Hungary has a rich boxing history and has produced some of the world’s best boxers over the years. From Olympic medalists to world champions, there have been many outstanding Hungarian boxers who have made their mark in the world of professional boxing.
Some of the greatest Hungarian boxers include László Papp, István Kovács, Miklós Köteles, and Zsolt Erdei. Each of these fighters has achieved great success both in and out of the ring, making them some of the best boxing players in Hungary.
1. László Papp
László Papp was a legendary Hungarian professional boxer who hailed from Budapest. He was a left-handed boxer, a rarity in the sport, and had a remarkable career. He won three Olympic gold medals – in 1948 in London, in 1952 in Helsinki, and in 1956 in Melbourne, Australia.
This made Papp the first boxer in Olympic history to win three gold medals in three successive games. Papp was a three-time middleweight champion of Europe and had a distinguished amateur career.
He had an impressive record of 83 wins, one draw, and six losses in 90 professional bouts. This record was achieved due to his skillful boxing style and ability to out-think his opponents.
His success in the Olympics and the professional boxing ring made him a celebrated figure in Hungary and beyond. Despite his achievements in boxing, Papp was known for his humble and generous nature.
He was known to have given away his Olympic medals to admirers and even donated money to charity. Papp was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006, and remains an iconic figure in Hungarian culture.
2. István Énekes
István Énekes was a Hungarian boxer who made history when he competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics. Énekes was born in a small village in Hungary in 1908 and began his boxing career shortly afterward.
Every day he trained diligently to perfect his craft which eventually earned him a spot in the Hungarian National Team.
In 1931, Énekes won the Hungarian National Championship and the following year he won a spot in the 1932 Summer Olympics. At the Olympics, Énekes competed in the Light Heavyweight division and went on to win the bronze medal.
After his success at the 1932 Summer Olympics, Énekes continued to have a successful boxing career. He went on to win multiple Hungarian National Championships, as well as the European Championships in 1933 and 1935.Énekes retired from boxing in 1939 and passed away in 1962.
He is remembered for his accomplishments and for being the first Hungarian boxer to compete in the Summer Olympics. His legacy lives on through his numerous accolades and his determination to succeed in a sport that he was so passionate about.
3. Zsolt Erdei
Zsolt Erdei is a former professional boxer from Hungary who competed in the sport from 2000 to 2014. In his time in the ring, Erdei achieved an impressive list of accolades, including becoming world champion in two different weight classes.
He held the WBO and lineal light-heavyweight titles from 2004 to 2009 and then went on to become the WBC cruiserweight champion from 2009 to 2010.
Erdei was known for his well-rounded boxing skills, having fought in a wide range of styles across his career and having won a string of impressive victories.
His most famous fights include a knockout victory over Antwun Echols in 2004 and a split decision win over former world champion Glen Johnson in 2006.
Erdei was also known for his impressive stamina and durability, having gone the full 12 rounds in several of his championship bouts.
Erdei’s success and longevity in the sport of boxing has made him a renowned figure in the sport, and his achievements have been celebrated both in Hungary and internationally.
He is considered to be one of the greatest boxers to come out of Hungary, and his victories and titles will continue to be remembered long after his retirement.
4. Antal Kocsis
Antal Kocsis was a Hungarian boxer who had an impressive career that reached its peak in the 1928 Summer Olympics. Born in Budapest-Kispest, he was able to earn a gold medal in the Flyweight class, a feat he achieved by defeating Armand Apell of France in the final match.
Kocsis’ Olympic success is even more remarkable considering the fact that he was only 19 years old at the time. Antal Kocsis then went on to have a successful professional boxing career, fighting in numerous tournaments and matches.
His career eventually came to an end in Titusville, United States, where he passed away. Kocsis’ legacy will forever remain in the Hungarian sports history books, as he was the first boxer to earn a gold medal for Hungary in the Summer Olympics.
He was a role model to countless aspiring boxers, setting an example of hard work and determination to reach one’s goals. To this day, he is remembered as one of the greatest Hungarian boxers of all time.
5. Tibor Csík
Tibor Csík was a world-renowned boxer from Hungary. He was born in Jászberény on September 2, 1927 into a poor family. Despite this, Csík was determined to pursue a career in boxing and began training in the featherweight division.
As he progressed in his career, he made the switch to bantamweight and ultimately achieved greatness in this division. In 1948, Csík achieved a major milestone in his career when he won the gold medal at the Summer Olympics.
This victory was a major accomplishment for Csík, and it gained him worldwide fame and recognition.
Csík continued to compete in the bantamweight division for the rest of his career, and he became a well-known and respected figure in the world of boxing.On June 22, 1976, Tibor Csík passed away.
His legacy as a boxer lives on, however, and he is remembered for his determination and success in the bantamweight division. He is still a source of inspiration for aspiring boxers in Hungary and across the world.
6. Július Torma
Július Torma was an ethnic Slovakian boxer who competed for Czechoslovakia. He achieved a great feat in 1948 when he won the gold medal for Czechoslovakia at the Olympic Games in the 67 kg weight category.
This was the first of three consecutive Summer Olympics in which Torma competed. In the final of the 1948 tournament, Torma defeated Hank Herring of the United States to secure the gold medal.
Torma’s success was a great accomplishment for Czechoslovakia and a source of great pride for Slovakians. He inspired many young athletes to pursue their dreams and work hard to reach their goals.
Through his hard work and dedication, Torma has become a highly respected figure in the world of boxing.
7. István Kovács
István Kovács is a Hungarian retired world champion boxer with two nicknames, Ko-Ko and The Cobra. He earned these names for his impressive boxing career, which saw him become a world champion.
After retiring from boxing, Kovács became the Secretary General of the International Boxing Association (IBA).
This position is responsible for coordinating the activities of the IBA and overseeing the management and development of boxing worldwide. Kovács has been involved in the sport of boxing for many years.
He began his professional career in the late 1970s and quickly rose to prominence. He won the WBC Middleweight title in 1982 and went on to become a three-time European Middleweight Champion.
He also had a successful amateur career, winning the Hungarian National Championship in 1979. Kovács’s commitment to the sport of boxing is evident in his dedication to the IBA.
He has been a driving force in the organization, helping to promote the sport and increase its profile on the international stage.
He has also been involved in the development of the World Boxing Council, the World Boxing Association, and the International Olympic Committee. Kovács is a respected figure in the world of boxing and his nickname, The Cobra, serves as a testament to his success and influence.
He is a role model for aspiring boxers and his determination and commitment to the sport is an example to all.
8. András Botos
András Botos is a retired boxer who achieved great success in his boxing career. He was a member of the Hungarian Olympic team in 1972 and won a bronze medal in the men’s featherweight division.
This was a great achievement for him, and one that he will always remember. At the 1976 Montreal Olympics, András Botos competed in the lightweight division.
Although he did not win a medal at this event, it was still a great experience for him to show his skills in a global competition. András Botos’ career is a testament to his dedication and hard work.
He was able to achieve success despite the odds, and his accomplishments will always be remembered. He is an inspiration to all aspiring boxers, and his story will continue to be told for years to come.
9. Gyula Török
Gyula Török was an amateur Hungarian boxer who achieved great success in his career. He first competed in the flyweight division, where he won the national title in 1957–58. He then went on to compete at the European Championships in 1959, where he won a silver medal.
His next major success was at the 1960 Olympic Games, where he won the gold medal. After his success in the flyweight division, Török moved up to bantamweight and continued his success there. He went on to win three more national titles, in 1961, 1962 and 1964.
He was a highly successful boxer, achieving great success both in his home country of Hungary and internationally.
10. György Gedó
György Gedó was a Hungarian boxer who was particularly successful in the light-flyweight category. He competed in four Olympic Games, from 1968 to 1980, and was awarded a gold medal in 1972. Gedó was also the European light-flyweight champion in 1969 and 1971.
Additionally, Gedó is Jewish, making him a significant figure in the history of Jewish athletes. Gedó’s accomplishments in the boxing world are remarkable. He was able to win a gold medal at the Olympics, a feat that is difficult to achieve.
He was also able to become the European light-flyweight champion twice, showing his skill and dedication to the sport. Gedó’s success in boxing is even more remarkable considering that he is Jewish.
In a time when Jews were persecuted and excluded from many aspects of life, Gedó was able to rise above these barriers and excel in his field. He is an example of what can be achieved when an individual sets their mind to something and is dedicated to achieving it.
Gedó’s success in the boxing world is a testament to his hard work and determination. György Gedó is a remarkable figure in the history of Hungarian boxing. He was able to achieve success in a time when Jews were persecuted and excluded from many aspects of life.
His accomplishments are an inspiration to people of all backgrounds, showing that dedication and hard work can open up the doors of opportunity and success.
11. Károly Balzsay
Károly Balzsay is a prominent name in the professional boxing world. He was born in Hungary and had a successful career that spanned from 2004 to 2012. During his time in the ring, Balzsay achieved great success, most notably winning the WBO super-middleweight title in 2009.
The victory came against Denis Inkin and was followed by one successful defence of the title. However, the reign was cut short when Balzsay lost to Robert Stieglitz in the same year.
Despite this defeat, Balzsay remains a well-respected figure in the boxing community and his career is looked back on fondly.
12. Imre Szellő
Imre Szellő is a Hungarian professional boxer whose career has been on the rise ever since he first began competing in the ring. He has been most successful in the light heavyweight division and has held several titles in that division.
Szellő has also represented Hungary in international tournaments, most notably in the 2008 Olympics. His performance there was impressive, as he was able to qualify for the Olympics and compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
Despite not coming away with a medal, Szellő’s impressive performance made him a household name in Hungary and served as an inspiration for many aspiring boxers from the country.
Szellő’s dedication and perseverance in the ring has made him a respected figure in the boxing community, both in Hungary and abroad.
13. János Kajdi
János Kajdi was a Hungarian boxer who competed at the 1964, 1968, and 1972 Olympics. He competed in the lightweight, light-welterweight, and welterweight divisions, respectively. Kajdi won a silver medal at the 1972 Olympics in the welterweight division.
In the final, however, he was defeated by Cuba’s Emilio Correa. Correa won the match on points. It was a hard-fought battle, yet Kajdi was ultimately unable to take home the gold. Despite this, his feat of achieving a silver medal in the 1972 Olympics is an impressive one.
14. Zoltán Béres
Zoltán Béres is a professional boxer from Hungary who has achieved remarkable success in the sport. He earned a bronze medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
This was an impressive feat, as he was competing against some of the world’s top boxers. Throughout his career, Béres has been a successful competitor on the international level.
He won multiple Hungarian Amateur Boxing Championships and was the European Union Amateur Boxing Champion in 1991.
He has also served as a coach for several Hungarian boxers, helping them to reach their own success in the ring. Béres’ Olympic medal solidified his status as one of Hungary’s most successful boxers of all time.
He was the first Hungarian boxer to win a medal in the light heavyweight division, highlighting the country’s strength in boxing.
His success has also inspired other Hungarian boxers to follow in his footsteps. In addition to his success in the ring, Béres has made a significant impact on the Hungarian boxing community.
He has been involved in various boxing organizations, such as the Hungarian Amateur Boxing Association, and has been a leader in the fight against doping in boxing.
He is also an advocate for the rights of boxers and has been an outspoken voice on issues such as fair pay and safe working conditions. Zoltán Béres’ Olympic bronze medal is a remarkable achievement that will continue to inspire Hungarian boxers for years to come.
His dedication to the sport and his contributions to the boxing world are a testament to his greatness.
15. Zsolt Bedák
Zsolt Bedák is a Hungarian boxer who hails from the nation of Hungary. He is a well-known boxer in Hungary and is respected by peers and fans alike.
His younger brother, Pál Bedák, is also a boxer, but he is a flyweight boxer, which is a class of boxing that is lighter than Zsolt’s weight class.
The two brothers are both highly accomplished in their respective weight classes, and they both come from a proud boxing tradition in Hungary. The Bedák brothers are not the only brothers who share a passion for boxing in Hungary.
There are many other families in Hungary who have multiple members who are also boxers, and the Bedák brothers are just one example of the talent that the nation has to offer the world of boxing.
It is clear that boxing is a beloved sport in Hungary, and the Bedák brothers are a prime example of this. They have worked hard to achieve a level of success in their respective weight classes, and they are a shining example for future generations of Hungarian boxers.
16. Imre Harangi
Imre Harangi was a Hungarian amateur lightweight boxer who had impressive accomplishments throughout his career. He achieved great success at the European Championships in 1934, where he placed second.
His greatest achievement came in 1936 when he won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics. The win was particularly impressive as it was a close final against Nikolai Stepulov of Estonia.
Harangi was able to demonstrate his skill as a boxer and beat a formidable opponent in order to earn the gold. His success highlighted his talent and showed that he was capable of competing with the best in the world.
His accomplishments are an inspiring example of what can be achieved with dedication and hard work.
17. Róbert Isaszegi
Róbert Isaszegi is a Hungarian boxer who achieved international recognition for his talents in the ring. He is most known for his victory at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, where he won the bronze medal in the light flyweight division.
His win at the Olympics was an impressive feat, as it solidified his status as a world-class athlete and put Hungary on the map in terms of boxing.
Isaszegi was the first Hungarian boxer to ever medal in the Olympics, and his success has inspired many more boxers from Hungary to pursue their dreams.
After his Olympic win, Isaszegi went on to compete in various professional bouts, often facing off against world-class competition. He has since retired from the sport, but his legacy lives on in Hungary and around the world.
18. János Váradi
János Váradi is a retired Hungarian boxer who enjoyed great success during his career. At the 1980 Summer Olympics, Váradi won a bronze medal in the flyweight division. This achievement was followed by two silver medals at the 1987 and 1989 European Amateur Boxing Championships.
This impressive record demonstrates the skill and dedication of Váradi during his boxing career. He was an incredibly talented athlete who was able to achieve great success in the sport. Váradi was a successful boxer who was able to inspire many other Hungarian boxers.
He was well respected in his country and his performance at the Olympic games was a source of pride for Hungary. His accomplishments at the European Amateur Boxing Championships was another source of pride for his country.
Váradi retired from the sport of boxing in 1989 and since then has gone down in Hungarian history as one of the greatest boxers of all time. His achievements are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
He will remain an inspirational figure for Hungarian boxers for many years to come.
19. Gyula Káté
Gyula Káté is an accomplished Hungarian boxer who has achieved a great deal of success in the amateur boxing circuit. He is best known for winning three medals at major championships, including two bronze medals at the European Championships and one at the World Championships.
His success in the European Championships is particularly impressive, given that they are considered to be one of the most competitive amateur boxing events in the world. Káté has had a long and successful career in boxing, beginning when he was just a teenager.
He has competed in numerous major tournaments and has consistently performed well.
His two bronze medals at the European Championships are a testament to his skill and determination, as he has been able to consistently perform at a high level even in the most competitive tournaments. Káté is a highly respected figure in the amateur boxing community and a role model to aspiring boxers.
His success in the European Championships and at the World Championships has inspired countless young boxers to strive for excellence and reach for their dreams.
His accomplishments have also helped to bring recognition to the sport of amateur boxing in Hungary, as he is seen as a symbol of success and excellence.
20. Zoltán Füzesy
Zoltán Füzesy is a Hungarian boxer who had the opportunity to compete in the men’s middleweight event at the 1988 Summer Olympics. This was a momentous occasion in his career, as it provided him with a platform to showcase his skills on the biggest stage of them all.
He was one of only a handful of boxers from Hungary to be selected to compete at the Olympics that year and his participation was an achievement in itself. Füzesy had already been proving himself in the ring for many years leading up to the Olympics.
He had won multiple titles and even held a record of winning the middleweight division in 15 consecutive matches.
During his time at the Olympics, he performed admirably, although he ultimately did not win any medals. Despite his lack of success in the Olympics, Füzesy’s career is still highly regarded in Hungary.
He has been inducted into the Hungarian Boxing Hall of Fame and remains a respected figure in the sport. His participation in the 1988 Summer Olympics was an important part of his career, and it serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication he has put into boxing.
21. Pál Bedák
Pál Bedák is a Hungarian boxer who achieved fame when he won the silver medal at the 2005 World Championships. His success at this event marked the beginning of a successful career for him.
He is the older brother of Zsolt Bedák, who is also a boxer in the bantamweight division. In 2002, Bedák made his international debut at the European Cadet Championships where he won the championship title.
This was a major milestone for him and it set him up for his future success. His victory at the European Cadet Championships was the beginning of a long and successful career in boxing for Bedák. Since then, Bedák has continued to make a name for himself in the boxing world.
In 2005, he reached the pinnacle of his career when he won the silver medal at the World Championships.
This was a major achievement for him and he has since gone on to compete in various other international boxing competitions. Bedák’s success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport of boxing.
He has shown that with determination and perseverance, anyone can achieve their dreams. He is a true inspiration to aspiring boxers all over the world.
22. Norbert Növényi
Norbert Nottny Növényi is a well-known athlete and actor from Hungary. He is an Olympic champion in light heavyweight wrestling from the 1980 Summer Olympics, as well as a two-time kickboxing world champion. He is also an actor, appearing in Hungarian productions.
In January 2009, Növényi made headlines when he became the oldest WFCA mixed martial arts world champion. This accomplishment was remarkable, as he achieved it at an age when most athletes would have retired.
His success in the martial arts demonstrates his strength and determination in the face of adversity. Növényi is an inspiration to all who strive to reach their goals, no matter their age or circumstances.
23. Joe Bugner
József Kreul Bugner is a renowned former heavyweight professional boxer and actor. He was born in Hungary and holds triple nationality, being a citizen of Hungary, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Bugner’s boxing career peaked in 1975 when he challenged the world-renowned Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight championship.
Unfortunately, Bugner lost the match by a unanimous decision, but this highlighted his incredible strength and skill as a boxer. Bugner has also achieved success as an actor.
He has featured in a variety of films, television shows, and theatre productions, and his performances have been greatly acclaimed.
His naturalized citizenship of Australia and the United Kingdom have allowed him to expand his career to a global audience. Overall, József Kreul Bugner is a remarkable individual.
He has achieved success in both the boxing and acting arenas, and he has embraced the opportunity of a global career.
His triple nationality is a testament to his remarkable character, and his courage in challenging Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight championship is a testament to his boxing prowess.
24. László Orbán
László Orbán was an amateur boxer from Hungary who achieved great success at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany. He competed in the lightweight division and was able to win the silver medal, narrowly missing out on the gold.
His final match was against the Polish boxer Jan Szczepański in which he was ultimately defeated on points after what was likely a hard-fought bout. This result still stands as a remarkable achievement for Orbán, considering the high level of competition at the Olympics.
He is an inspiration to amateur boxers everywhere, showing that even those who do not have access to the same resources as professional fighters can still achieve greatness.
25. Johnny Ertle
Johnny Ertle (also known as Ertel) was a Hungarian-born American boxer who had two nicknames: “Kewpie” and “Little Dynamo”. He was a successful boxer who was widely regarded as the reigning bantamweight world champion from 1915 until 1918.
During that time, Ertle managed to defend his title multiple times, and his reign as champion lasted for three years. However, in 1918 he lost the title to Memphis Pal Moore, who had been considered a more experienced and seasoned boxer.
Ertle’s loss of the title marked the end of his reign as bantamweight champion, and he never managed to reclaim the title.
Despite not being able to reclaim the title, Ertle was still considered one of the most successful boxers of his time, and he will always be remembered for his impressive reign as bantamweight world champion.
26. László Bognár
László Bognár is a renowned Hungarian professional boxer who has fought in the featherweight to light welterweight divisions throughout his career. He began his boxing career as an amateur, representing his native country at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
During his time as an amateur, Bognár gained great success and recognition in the sport, earning the title of Hungarian National Champion. He also competed in multiple other international tournaments, including the European Championships.
After the Olympics, Bognár turned professional and continued his career in the ring. He was known for his skill and agility, often using his speed to outmaneuver his opponents.
He went on to become one of the most successful Hungarian boxers of all time, winning multiple championships and titles throughout his career. Bognár retired from boxing in 2006 but continues to be an iconic figure in the sport.
27. János Varga
János Varga was a prominent Hungarian wrestler who achieved great success in the sport. He had a decorated career in Greco-Roman wrestling, having won both an Olympic gold medal and a world championship title in the discipline.
Greco-Roman wrestling is an international style of wrestling that is contested at the Olympic Games and at other major international competitions.
It is a traditional form of wrestling that dates back to the ancient Olympic Games, and it is one of the oldest forms of sport in the world. In Greco-Roman wrestling, participants use holds and techniques that only target the upper body of their opponents.
The sport is based on strength, technique, and skill. János Varga was highly successful in the sport, winning Olympic gold at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
He was also a four-time world champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, having won the world title in 1962, 1965, 1967, and 1969. His accomplishments made him one of the most decorated wrestlers in Hungary’s history.
János Varga’s success in Greco-Roman wrestling is an inspiration to many wrestlers around the world. He is an example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
While his career as a wrestler may have ended, his legacy will live on for generations to come.
Conclusion
Hungary has produced some of the best boxers in the world, such as Laszlo Papp, Zsolt Erdei, and Zoltan Petrovics.
These athletes have used their skill, determination, and hard work to become some of the most successful boxers in the country and throughout the world.
Their stories serve as an inspiration to all aspiring Hungarian boxers, showing that with dedication and perseverance, they too can become champions.
