Willy Venneman
Biographical information
| Roles | Competed in Olympic Games |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Full name | Willy•Venneman |
| Used name | Willy•Venneman |
| Nick/petnames | Lion Ven |
| Born | 15 January 1939 in Berlare, Oost-Vlaanderen (BEL) |
| Died | 8 January 2025 (aged 85 years 11 months 24 days) in Gent (Ghent), Oost-Vlaanderen (BEL) |
| Measurements | 180 cm / 82 kg |
| NOC |  Belgium |
Biography
Willy Venneman, also known as Lion Ven, was a Belgian heavyweight boxer who competed during the 1960s. In 1960 Venneman fought at the Roma Olympics but was forced to retire in his opening bout against the eventual gold medallist Franco De Piccoli. Two months after the Olympics he turned professional, winning his début fight. He had an impressive start to his pro career, winning 18 out of his first 22 fights, including winning the vacant Belgian heavyweight title in June 1964. Venneman had further success, winning the Belgian light-heavyweight title and another heavyweight title. He retired with a record of 48 bouts with 28 wins, 18 of those by knock out.
Results
| Games | Discipline (Sport) / Event | NOC / Team | Pos | Medal | As | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 Summer Olympics | Boxing | BEL |
Willy Venneman | |||
| Heavyweight, Men (Olympic) | =9 |
Errata
Date of birth also seen incorrectly as 26 February 1935 and 15 November 1938.