I feel your presence in the quiet, in the wind, in everything I am. I love you for all eternity. ”
Anna Leu
Mihai and Anna were blessed with one son, Marco, 32, on June 11, 1993. He is a winter sportsman.
According to Marco’s Facebook profile, he resides in Bucharest, Romania. He attended “Iancu de Hunedoara” National College in Hunedoara and later graduated from UNEFS Bucuresti.
Currently, he is mourning the tragic death of his supportive and devoted father, Mihai Leu.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Mihai Leu’s father, Nicolae Leu, was a well-known Romanian rally driver of the 1970s and 1980s.
- Leu was involved in politics along with the Partidul Conservator, despite failing to secure a place in the European Parliament, in the 2007 national elections. He worked part-time as an assistant at the University of Tibiscus in Timisoara.
- In total, Mihai fought 200 amateur matches, out of which he won 190.
