Boxing | U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

Floyd Patterson

It was during his time at reform school that Floyd Patterson became interested in boxing. At 17 years old, he won an Olympic gold medal and went on to a prolific professional career.

Sugar Ray Leonard

One of the best boxers of all-time, Sugar Ray Leonard beat each of six opponents by 5-0 scores en route to winning the light welterweight gold medal at the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games.

Joe Frazier

Joe Frazier traveled to the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games as an alternate and took advantage when an injury gave him a spot in the heavyweight tournament, winning a gold medal.

George Foreman

A high school dropout, George Foreman entered the Job Corps program, a decision that led him to a successful boxing career and a gold medal at the Mexico City 1968 Olympic Games.

Eddie Eagan

Twelve years after winning a boxing gold medal, bobsledding rookie Eddie Eagan added another gold medal in his first and only bobsled race.

Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya first donned boxing gloves at age 4. A decorated amateur, "The Golden Boy" won gold at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games and shined as a pro before becoming a boxing promoter.

Muhammad Ali

He won a gold medal at the Rome 1960 Olympic Games while known as Muhammad Ali, but perhaps his most iconic moment came when lighting the Olympic Flame at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.

Sport: Boxing