How strong historically are the boxing pedigrees of Hungary & Poland?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Italian Stallion, Mar 15, 2019.


  1. Italian Stallion

    Italian Stallion Active Member Full Member

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    Hungary netted a total of 20 Olympic boxing medals (10 gold) while Poland grabbed 43 (8 gold) and both are 7th and 8th respectively in the all time medals classification for boxing events at the Olympic Games. In the pro ranks, however, both are a far cry from what they were at the amateur level, with both producing only two and four world champions, respectively (heavily due to the effect of communism, which is unfair). I’ve heard Poland referred to as a proud boxing nation. But when experts speak of Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Great Britain, or the Philippines, they refer to these nations as those with a rich or strong boxing tradition. Taking into account their very successful Olympic medal counts and the fact that professional boxing was banned within the borders of their nations for decades, what’s the proper way to refer to both Hungary and Poland – would you stick to the "proud boxing nations" – or do these two countries who long share a brotherhood deserve more praise than simply "proud?"
     
    Italian Stallion, Mar 15, 2019
    Italian Stallion, Mar 15, 2019
    #1
  2. Cecil

    Cecil Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Well under the Communist regimes at the time when they were winning those medals, their fighters were basically full timers.
    Compared with fighters from countries like the UK who had full time jobs and were strictly amateurs they had a huge advantage.
    So their standing in the pro game is about where it should be, that is not particularly outstanding.
     
    Cecil, Mar 16, 2019
    Cecil, Mar 16, 2019
    #2
  3. AwardedSteak863

    AwardedSteak863 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I think Poland has produced some pretty good pro fighters over the years particularly in the upper weight classes Glowaci, Adamek, Golota and Michelcheski all come to mind. I thought
    Maciej Sulęcki looked really good in his fight last night on DAZN.

    When it comes to Hungary two fighters stand out as guys that were special fighters one being László Papp how won 3 gold medals and if it wasn't for communism would probably been a dominant pro fighter.

    To a lesser extent, Zsolt Erdei was a damn fine fighter that was really good as an amateur and had a pretty decent pro career. I wish he would have got to compete against Tarver, Jones, Dawson and Johnson in the 2000's but boxing politics seemed to get in the way. When he finally did hook up with an American promoter (Dibella) he was in his late 30'S and didn't have much left. His last fight and only loss was a complete robbery that he never got over.

    All in all I think both countries have good boxing histories with Hungary having an all time great with László Papp and Poland which is continuing to produce good strong fighters.
     
    AwardedSteak863, Mar 16, 2019
    AwardedSteak863, Mar 16, 2019
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  4. AwardedSteak863

    AwardedSteak863 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Kovacs was another very good Hungarian fighter. Really solid pro and amatuer career.
     
    AwardedSteak863, Mar 16, 2019
    AwardedSteak863, Mar 16, 2019
    #4