In the 1970s, it was very rare that a Japanese was not the favorite for a gold medal but this was the case in the -70kg division in Montreal. The top prospect there was Vladimir Nevzorov of the Soviet Union, the reigning World Champion from 1975. He was also the European Champion that year.
Montreal 1976, -70kg: Vladimir Nevzorov (URS)
Montreal 1976, -70kg: Vladimir Nevzorov (URS)
Montreal 1976, -70kg: Vladimir Nevzorov (URS)
In the 1970s, it was very rare that a Japanese was not the favorite for a gold medal but this was the case in the -70kg division in Montreal. The top prospect there was Vladimir Nevzorov of the Soviet Union, the reigning World Champion from 1975. He was also the European Champion that year.