How good was Laszlo Papp?

s9s · Post by **s9s** » 24 Sep 2005, 05:14

Can anyone tell me how good this fighter was?He seemed to have turned pro late in age, and was denied a chance by the communists in Hungary to fight for the world title.
Would have been a great if he did win the world title, he retired after being denied the world title fight ubdefeated.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=034798

theone · Post by **theone** » 24 Sep 2005, 07:14

Good question. When I read he was in the hall of fame, I thought, here we go again yet another undeserving entrant into the easiet to get in hall of fame in all of sports. When I read his story I felt bad for the guy, never having a real chance to prove himself against the best of the best. But potential, six defenses of the European and a win over a past his prime Tiger Jones, should not get you into the hall of fame.

s9s · Post by **s9s** » 24 Sep 2005, 07:50

Cheers matey.
I wonder if his hall of fame is more to do with his amateur career? From what I heard he was a very skilful and beautiful boxer to watch.

bollox · Post by **bollox** » 24 Sep 2005, 08:10

Didn't realise he was in the HOF. On his pro career, no he shouldn't be there although as an amateur he was one of the very best

I'm almost certain the HOF doesn't admit amateurs. If they did they'd be stumped by what to do with fighters such as Mark Breland. Easily makes it in as an am but comes nowhere close as a pro

theone · Post by **theone** » 24 Sep 2005, 09:23

Papp was inducted into the hall of in 2001. He was the first boxer to win 3 gold medals in the Olympics;'48,52,56. Only two other fighters have since accomplished this feat Cuba's Teofilo Stevenson and Felix Savon.
Papp turned pro at trhe age of 31, boxed for right years and had a 27-0-1 with 15 ko's. before he was forced by his counntry, Communist Hungary to retire and become coach of their Olympic team.
I could kinda understand why they inducted him but if it was my decision I wouldnt have.