Who Are The Best Hungarian Boxers of All Time?

Hungary may be a nation of less than 10 million people, but throughout the years, this central European country has punched well above its weight class. Stick around as we reveal the greatest boxers from Hungary to ever lace a pair of gloves! 

László Papp The Undisputed GOAT

László Papp set the standard for excellence in Hungarian boxing. He was born in Budapest in 1926 and was an incredible three-time Olympic gold medalist, tasting victory in 1948, 1952, and 1956. His victories in the middleweight and light-middleweight divisions remain an unmatched accomplishment in Hungarian boxing history.

Papp didn’t rest on his Olympic laurels; he then went on to the professional ranks, where he amassed a record of 27-0-2 and retired undefeated. Papp inspired Hungarians across the country to watch and bet on boxing. One of boxing’s biggest travesties is that Papp never got a world title shot.

László Papp. Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary

István Kovács The Cobra

István Kovács has done it all in the boxing ring and now works in an administrative role in boxing and is in charge of sanctioning major fights like Pacquiao vs Bradley and the upcoming Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin match. The Joshua vs Wallin odds have Joshua as a clear favorite, and a knockout is likely! The Budapest native dominated the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, USA, and took home the gold medal for Hungary. Then, the next year, not satisfied with his Olympic gold medal, took first place at the World Boxing Championships.

Kovács then turned professional and had a career that any boxer would dream of. Under the tutelage of East German trainer Fritz Sdunek, he quickly amassed a record of 10-0. In January 2001, on his 20th pro fight, Kovács knocked out the tough Diaz in the final round and became Hungary’s first pro boxing world champion.

Zsolt Erdei Impressive Undefeated Streak

Zsolt Erdei was born in 1974 and struck fear into his opponents in the light-heavyweight division. He was known for being an absolute workhorse in the gym and was one of the most technically sound boxers the world has ever seen.

Zsolt Erdei went undefeated for over 10 years and eventually retired with an almost perfect record of 34-1. During his professional run, Erdei held the WBO light-heavyweight title and the WBO cruiserweight belt.

Károly Balzsay The World Champion

Károly Balzsay was born in 1980 and, from an early age, showcased the classic Hungarian style of boxing based on technical brilliance. Balzsay competed in the super-middleweight division and was a master tactician, never looking flustered in a fight. As an amateur, he won a silver medal at the European Champions in Perm, Russia, in 2002 and then turned professional in 2004.

As a pro, Károly Balzsay went on a long winning streak, amassing a 21-0, which included a whole host of belts. His finest moment was on 10 Jan 2009, when he put on a masterful performance against Denis Inkin to win the WBO super-middleweight belt. He then followed it up with another great showing when he defended his belt against Maselino Masoe, knocking the Samoan fighter out in the 11th round.

Hungary has produced some seriously talented boxers over the years, but the fighters that stand above the rest are László Papp, Zsolt Erdei, István Kovács, and Károly Balzsay. These fighters are known across the world for their technical skills, Olympic gold medals, and world championships and serve as inspiration for the next generation of boxers from Debrecen to Gyor.