“Oh, it was just marvellous to step into that ring and smell the odor of a prizefight again,” sighted seemingly ageless Austrian superwelterweight champion Gotthard ‘The Cougar’ Hinteregger after winning a clear 6-round decision over Hungarian Gabor Balogh on a mixed show in Voesendorf, Austria last Sunday (October 19).

It was the 41-year-old Hinteregger’s first outing since a win last December and lifted his professional record to 31-14-1 (15 KO’s). Balogh proved his reputation as a “stinker” to be true, but although he made the Fight Production veteran look at odds sometimes, ‘The Cougar’ still won every round on all three judges’ cards. However, as the fight progressed, the former WBO/IBF Intercontinental champion more and more solved the visitor’s unorthodox style and finally landed hard shots on target in the last two rounds. Referee was Otto Lorenz.

“I just enjoy boxing still and I don’t care what anyone says about the opponents that (manager) Olaf (Schroeder) picks – after all, I’m an old guy,” smiled Hinteregger, who despite his age was, like always, in very good shape. Trainer Johann Senfter was satisfied as well and confirmed: “No matter what, ‘Gotti’ always comes to the gym and trains and spars with his former opponent Gojko Knezevic (who won the International Austrian title at the same weight in Sunday’s main event).”

Well-known for his sarcastic comments sometimes, manager Schroeder told Hinteregger after his 46^th professional outing: “If you don’t get out at 50, I’ll shoot you!” – to which Hinteregger replied with some wit: “Don’t worry, I won’t fight another nine years!”.

Photos from Hinteregger vs. Balogh: