Mircea Simon, 1976 Silver Medalist

[sport historian]

Mircea Simon, of Romania, was the Silver Medalist in the 1976 Olympics. Theo Stevenson of Cuba beat him for the Gold. Simon came to the United States and went 12-1-1 fighting out of LA during 1978-79. He drew with Eddie Lopez and lost a decision to trial horse Leroy Caldwell, and left boxing. This may have bolstered the feeling that Eastern European fighters weren't capable of excelling professionally in the West.

American sportswriters NEVER gave any thought to the idea that Russian Heavyweights could compete against Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Holmes, etc. There was often speculation that Theo Stevenson could do well as a pro. I do remember an article on Stevenson in a boxing magazine were the writer downgraded Stevenson's pro potential by mentioning the fact that he had twice been KO'd by a Russian fighter.

 

[freedom1]

Hey Sports Historian, who was the first eastern block boxer to become a pro world champion after communism began to fall. I remember a lightheavyweight name Mate Parlov in the 70s who briefly held one of the titles. It was about the same time as John Conteh of Great Britain.

 

[sport historian]

I remember seeing Parlov stopped by Marvin Johnson for the WBC light heavy title on TV. Parlov had beaten John Conteh earlier that year, 1978. I haven't followed Boxing as closely over the last 15 years as I did in the 70's and 80's, so someone else will have to answer your question.