Cincinnati has a rich history of amateur boxers who fought for Olympic Medals and Golden Glove titles. Eight amateur boxers fought in the Olympics; notably, Tim Austin. Tim Austin went on to become professional champion as a Bantamweight. Tony Tubbs was to fight in Russia as a heavyweight, but the USA boycotted the Russian Olympics. A third amateur boxer, Rau'Shee, is setting a precedent by fighting in his third Olympics in London, England this summer. The other Olympians were Wallace Smith, Larry Donald, Dante Craig, Ricardo Williams, Jr. (Silver Medal) and Ron Siler. Regarding Golden Glove boxing in Cincinnati, Kevin Grace and Joshua Grace write in their book "Cincinnati Boxing" that "Cincinnati fighters have won more than 30 national titles" at various weight categories since 1939. Some of the Golden Glove winners' names jump out at you; Ezzard Charles, Aaron Pryor, Tim Austin and Ricardo Williams, Jr.
Amateur boxing is an important part of a fighter's growth, especially if he aspires to become a professional. Teddy Atlas of The ESPN Network often comments on how many amateur fights a professional had before turning professional. The numbers range from 200 to 400 fights. Amateur fights are like the minor leagues to baseball players; they gain valuable training, improve and hone their skills, discipline in their workouts and discipline in the ring.
Kevin Grace and Joshua Grace write in their book "Cincinnati Boxing" that Rollie Schwartz "was one of the individuals responsible for reviving the Golden Gloves program in Cincinnati". He was the boxing coach at Xavier University, a licensed referee in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics, and he coached the 1976 Olympic boxing team which won 5 gold medals. This was perhaps the finest team in US history. They also report "he was responsible for the rule requiring headgear for amateur boxers".
In an article by Geoff Hobson in the Cincinnati Enquirer Wednesday, April 8, 1998, he adds "he officiated George Foreman's Olympic gold medal bout". "He was the referee in Sugar Ray Robinson's last bout". He also writes "Mr. Schwartz is in seven halls of fame, including the AAU Boxing Hall of Fame". The amateur fighters and Cincinnati owe Rolle Schwartz a debt of gratitude for his work in boxing. Without him, I doubt Cincinnati would have the amateur program or the champions it has today in Golden Glove boxing.
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