A review of the Berlin 1936 Olympics shows the USA not faring well against the Europeans. However, 2 fighters, Jack Wilson (Silver at Bantam) and Louis Laurie (Bronze at Fly) "medal" for the USA. Only the tradtional 8 weight classes were competed for in the Olympics then. "California" Jackie Wilson went on to have a successful pro career, and was ranked number two in the world at lightweight by Ring Magazine in 1940, and number two in 1941 at welterweight. Wilson was also the first African-American boxer to fight a main event at Hollywood Legion Stadium, when he defeated Tony Chavez on April 26, 1940. Reviewing Wilson's record 63-19-6, with a 60 % K.O. ratio, shows him standing 5'10" with a 76" reach. Wilson fought the top rated Welters Tommy Bell, SRRobinson, FZivic and MW Jake Lamotta. (Results: 1-2 against Bell, 0-2 against SRR, 1-0 against Zivic, and 0-1 against Lamotta. Maybe his best "victory" was losing by Majority Decision to a prime welter SRRobinson in 1943. (Was as big as SRR, with a good reach, and probably troubled SRR some) Wilson served in the US Army in some capacity also. Too bad some of these WW2 war era A- grade fighters are overlooked today.
