Former world champion boxer Sven Ottke, 58, has been hospitalised after a traffic accident. The ex-super-middleweight titleholder was involved in a collision with a car while cycling in Mallorca, as reported by German publication Bild. Ottke sustained a double fracture to his tibia and a shoulder injury during the incident. He underwent surgery on Tuesday to insert screws into his shin, although his shoulder injury is expected to heal without surgical intervention.
The retired boxer, who has an apartment on the Spanish island, stays active through golf and cycling. Known as ‘The Phantom’, Ottke held the IBF title from 1998 to 2004 and the WBA title from 2003 to 2004, defending his titles 21 times. He is one of only four European boxers to retire undefeated as a world champion.
Recently, Ottke was seen with his former coach, Ulli Wegner, at a holiday club in Mallorca. Wegner spoke to Bild about Ottke’s condition, stating: “Sven Ottke is doing well under the circumstances. I will visit him in the clinic on Wednesday. He was simply run over.”
Wegner and Ottke share a bond akin to father and son, with regular visits between them. After his final boxing match, Ottke even gifted his coach a convertible car as a token of their strong connection.
Wegner fondly recalled: “I always dreamed of a two-seater, and Sven made it possible for me. I’ll never forget that. Now I wish my former protégé a speedy recovery.”
Ottke enjoyed an undefeated professional career from 1997 to 2004, winning all 34 of his bouts, with six victories coming by way of knockout.
He also clinched gold at the European Championships in both 1991 and 1996 and secured a bronze medal at the 1989 Moscow World Championships while representing West Germany.