If the "Soviet Union" allowed their boxers to turn Pro, what would it have been like

**K-DOGG** · 12-04-2006, 04:02 PM

Originally posted by Abe Attell

Since somebody brought up a "If" when talking about "American" domination was only because the "Soviet Union" fighters didn't turn pro, so, who was there?

My knowledge on the Soviet Fighters is almost nill, so please put up info as well.

Also, how good was Ionas Chepulis, the man that fought George Foreman for the Gold Medal?

Seiously, there have been some very good Soviet amateurs....and I don't find it unreasonable at all that the history of the World Championships in various weight classes could have a slightly different pedigree if the Soviets had been allowed to turn pro. I am no expert on the history of Soviet fighters; but have read several articles on some older ones that seemed very impressive. Whether or not they would have measured up is completely up for debate; but I do admit I would be biased if I said they wouldn't.

**El Jesus** · 12-04-2006, 04:51 PM

we would have seen some rocky type **** with the cold war being waged on another front, the boxing ring.

**BrooklynBomber** · 12-04-2006, 05:16 PM

Well, the only soviet(soviet era) fighter to turn pro and fight in America was Laslo Papp(sp?), so u get the idea.
Soviet amateur boxing program was not only huge but it was also very diversified. Every region had its own unique style of boxing.
Funny, but Tszyu is from Serov, Siberya but his style more represents south-eastern school of boxing.

**BrooklynBomber** · 12-04-2006, 05:17 PM

OH yeah, and throw in the mix many cuban fighters, they would have been able to compete in pros too.

**K-DOGG** · 12-04-2006, 05:19 PM

Originally posted by BrooklynBomber

OH yeah, and throw in the mix many cuban fighters, they would have been able to compete in pros too.

Oh good Lord. Can you imagine Telefiio (yes I know I screwed his name up!) Stevenson as a pro?!

**Kid Achilles** · 12-04-2006, 05:20 PM

Throw in the Cubans and Russians into the mix and you'd be lucky to find the odd American or two in each division.

**BrooklynBomber** · 12-04-2006, 05:22 PM

So, I am not gonna say that any side would dominate in this scrap.
But, things would get even more interesting.
Also Teofilo Stevenson is the guy u talking about.

**K-DOGG** · 12-04-2006, 05:24 PM

Originally posted by BrooklynBomber

So, I am not gonna say that any side would dominate in this scrap.
But, things would get even more interesting.
Also Teofilo Stevenson is the guy u talking about.

lol!!! Thanks for the spellcheck.

**Nacho_Analstain** · 12-04-2006, 05:45 PM

why cant they turn pro?

If the "Soviet Union" allowed their boxers to turn Pro, what would it have been like