By Per Ake Persson
Lennart Risberg has passed away at the age of 78. Risberg is regarded as one of the best Swedish fighters in history and was hugely popular with his agressive all out style. He won the Swedish and Nordic titles as an amateur in the 1950´s, participated in the 1956 Olympics before turning pro in 1958, a time when boxing was booming in Sweden with Ingemar Johansson heading for the World heavyweight championship. Risberg fought at light heavy and drew with future world champ Willie Pastrano in Sweden in 1961 but lost to former champ Carl "Bobo" Olsson in 1962.
All in all Risberg went 25-3-4 as a pro and never fought for a title but had throughout his career problems with cuts and a work related eye injury. After his career Risberg continued to plug away as a plumber and did well. His sole US appearance was on the undercard to the second fight between Floyd Patterson and Ingemar Johansson and Risberg lost due a bad cut to Harry Wallitsch.
