Abel Ricardo LAUDONIO

Abel Laudonio was Argentine lightweight champion when he boxed at the 1960 Roma Olympics, winning a bronze medal after losing to future world professional champion Sandro Lopopolo of Italy. Laudonio had competed at the 1956 Olympics, being eliminated early, but then won a gold medal at the 1959 Pan American Games. He turned professional in 1961, fighting exclusively in Argentina through 1965, finishing with a pro career record of 48 wins (37 by KO), 6 losses, and 2 draws. In 1965 Laudonio fought for the South American lightweight title but lost to Niccolino Loche on points. He later opened and ran a fitness center in his hometown of Buenos Aires until he developed Alzheimer’s disease and had to close the business.