Châtelet-native Marcel Sarto (known as Sartos during his sporting career) first began boxing as a teenager in Liège, training under boxing teacher and former professional boxer Albert Jusseret. The winner of a 1927 novice title and 1928 Belgian amateur flyweight national titleholder, Sartos was named as a member of the 1928 Belgian boxing contingent to compete in the Amsterdam Olympic Games, one of four Liège-natives. There, Sartos quickly gained notoriety following his first match after defeating one of the tournament favourites, American Hymie Miller, in a controversial decision which prompted the United States to briefly considering withdrawing from all the boxing events. Eventually, Sartos was defeated in the next round, losing a decision to Carlo Cavagnoli of Italy. Following the Olympics, Sartos turned to the professional ranks; over a career of just under a decade, he amassed a record of 21 wins (2 by KO), 9 losses (2 by KO), and 5 ties, and retired in 1935. He later lived in Châtelet, Hainaut and was an innkeeper and café owner.
Belgium