Serbian Giant Sanel Hasanovic Joins Sullivan Management, Eyes Boxing's Biggest Stage

Serbian heavyweight boxer Sanel Hasanovic has signed a management contract with Sullivan Management, a move that marks a new chapter in his professional career. The deal was announced directly by the management, placing Hasanovic on the roster of heavyweights managed by the company founded by Keith Sullivan.

Hasanovic, currently 27 years old, holds a record of 10 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 8 wins by knockout. His towering 6-foot-8.5-inch frame and 260-pound weight make him one of the most striking heavyweights today. In his last fight, on August 2 in Serbia, he stopped Zoran Paunovic in the second round, showing the punching power he possesses.

In a statement, Hasanovic expressed his enthusiasm about joining Sullivan Management. He said he had met Keith Sullivan in person and discussed his career vision going forward. "We found common ground on the direction I want to take. I believe we can achieve a lot together, both professionally and personally," he said. He hopes the collaboration can realize the big targets that have been set, including achieving something special in boxing.

Keith Sullivan, founder of Sullivan Management, welcomed Hasanovic. According to him, the Serbian boxer brings impressive size and serious punching power to the heavyweight division. "I am happy to help him build on the foundation that is already there, secure the right opportunities, and work toward the biggest stage in boxing," Sullivan said. With experience as a former Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Athletic Commission, Sullivan is known to have a broad network in the boxing industry.

Hasanovic's unusual height is an advantage in itself, especially in an era of many big-bodied heavyweights. However, he stressed that height is not the main factor in winning. "Training, physical condition, discipline, and the ability to handle pressure are far more important. Height gives an advantage in distance, reach, and rhythm control, but it is not everything," he explained. He is also aware of the psychological effect that may arise when an opponent sees his towering frame.

Sparring experience with the world's elite boxers is valuable capital for Hasanovic. He has been involved in seven training camps with Oleksandr Usyk, the Ring Magazine heavyweight world champion, and helped prepare Filip Hrgovic, the IBF world champion, in Big Bear Lake, California, with coach Abel Sanchez. In addition, he has also trained with Anthony Joshua, Murat Gassiev, and Agit Kabayel. "Every boxer has different qualities, but they all share something: discipline, dedication, and a serious approach to the profession," he said.

"From the Usyk camp, I learned a lot about preparation, discipline, and the mental side of boxing. Being at that level of competition teaches you that you must not be afraid to take a punch. But you must still respect the punch and keep your defensive instincts. The most important thing is how you respond and keep moving forward."

- Sanel Hasanovic

Hasanovic's addition to Sullivan Management strengthens the company's portfolio, which has represented a number of established boxers. Besides Prenga and Taylor, Sullivan also manages two-division world champion Miyo Yoshida, NYPD officer Nisa Rodriguez, light heavyweight prospect Arjan Iseni, and several other names. Sullivan even co-manages IBF welterweight world title challenger Paddy Donovan, alongside coach and former world champion Andy Lee. With the resources and network at its disposal, Hasanovic's move is seen as strategic to accelerate his career.

For the Indonesian public, this development in the international heavyweight boxing scene can reflect how the right management plays a major role in elevating an athlete's career. Indonesia itself has a number of talented boxers who need similar support to be able to compete at the global level. Hasanovic's story shows that a combination of talent, hard work, and professional management can open the door to the world stage.

Going forward, Hasanovic's biggest challenge is to prove that he deserves to compete with the heavyweight elite. With his towering height and sparring experience against champions, he has the capital to break into the rankings. The question is whether Sullivan Management can steer him toward big fights, or whether he will remain an unproven prospect. Only time will tell, but his first step has already been taken.