On Paper, Does Olympic Medal Increase Historical Status of Pros Who Never Won Title?

I think what it mainly does is diminish the fighter’s accomplishment.

Howard Davis wasn’t a champion but he was a fine pro. Not a great one but a very good one. But he is instead remembered for what he didn’t accomplish because of expectations that were a direct result of him winning gold.

 

Only when it fits the posters agenda

 

I see it comes down to the ladder a amateur boxer can climb, fighting for a Olympic medal and indeed winning a medal is one route and as such is deserving of being part of the annals of boxing history and the kudos from it.

However despite winning a gold medal being a amazing achievement, just look at Audley Harrison a gold medallist at super-heavyweight, politely put his pro career was a damp squib, regrettably he has become something of a laughing stock, but on the back of his gold medal he signed a £1 million deal with the a TV channel to show his first ten professional fights so that was a winner for Harrison.

Olympic medal winner is kudos and history that no one can take away from a boxer, however once enter pros it is something that can be used as marketing by promotor or by ring announcer, but means little else when pro career is looked at historically.

 

No it's kind of like being a Heisman bust

I separate pro vs am accomplishments

 

Increase historical status? No. Increase your earning potential? Enormously, beyond question. As far back as 1977, Ray Leoanrd earned $50,000 for his pro debut, which even today might be a decent sum for a first go at it. He was not a typical standout amateur of course, but it bears noting that he wouldn't have sniffed that kind of early money had it not been for Montreal.

But as far as anyone rating you higher later on by virtue of what you did in the amateurs, no, not at all. If that were the case, mark Breland would still be discussed in awed, hushed tones. Or Wille Dewitt, or Tyrell Biggs. Instead, they're considered also-rans.

Totally different swimming pool. One is boxing, the other is just fencing without swords.

 

Uh oh...Ra’s is going to show up now

 

Nothing. I don’t think anyone rates them on that nor do I think they had high expectations placed on them due to their amateur accomplishments.

 

Papp is a bit of a mystery because of his enforced inability to branch out and fight the best around, and Savon and Stevenson aren't really in the discussion because they weren't pros. No way to compare them to any pros; it's just a different sport. I'm afraid I don't know who the Charlos are...…….?