Robert Wangila: Was He Ever Expected To Become World Champion?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Italian Stallion, Sep 10, 2020.


  1. Italian Stallion

    Italian Stallion Active Member Full Member

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    Robert Wangila brought high hopes to his Kenyan people. From a pure boxing standpoint, following his impressive and historic first Olympic boxing gold notch for sub-saharan Africa, was he truly expected to win a major belt after going pro? Would you class him at least somewhere among the many talents to never win a world title? Not young enough to remember. Thanks!
     
    Italian Stallion, Sep 10, 2020
    Italian Stallion, Sep 10, 2020
    #1
  2. salsanchezfan

    salsanchezfan Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Not really. He had the potential springboard opportunity of being on a few ESPN bouts back then, I remember watching a couple of them. He wasn't lauded then as any great Champion-In-Waiting though. Just a bit of pomp for being an Olympian but U.S. networks are of course only gonna get excited about a U.S. Olympian.
     
    salsanchezfan, Sep 10, 2020
    salsanchezfan, Sep 10, 2020
    #2
  3. greynotsoold

    greynotsoold Boxing Addict

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    I saw him fight several times, on television, including his loss to Buck Smith and his fatal fight against David Gonzalez. As I remember it, he was stiff and much more raw than you would expect from a gold medalist.
     
    greynotsoold, Sep 10, 2020
    greynotsoold, Sep 10, 2020
    #3