5 boxers who didn't win gold at Olympics but went on to have a great pro career

#2 Gilberto Roman:

Roman was one of the best flyweight boxers

Gilberto Roman was a Mexican boxer who took part in the 1980 Olympics, held at Moscow. Competing in the flyweight category, Roman lost in the quarter-finals to Peter Lesov of Bulgaria, who eventually went on to win gold in that weight division.

Roman did not let this loss demoralise him, as he went on to become a two-time WBC Super Flyweight Champion and is regarded by many to be the greatest boxer ever, to have competed in this category.

Trained by boxing hall of famer Ignacio Beristain, Roman was always destined for great things. After winning a number of national championships, Roman was selected as a part of Mexico’s boxing contingent for the 1980 Olympics. Despite losing to Lesov, Roman grabbed many eyeballs with his quick feet and fast hooks.

He joined the professional circuit in 1981. He won the Super Flyweight title in 1986 by defeating Jiro Watanabe, the reigning champion. Roman reclaimed the title in 1988 after he beat Sugar Baby Rojas in a 12 round encounter.