Why did he never turn pro? If he had, could he have had success in the pro ranks back then? I have only seen the Olympic final against Foreman, so I’m not too familiar with him but would love to learn more if anybody has any input, thanks.
Jonas Cepulis was Lithuanian, he lost to George Foreman in the Heavyweight Finals in 1968 at the Mexico City Olympics. Cepulis could not turn professional, his nation lived under communist rule. As many of you know in communism no one is wealthy except their government. One box of food per household for the month, everyone's wages are the same, cannot speak out against your nation's leaders or risk getting shot on site. A total of two families have to live together, all use the same automobile, free medical care. Cepulis going pro and making money would have resulted in imprisonment, his nation was taken over by the Soviet Union. In today's standards it would have been interesting to see him as a pro. He is now deceased, his family is looking forward to a reunion with George Foreman.
