New York Daily Star
January 31, 1950
Papp Makes Short Work of Cidone
Laszlo Picks Up Tenth Win Via TKO In First
By Jimmy Wallwork
In a repeat of his perfomance against Sal Belloise six weeks ago, undefeated middleweight Laszlo Papp came out like a tiger in the first round and destroyed Brooklyn's Vinnie Cidone last night at Madison Square Garden.
Referee Tommy Quinn halted the contest at the 2:50 mark as Cidone was headed to the canvas for the second time in the round.
At the opening bell, Papp came right at Cidone and hurt the Redhook native with wicked body blow followed by a quick combination to the head that floored Vinnie.
Cidone was on his feet at the count of five but was far from clear-headed. When the action continued, Papp pinned his opponent in the neutral corner and just flailed away at the increasingly defenseless Cidone.
Papp blasted Cidone with a right uppercut and Vinnie was slumping to the floor. He never made it. Referee Quinn stepped between the two fighters, grabbed Vinnie, and ended the match.
Last month, Papp put on a similar display when he stopped Sal Belloise in the first round. Prior to that match, many boxing insiders were starting to question Papp's ability to take out an opponent.
If they weren't convinced by his total destruction of Belloise, last night's performance should resolved any questions that they might have about Papp's power.
There has been increased interest in Papp and his progress as a professional. At ringside last night was former middleweight king Rocky Graziano who is currently on the comeback trail. Always up for a good brawl, Rocky said he'd be more than willing to meet Papp.
Not so fast said Laszlo's manager Al Weill who indicated that although he has no problems matching his man against Graziano some time in the future, he has a specific game plan for Papp and plans to follow it.
"Laszlo has the talent to be one of boxing's all-time greats," said Weill. "And we are going to bring him along at the right pace."
Commenting on Papp's performance last night, the Hungarian's trainer, Charley Goldman offered the following.
"Cidone is a tough fighter and a hard puncher. Our plan was to take him out early before he could warm up and so some damage. Laszlo executed our strategy perfectly."
Right now Papp seems to have everything going his way. Although expectations in the boxing world are high, few think he'll have a quick night against his next opponent, Coney Island's Herbie Kronowitz.
A ring veteran with more than eighty professional fights under his belt, Kronowitz is a clever boxer with a decent punch. Several years ago he was a ranked contender for the world middleweight crown.
He and Papp will meet in the Garden on March 28th.