Light-Heavyweight (≤175 pounds), Men

Roger Michelot of France, who had reached the middleweight semi-finals in Los Angeles, returned for another attempt at Olympic glory, and was amongst those touted for success in a division which had a number of contenders but no clear favorite. One of those contenders, Carl Vinciquerra, the US national amateur champion, was the victim of a major shock in the opening round, with the unheralded Egyptian fighter Amin Mohamed defeating him on points.

The final matched Michelot with Germany’s Richard Vogt and, at first, it appeared as Vogt was to cruise to victory. The German’s superior reach dominated the first three minutes and he took the round clearly. It was then that Michelot put his experience to work, punishing Vogt for his overconfidence and changing the course of the fight. An attack by Vogt had Michelot reeling in the last few moments of the fight, but the Frenchman had done enough to win the championship.

Vogt had a professional career which included three separate reigns as German light-heavyweight champion. An attempt at the European title was lost, but he did have the distinction of being the man who ended the career of former heavyweight champion Max Schmeling. Robey Leibbrandt of South Africa, who defaulted through injury from the bronze medal match, served seven years in prison in his native country. He was convicted of treason after working as an agent for the Nazis.