Lou Salica

Lou Salica won the AAU title in 1932 but at the Olympic Games he was defeated in the semi-finals by István Énekes of Hungary. Salica later won a bout for the bronze medal. Salica fought as a professional in the bantamweight division and went on to greater success as a pro than he had as an amateur. In 1935 he claimed the vacant bantamweight championship by outpointing Sixto Escobar in 15 rounds. Escobar won a re-match later in the year. However in 1940, Escobar retired and Salica was recognized as champion by the New York Commission, while the National Boxing Association recognized George Pace. In 1941 Salida claimed both titles by winning a decision over Pace in 10 rounds. In August of 1942 Salica lost the crown to Manuel Ortiz by a decision. Salica fought for a few more years before retiring.