Olympic Heavyweights – A History - Part Three by Marty Mulcahey (Sept 11, 2008) Send this page to friend Give us your feedback The period between 1972 and 2004 is covered in the final mammoth edition of this history. Contained within is the glory of a Cuban legend, and a steady decline of the competition that has been exasperated by computerized scoring and the overestimation of a jab's worth. What has not changed are the drive and competitiveness of the participants. They have shown themselves able to conform to the changes, and whims of the people in charge, at major international competitions. While the excitement factor has certainly been curtailed in recent Olympics, the athletes have continue to enrich pugilistic history. 1972 - MUNICH, GERMANY Gold: Teofilo Stevenson (Cuba) – What a debut on the world stage! Stevenson, a lithe 20 year old, knocked out every man who got into the ring with him. He would have been favored to do so in the final bout as well, had Romania's Alexe not broken his thumb in the semifinal bout. Stevenson might have been the most awe inspiring amateur boxer ever. He did not need it, but Teofilo had an unfair advantage. He was a man of whom urban amateur boxing myths were created around, which preceded him into the ring. That advantage was magnified when Teofilo fought Western boxers, many still in their teens or early twenties. It was an advantage the highly trained man-mountain that was Stevenson used to win three Olympic Gold medals, and countless international competitions. At 6’5, 230 pounds (the prime Foreman was 6’3, 224) he was one of the first true super heavyweights. There were serious discussions about Stevenson challenging Muhammad Ali in a three round fight, but Teofilo turned down a five million dollar offer made to him after the 1976 Olympics. In three Olympic triumphs, only two boxers were able to complete the scheduled three rounds. Hungarian Istvan Levi ran unashamedly to last the nine minutes. In the 1976 Olympics, Stevenson got rid of his first three opponents in seven minutes and 22 seconds. Romanian Mircea Simion made it into the third round before his corner mercifully threw in the towel. As late as 1986, Stevenson was knocking people out, winning the world championships in Reno at the age of 36. Teofilo ended his career with a 301-20 mark. It is history’s loss that Stevenson never turned pro. Silver: Ion Alexe (Romania) – The Romanian's second Olympics, having been eliminated by George Foreman in the quarterfinals of the 1968 Olympics. Never got to compete in the finals because of a broken thumb, suffered defeating Hasse Thomsen of Sweden. Easily outpointed a strong Jürgen Fanghanel of East Germany in the quarterfinals 5-0. Alexe shut out both of his opponents, so it was a disappointment that the best pure boxer did not get to exchange blows against the best slugger of the tourney. Alexe had lost to Stevenson 3-0 earlier in 1972, and was stopped by him in 1973. He was in exceptional form for the Olympics, but would it have been enough to pull of a victory? Never turned pro. Bronze: Peter Hussing (West Germany) – These Olympics came a bit too soon for the home country favorite, and at 24 he still lacked the experience and refinement to deal with a deep field. Had a great physique, standing 6'5 and 220 pounds, but was more of a boxer than a puncher. Never got the leverage needed to produce knockouts. He did score a first round kayo of Peru's Oscar Ludena in the quarterfinals, but had no chance against Teofilo Stevenson and was stopped in the second round. He said of that meeting. "I have never been hit so hard in all my 212 bouts. You don't see his right hand. All of a sudden it is there, on your chin." Won a European title in 1979, and participated in the 1976 and 1984 Olympics. Never turned pro. Bronze: Hasse Thomsen (Sweden) – This was the 30 year old’s last Olympics. He made good, defeating Cameroon's Jean Bassomben 4-1 in the opener and advancing to the semifinals with a second round stoppage of Canada's Caroll Morgan. Thomsen had a favorable draw that came to an end when he met Ion Alexe of Romania. Though eliminated by George Foreman in the 1968 Olympics, he had no problem handling the power of Thomsen in a 5-0 win. Alexe ousted him from the tourney, scoring a 5-0 decision. Turned pro after the Olympics, but because of Sweden's ban on pro boxing Thomsen never had a hometown advantage. Is the only former Olympian who has more draws than wins and loses combined, finishing with an 0-1-4 record. To his credit, Thomsen only took on established pros before deciding to retire six months into his pro career. 1976 - MONTREAL, CANADA Gold: Teofilo Stevenson (Cuba) – A prime Stevenson continues his dominance, scoring stoppage victories over all four opponents. The most dominant performance of a heavyweight in the Olympics since Ronald Rawson in 1912. (See 1972 for bio) Silver: Mircea Simion (Romania) – The first Olympic medalist from an Eastern Bloc communist country allowed to turn professional. A good boxer with a solid punch, he was hard to deal with because of his adaptability in the ring. Totally befuddled future titlist Trevor Berbick in the first round, handing the raw slugger a 5-0 loss. Undersized Bulgarian Atanas Suvandzhiev suffered similarly, losing a 4-1 decision in the quarterfinals. Like everyone else, Simion was no match for Stevenson, but was only 25 seconds from lasting the distance before his corner stopped the fight. Allowed to turned pro two years after the Olympics, he relocated to Los Angeles but did not have a long career. Retired after one year with a 12-1-1 record, his best result a brutal ten round draw with the underrated Eddie Lopez. Now lives in Canada, where he opened a boxing club and teaches martial arts. Bronze: Clarence Hill (Bermuda) – Hill is the first and only Bermudian to win a medal at the Olympics. Had a relatively good draw, knocking out Iranian Parviz Badpa in the third round. Showed considerable speed and technique in outpointing Belgium's Rudy Gauwe in the quarterfinals. Faltered in the semifinals, with an injured left arm and Simon's movement combining to defeat Hill 5-0. Confusion over monies taken from a trainer prevented Hill from competing at the 1980 Olympics, and he turned pro. A solid pro who should have done more, Hill's lackadaisical attitude and consistent drug use led to his imprisonment. Had a quirky southpaw delivery of punches that put Tony Tubbs down before he lost a ten round decision. Left the ring with a 17-3-1 record. Bronze: John Tate (USA) – He was big, talented, and an instinctive boxer. The problems with Tate were always personal or mental, and he was his own worst enemy. Beat out a very talented field of amateurs just to make the American Olympic team, defeating future heavyweight titlists Michael Dokes and Greg Page. His run of form continued at the Olympics, defeating the most formidable foes to make it to the semifinals. Shut out Poland's Andrzej Biegalski 5-0 in the first round, and surprised with a 3-2 win over 1972 bronze medalist Peter Hussing of West Germany. Was too young to deal with Stevenson, and was stopped only a minute and a half into the fight. Despite drug problems, he was able to win a title as a pro, and then one desperation hook by Mike Weaver ruined him. A great talent who never achieved his potential. 1980 - MOSCOW, RUSSIA Gold: Teofilo Stevenson (Cuba) – Wins the games boycotted by the USA and most other Western nations. The American representative for this competition would have been James Broad. For a change, Stevenson does not knock everyone out, but his dominance is still evident in 5-0 and 4-1 victories. (See 1972 for bio) Silver: Pyotr Zaev (Russia) – A stout (standing an undersized 5-10), but surprisingly fast boxer considering his broad shoulders. Boxed with a typically high guard, utilizing bursts of aggression, and he showed very good lateral movement. No one thought Stevenson was beatable, but Zaev was given a small chance by the way he had run through his bracket. He was also fighting on home soil. Scored 5-0 wins over Yugoslavia's Azis Salihu and tourney dark horse Francesco Damiani of Italy. In the semifinals, bested experienced East German Jürgen Fanghänel before losing to Stevenson 4-1 in the finals. To his credit, Zaev did not avoid engaging Stevenson, but he had no answer for his combination of speed and accuracy. Continues to coach Russian amateur boxers, but never turned pro. Bronze: Jürgen Fanghänel (East Germany) – Becomes the first East German to win a boxing medal in his third Olympic appearance. Had previously finished 5th at the 1972 Olympics, and a disappointing 15th in 1976. Could be counted upon to make it deep in most international tourneys, but always lost in the semis or finals. Won the bronze in the 1978 world amateur competition, and a silver in the 1982 amateur championships. Defeated Equador's Luis Castillo 4-1 in his opening bout, and scored a surprising stoppage of two time Bulgarian Olympian Petar Stoimenov. Was favored to beat Russian Pyotr Zayev, but lost a 5-0 decision that was closer than the score suggests. Would have been 32 for the 1984 Olympics, but an Eastern Bloc boycott of those games prevented him from making a fourth Olympic appearance. Never turned pro. Bronze: Istvan Levai (Hungary) – A very good boxer who did well considering his lack of height and reach. A nine time national champion, and silver medalist in the 1978 world amateur championship. Did not have to fight in the first round, and defeated Sweden's capable Anders Eklund 4-1 in the quarterfinals. He was the first man to last the distance with Stevenson in an Olympic bout, losing 5-0, but drew universal criticism for his evading tactics and defensive approach. Never turned pro, but is currently training pro and amateur boxers in Hungary. 1984 - LOS ANGELES, USA Gold: Tyrell Biggs (USA) – Another fantastic boxer from the 80's whose lack of discipline prevented him from achieving all he was capable of. A prolific amateur, he won the world amateur championships in 1982, but lost the two times he was matched against Teofilo Stevenson. Stevenson was absent from these games because of Cuba's boycott in support of the Russians. Biggs finished with an amateur record of 108-6. Had near perfect physical dimensions, sporting a 6'5, 220 pound athletic frame. Where Stevenson kayoed opponents, Biggs seemed content to toy with opponents. Biggs scored a 4-1 victory in the final, and three 5-0 wins in the run-up. One of those wins was a dominating performance over a still developing, future undisputed world heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis. Yugoslavia's Azis Salihu was similarly dispatched before Italy's Francesco Damiani lifted one vote in a losing performance. Much was expected of Biggs as a pro, but cocaine use and performance pressure combined to sabotage his career. Undefeated, he was rushed into a fight with Mike Tyson in his 16th bout, and was ruined by the events of that night. Biggs made the mistake of taunting Tyson before the bout, and was cruelly beaten by Tyson (who admitted to carrying Biggs so he could inflict more damage) en route to a seventh round stoppage. Was never the same, and subsequently lost every bout in which he faced a live body. Silver: Francesco Damiani (Italy) – A very good amateur and pro boxer who maximized his potential in both arenas. This was his second Olympics, losing in the quarterfinals of the 1980 games. Won recognition by defeating Teofilo Stevenson at the 1982 world amateur championships, finishing with a silver medal, and winning the European championships in 1981 and 1983. The one guy who had his number in the amateurs was Tyrell Biggs, who beat him in these Olympic finals and the 1982 world championship. Stopped Tanzania's Willie Isangura in two rounds after a first round bye, and England's Bobby Wells in the third round of his quarterfinal bout. Could not match the handspeed or overcome Biggs' reach in the finals, losing a 4-1 decision. Turned pro after the Olympics. Found redemption over Biggs in the pros, stopping him via cuts in the fifth round en route to a 27-0 start as a pro. Was the WBO's first heavyweight champion. Lost the title when a Ray Mercer punch severely broke his nose. A 1993 loss to Oliver McCall convinced him to retire. Bronze: Bobby Wells (England) – Wells’ father had boxed for England in the 1968 Olympics, but did not finish with a medal as his son did, even though most readily state that his was father was the better boxer. A lanky 6'4, 205 pound boxer, whose frame suggested more power than it generated. Knocked out Tongan Viliami Pulu after a first round bye, but was no match for the more mature Francesco Damiani, who knocked him out in the third round. Was only two seconds away from lasting the distance, but was not close enough to have scored a points victory anyway. Turned pro in 1986, never taking the move as seriously as he should. Ended with a 3-2 record, losing both times via kayo to journeyman types. Bronze: Azis Salihu (Yugoslavia) – Yugoslavia was one of the few Eastern Bloc countries that chose not to boycott the games, sending Salihu to the second of his three Olympics. The solidly built boxer, 6'1, 218 pounds, would be a member of the Serbian team if he were competing today. Salihu was a mover, preferring to work angles instead of punching through opponents. An eight time national champ, he won two European bronze medals and a bronze at the 1987 world amateur championships. Had a tough opening bout against Peter Hussing of Germany. One of the few who could match Hussing in experience, but was still considered a surprise winner of the 3-2 match. Did not have the same luck against American Tyrell Biggs, losing a 5-0 decision, unable to match the speed and movement of his younger foe. Never turned pro. 1988 - SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA Gold: Lennox Lewis (Canada) – Yes, Lewis fought for Canada and not England in the Olympics. 1988 was the first full Olympics since the 1976 games, with politics left behind and all sporting nations welcomed back to the unified competition. Lewis was not the favorite, having failed to place first at major international competitions. He finished second at the 1985 World Cup and the 1987 Pan American games. This was his second time around in the Olympics, finishing fifth in 1984. Was focused in stopping Kenya's Chrispine Odera, and dispatched East German Ulli Kaden in one round. Went into the Gold medal match fresh, not having to fight Poland's Janusz Zarenkiewicz because of an injury Zarenkiewicz suffered in the quarterfinals. The biggest fight of the 1990's would have been a unification match between Lennox Lewis and Riddick Bowe, but money and politics prevented that clash. It took place in these finals, with Lewis leaving no doubt who the better boxer was at the amateur level. Lewis was ranked number three in the world while Bowe was ranked seventh, but the gap seemed more pronounced. After a feel out first round, Lewis staggered Bowe ten seconds into the second round. A follow-up left right combination buckled Bowe’s legs again, after which the German referee stopped the bout. Lewis parlayed that gold medal into international fame as a pro, completing a Hall of Fame career in 2003. Lewis' run as a professional is well documented, even if respect was hard earned and not as complete as it should be. Silver: Riddick Bowe (USA) – It was at these Olympics that Bowe earned a reputation for a lackadaisical attitude, and nonchalantly brushing off a loss in the championship bout. Much of his future success can be attributed to a stellar amateur pedigree, winning three New York Golden Gloves titles and finishing with a 104-18 amateur mark. Stomped Austria's Biko Botowamungu and Peter Hrivnak of Czechoslovakia via KO before facing the stern test of tournament favorite Alex Miroshnichenko. Showed steel nerves, resolve, and good recuperative skills to overcome two standing eight counts (from body punches) scored against him. The same could not be said in the previously cited gold medal match against Lennox Lewis. Of course, Bowe went on to future success, winning all three alphabet belts (never unifying) and facing Evander Holyfield in a memorable trilogy. History will most likely evaluate him as a jovial underachiever, and for the decision to throw his title in a trash can rather than face the challenge of Lennox Lewis. Bronze: Alex Miroshnichenko (Russia) – The tourney favorite, having defeated Lennox Lewis and Riddick Bowe in previous competitions. A tragic figure, who should have been one of the first Russian heavyweights to break through in the pro ranks. Instead he virtually disappeared after one pro loss, and died under mysterious circumstances. A two time European and World amateur champion, Miroshnichenko entered the tourney on the heels of the last of his three Russian national titles. Seemed in fine form early, scoring 5-0 wins over Kuwait's Ali Al-Baluchi and hometown favorite Kim Yu-Hyeon of Korea. So it was a surprise when he lost in the semifinal to Riddick Bowe. Not so much that he lost, but that he lost unanimously by a 5-0 margin, despite having hurt Bowe on two occasions. The defeat was a shock to his system, and it took him two years to accept an offer to turn pro in Japan. A series of easy bouts elevated his record to 21-0, with 15 kayos, the best of which was a win over Journeyman Ross Purity. After a bad third round kayo loss to Oleg Maskaev, who was making his pro debut, Miroshnichenko never fought again. Instead, he began training amateurs in Kazakhstan, seemingly content. Rumor about his death persists. A witness in a murder case, Miroshnichenko was found dead at the bottom of a flight of stairs with alcohol in his system. But nothing has been proven in terms of foul play. Bronze: Janusz Zarenkiewicz (Poland) – A surprise medalist of whom I found nearly no information. A five time national champion, he defeated Andrew Golota on two occasions. Best previous performance was a bronze at the 1985 European championships. One of four Polish boxers to collect a bronze medal at the '88 Olympics, and at 29 years of age was the third oldest man in the competition. After a first round bye he defeated Puerto Rico's Harold Arroyo 5-0, and Germany's Andreas Schneiders 3-2 in the quarterfinals to guarantee himself a medal. Would have fought Lennox Lewis in the semifinals, but an injured mouth and jaw prevented his appearance. Never turned pro. 1992 - BARCELONA, SPAIN Gold: Roberto Balado (Cuba) – The first year in which the reviled computerized scoring system is implemented, to mixed results at best. No one adjusted better to the new rules than the Cubans, with the unerringly precise Balado a classic case study. Sadly, this would be the highpoint of Balado's career, as he died at age 25 in a car accident. He was a star, having won five consecutive Cuban titles coming into the Olympics, along with three consecutive World amateur titles. His final amateur record stood at 122-9, despite his small 5-11' frame and barley breaking the required 200 pound weight limit. The 23 year old Balado and American Larry Donald entered as pre-tourney favorites. The pair were drawn into the same bracket, and met in the second round. In the first round Balado disposed of Canadian Tom Glesby. Against Larry Donald he won a fast paced 10-4 decision, in which many landed punches by both men were not scored. Denmark's Brian Nielsen stood no chance against Balado's mesmerizing handspeed, and lost 15-1 in the quarterfinals. Nigerian Richard Igbeneghu was similarly frustrated, especially offensively, losing a 13-2 decision in the finals. Won the Val Baker trophy for the most outstanding boxer of the Olympic competition. Balado went on to win the 1993 World championships, and defeated future world champion Oleg Maskaev in his final amateur bout. Silver: Richard Igbeneghu (Nigeria) – Parlayed a surprising silver medal win into a good pro career, turning pro under the great boxing moniker of Richard Bango. Came out of nowhere to medal, as I can not find him medaling at any international competition. Was a fast 24 year old for this tourney, and a fighter who benefited from a first round bye and a second round walkover win when Kenya’s David Anyim was ruled unfit to fight. Showed he was no slouch by knocking out Lithuania's Gytis Juskevicius, and surprising the experts by outpointing medal favorite Svilen Rusinov 9-7 in the semifinals. No one was going to stand in the way of Cuba's Balado, who was simply too smooth, talented, and well trained for the system used in the Olympics. Waited two years before turning pro, splitting appearances between England and America. Showed some promise, starting 15-0, with eleven kayos, but could not cope with the size of Nicolay Valuev, losing by sixth round TKO. The loss zapped Bango of his mojo, and he has not fought since being knocked out by fast rising Alexander Povetkin in 2006. Bronze: Brian Nielsen (Denmark) – His run at the Olympics was like his pro career, filled with wins over decent opposition but suffering a bad loss when put in against an elite opponent. To be fair, Nielsen was an adept boxer, and never gave up in the face of superior firepower. Only suffered nine loses in a hundred plus amateur bouts, and won a bronze at the 1991 European amateur championships. Few expected him to medal, but his maturity showed in a 16-2 demolition of 19 year old Korean Jeong Seung-Won. Assured himself a medal with a 14-4 win over two time Olympian Peter Hrivnak of Hungary in the quarterfinals. Momentum was not enough against Cuba's Roberto Balado, who comprehensively outboxed Nielsen 15-1. Nielsen had no answers for Balado' handspeed, both of hand and foot. Unable to corner or come within effective striking range of the fast Cuban. Turned pro after the Olympics. Had a respectable career, and was a big ticket seller in his native Denmark. A lack of speed and overall athleticism combined to derail Nielsen against top 15 opponents, but he had a solid jab and good accuracy. Considering everything, Nielsen falls in the category of overachiever. Bronze: Svilen Rusinov (Bulgaria) – One of the most accomplished Bulgarian amateur heavyweights, he first came to light in the 1986 world amateur championships, finishing with a bronze. Won the silver medal in two world amateur championships, 1991 and 1994, and won a bronze at the 1994 World Cup of amateur boxing. One of the tourney favorites, entering his prime at 28 years of age. Participated in the 1988 Olympics, finishing a disappointing ninth and losing to Andrew Golota by decision. Outweighed by 20 pounds, he outpointed Hungary's Istvan Szikora 12-4, and overcame a nearly 40 pound weight disadvantage to defeat Germany's Willi Fischer 8-5 in the quarterfinals. Turns out he could outmaneuver bigger opponents, but fell to the similarly built Richard Igbeneghu, 6’3 205 pounds, by a 9-7 margin. Continued to box amateur. Strangely, competed in a solitary professional fight, winning it by decision. 1996 - ATLANTA, USA Gold: Wladimir Klitschko (Ukraine) – We know him now as the best active heavyweight in the world, and he proved himself the best amateur boxer in 1996. Has had pro scouts hovering around him since he won the junior world championships in 1993, and had them drooling two years later when he won the World amateur championships. Everything came together for Klitschko in the Olympics, and he put an end to dreams of American gold on home ground when he ousted Lawrence Clay-Bey 10-8 in the first round. Atilla Levin did not get out of the first round of Klitschko's second round bout. A medal was ensured when he defeated his most imposing foe, Russian Alexei Lezin, 6-1 in the quarterfinals. In all reality that fight was the gold medal match, with no one else as technically or mentally challenging as his main amateur rival. Paea Wolfgramm was no walkover, especially considering who he beat to get to the finals, but the physical advantages alone were immense. Klitschko emerged victorious, 7-3 in an anticlimactic final, and the rest, as they say, is history. Klitschko turned pro shortly after the games, finishing with a 134-6 amateur record with just under half of his bouts ending via stoppage. Silver: Paea Wolfgramm (Tonga) – Best way to describe Wolfgramm? Not pretty, but pretty effective. The Tongan will never win a body beautiful contest, but he was surprisingly nimble and got into position to throw or counter faster than opponents imagined. The heaviest man of the tourney, putting 309 pounds on a 6'3 frame. Had to be approached carefully, and had a defensive lean that made opponents reach too far with punches. Surprised many by defeating future WBO champion Sergei Liakhovich of Belarus 10-9 in the first round. If that was a surprise, his 17-12 win over 6'8 Cuban Alexis Rubalcaba was a downright shock. In both fights, the taller men fell off balance on offense, and were countered swiftly. Nigerian Duncan Dokiwari was the exact opposite of Wolfgramm, sporting the body of a Greek God without an ounce of fat on him. But again, Wolfgramm emerged victorious, winning a tight 7-6 contest. The upset streak ended against Wladimir Klischko, who refused to fall into the traps of Wolfgramm. Klitschko settled for a safe jab and straight right hand approach, fighting out of a defensive posture that Wolfgramm could not exploit. Wolfgramm turned pro with the fledgling America Presents promotional firm, which soon imploded, ending with a respectable 20-5 record. As a pro, Wolfgramm did not have the style to influence judges, his punches lacked zip and his weight was always a issue. Lost to Wladimir Klitschko in the pros by first round kayo. Bronze: Alexei Lezin (Russia) – An outstanding amateur boxer, consistently pecking away with an infuriatingly effective jab from the southpaw stance. A master at judging distance or foretelling an opponents moves, he was a medal threat in every tourney from 1993 to 2000. Defeated both Klitschko brothers, Nicolay Valuev, and other prominent European contenders like Paolo Vidoz and Sinan Samil Sam in various competitions. A three time European champion and one time world amateur champion, as well as a Goodwill games champion. Entered as favorite to win, and after a first round bye stopped Kazakhstan's Mikhail Yurchenko. Got another tough opponent in Germany's Rene Monse, but won a 9-5 decision on the strength of straight left hand counters. Met nemesis Wladimir Klistchko in the semifinals, with both men buckling under the pressure, hesitating to throw punches for fear of making a mistake. Klitschko's reach and better tactical patience won the day in a 4-1 decision win. Lezin might have been the most disappointing performer in the 2000 games, losing in the first round to England's Audley Harrison. Never turned pro. Bronze: Duncan Dokiwari (Nigeria) – A very good amateur, he is a heavyweight who I believed had a chance to win an alphabet title coming out of the Olympics. This is not sour grapes, more like a boy reflecting back upon a high school crush. Blessed with a well chiseled 6'4, 235 pound athletic body, Dokiwari was the African amateur boxer of the year in 1995 and won the 1994 Commonwealth games. Stormed into the semifinals, and caught the attention of everyone, knocking out all three opponents. In the semis, he found Paea Wolfgramm's strategy of ducking low and infighting frustrating, losing a close 7-6 decision. He was largely to blame, not letting his hands go consistently until the final round. Dokiwari progressed well as a pro early on, until undefeated prospects Fres Oquendo and Dominick Guinn handed him decision defeats. The losses played on him mentally (an unfathomable one round TKO loss to Stacy Frazier followed), and even though he has steamrolled three easy foes, Dokiwari has never rebounded from the Guinn defeat on HBO. It might be a matter of focus as well, since he is on course to graduate from UNLV. Of course, in the long run, success in academics will favor him as much as a title in boxing would. 2000 - SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Gold: Audley Harrison (England) – Harrison instantly appeared on everyone’s radar after a first round victory over Russian powerhouse Aleksey Lezin. Not only did he defeat Lezin, but he stopped the two time Olympian with 50 seconds left in the first round. Had the hardest route to the finals, but never seemed awed by the competition, despite having never won a major international competition. Came to boxing late, and was already 28 for this tourney. Won a Gold medal at the Commonwealth games, but never advanced to the medal stage in European or world amateur competitions. After his eye opening performance in the first round, Harrison defeated Ukraine's Alexey Mazikin 19-9 to win at least a share of the bronze. Surprised many again by defeating Italian Paolo Vidoz, the 16 point margin of victory stretching credulity but wholly deserved. The three victories made Harrison the favorite in the finals, and he continued to dominate with a 30-16 victory over Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov of Kazakhstan. Returned home a star, and had a chance to break through internationally as a pro because of his combination of eloquence and charm. While still active, he has to be considered a disappointment, failing to deliver on boasts on the national level...never mind internationally. Is currently 22-3, and fighting on undercards after consecutive losses to Dominick Guinn and Danny Williams. Has shown flashes of brilliance, but can not be expected to improve his game at age 36. Silver: Mukhatarkhan Dildabekov (Kazakhstan) – At 6'3” and 220 pounds, Dildabekov presents the perfect blend of power and speed at the amateur level, and the 24 year old was near his physical and mental prime for the 2004 games. Tabbed as a pre-tourney dark horse. winning the silver at the 1999 World amateur championships. Had also medaled at the 1998 Asian games, bringing home the gold in that tourney. Got off to a good start, defeating Poland's Grzegorz Kiesa 16-5 in the first round. Not many expected him to advance past the quarterfinals, where Cuba's Alexis Rubalcaba awaited him, but Dildabekov slipped under the punches of the tall Cuban throughout to win a 25-12 decision. It was the highest individual point total of the tourney to that point. He found Audley Harrison too tough a nut to crack, and was unable to repel or time his larger opponent. Continued to fight amateur, losing to Olympic rival Rustam Saidov twice in the Asian games, and suffering a defeat at the hands of Alexander Povetkin in the first round of the 2004 Olympic Games. Never turned pro. Bronze: Paolo Vidoz (Italy) – On a whole, Italy consistently produces heavyweights that overachieve under the bright light of the Olympics. Vidoz was a bit different, coming into this tourney with a more extensive amateur resume than previous Italian entrants. A six time national champion, he had lost in the first round of the 1996 Olympics. Had progressed nicely since then, winning a bronze at the world championships in 1997, 1998 Goodwill Games champion, bronze at the 1999 World amateur championships, and Silver in the 2000 European championships. Was favored to medal, and placed about where most experts had rated him. Romped past Calvin Brock in the first round, stopping the American in the fourth round. Future heavyweight titlist Samuel Peter was easily dispatched 14-3 in the quarterfinals, ensuring a silver medal. In the semifinals, Vidoz could not handle the combination of speed and southpaw stance Audley Harrison provided, losing 32-16 in a fight that was considered pick 'em considering Harrison's lack of seasoning. Turned pro right after the Olympics, splitting his fights between America and Italy. Is a commendable pro, and a perfect gateway boxer whom world class prospects must defeat to prove their worth as world class contenders. Is currently 25-5, and only lost one fight to a boxer who can be considered inferior to Vidoz in talent. Bronze: Rustam Saidov (Uzbekistan) – This was the stout 22 year old’s first of two appearances at the Olympics. Saidov was not well known outside of Asiatic amateur circles, and surprised many with his quick hands. Won two Asiatic Games titles, and a bronze at the 2003 world amateur tourney. He was the second youngest contestant in the field, but a 21-8 pasting of Egypt's Ibrahim Abdelsamad belied his youth. Stopped Canada's Art Binkowski in the second round of the quarterfinals, but Kazakhstan's Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov proved the more active puncher in a 28-22 defeat in the semifinals. The score total in that semifinal was the highest of any heavyweight bout, and was an accurate reflection of the frenetic pace both men set. Saidov had a disappointing 2004 Olympic games, unable to get past Cuban Michel Nunez in the first round. Did not make the 2008 squad for Uzbekistan, and never turned pro. 2004 - ATHENS, GREECE Gold: Alexander Povetkin (Russia) – In 2000, Povetkin's name started to appear in amateur boxing. No, let me amend that....Povetkin's name was attached to the gold medal from 2000 onward. Won the Russian national title in 2000, and only failed to win one competition he has entered since (the 2003 Russian amateur championships, where he won the silver). Won the 2001 Goodwill games, and a gold medal at the 2002 European championships. Followed those with a gold at the 2003 world championships. Repeated his gold medal performance at the 2004 European tourney, and came to the Olympics as the odds on favorite. Before concentrating on boxing, Povetkin had been a world champion kickboxer. Finished his amateur boxing career with a 125-7 record, avenging every loss. Set the tone early, gaining a stoppage victory over Bulgaria's Sergey Rozhnov on points superiority. Doubled Kazakhstan's Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov on points, 31-15, in the quarterfinals. Italy's Roberto Cammarelle fared a little better, but could not match the speed or accuracy of Povetkin, falling 31-19 in the semifinals. Was a heavy favorite in the finals against Egypt's Mohamed Aly, but injuries sustained by the Egyptian prevented him from competing in the finals. A feeding frenzy of promoters convinced Povetkin to turn pro after the Olympics, and he is currently undefeated and the mandatory challenger to Wladimir Klitschko's title. Somewhat undersized in comparison to the behemoths currently holding titles, but there should be no underestimating Povetkin in any fight. Silver: Mohamed Aly (Egypt) – The most offensively aggressive boxer in the competition, one who continually came forward and got in the chest of opponents. A surprise medalist, he only had 47 bouts coming into the games. Won the All-Africa games in 2003, but could not cope with more seasoned boxers at the Mediterranean games, finishing with a bronze. Defeated Cameroon's Armand Takam 32-19 in the opener, but sustained a shoulder injury that plagued him the rest of the tourney. Lithuania's Jaroslavas Jaksto was a real test, but Aly surprised in his ability to slow the pace of the fight and win 19-11 behind an accurate jab. A medal was ensured, and celebrations would still have been called for had Aly decided not to fight on with his injured shoulder. He gritted his teeth and delivered the surprise victory of the tourney, luring Cuba's Nunez into the trenches, where his superior speed and experience was negated. Unable to separate from Aly, scoring was at a premium and the forward leaning Aly was seen as the 18-16 points winner. Elation of that victory was short lived, with Aly ruled unable to participate in the finals because of a shoulder injury that was now exasperated by a hand problem. Did not turn pro, and was not part of the 2008 Olympic games. Bronze: Michel Nunez (Cuba) – Considering the monumental history of Cuban heavyweights, Nunez is a distinctly lesser light in terms of International achievement. Nunez won the silver at the 2003 Pan Am games, but the 27 year old did not have deep runs in major competitions to fall back upon for experience. Like all Cubans, he presented a blend of speed, intelligence, and aura of invincibility that Cubans bring with them. Got a horrible draw, bracketed with two medal favorites. Still, he looked formidable in ousting 2000 Olympic bronze medalist Rustam Saidov, 18-13, in the first round. Continued Cuba's dominance over American opposition, easily outpointing pudgy Jason Estrada 21-7 in the quarterfinals. Given those results, Nunez was a heavy favorite over Egypt's Mohamed Aly, but could not separate himself on the scorecards from the nagging infighter. Aly countered the speedier Nunez more consistently in the final two rounds, and won a close 18-16 decision. Since the Olympics, Nunez has not medaled at another competition, and he never turned pro. Bronze: Roberto Cammarelle (Italy) – Consistent improvement, that is what is expected of boxers. This is what Cammarelle has done, right up to winning a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic games. Emerged at the 2002 European championships, winning a silver medal, and repeated that performance in the 2004 competition. Won a gold at the 2004 military championships, and started the Olympic games in fine form, defeating Nigeria's Gbenga Oloukun 29-13. Got a tough draw for the second round, but defeated the 2000 Olympian Alexey Mazikin 23-21 in a four round thriller. The 24 year old was primed for a run at the gold. Unfortunately, he ran into eventual gold medalist Alexander Povetkin, who won a 31-19 decision. Povetkin's accuracy steadily piled on points, increasing his lead to where the margin was unassailable in the fourth round. Cammarelle continues to box amateur. Won the world amateur championships in 2007, and reached the peak of amateur boxing with a gold medal at the Bejing Olympics. Discuss these Topics - Go to the forums For Questions or Comments E-Mail Marty Mulcahey at mmulcahey@elpasotel.net