Inducted on November 15, 1991
Sam Goss born January 28, 1947, Trenton, New Jersey. Sam came from a boxing family with father and brothers, Jessie Jr., Lee Roy, Tommy, and Barry Goss. Sam became interested in boxing at the age of 15. His brother, Barry, was an amateur star, and Sam wanted to be just like him. So Sam asked his father, he wanted to become a boxer. So his father told him to read books, and he sent him to the Trenton P.A.L. to learn Sam’s amateur career was successful. He became a superstar.
Five times Golden Gloves state Champ Five times AAU state Champ. One time National Golden Gloves Runner-up Olympic trials Champ and Olympian in 1968.
As a pro Sammy fought from 1969 to 1981, winning the North American Featherweight title in 1971 with a knockout over Lloyd Marshall in the 7th round and the North American Jr. Lightweight Championship in 1973 with a decision over Jose Fernandez in 12 rounds.
By the end of 1973 with wins over Walter Seeley and Edwin Viruet, Sammy became the number one contender for the world title but he never fully reached his life time dream of a ‘World Championship because of major eye injuries cost him dearly.
Since his retirement he has continued to train kids in his hometown of Trenton and can be seen at just about every amateur boxing show in New Jersey working with his brother Barry in the corner of the team from Goss and Goss.
Goss represented the United States at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. Goss competed in the 119 pound weight class. Goss was the 1965 National AAU Flyweight champion and 1968 National AAU bantamweight champion.
Olympic games results
1968 (as a bantamweight)
- Lost to Nicolae Giju (Romania) 0-5