World Welterweight Champion 1940-1941
"If I had my life to live all over again, I'd be a professional fighter again. I'd be a little more careful with my money though." - Fritzie Zivic

World Featherweight Champion 1942-1948 & 1949-1950
Rated as the best featherweight of all-time by Ring Magazine.
"They call Ray Robinson the best fighter, pound for pound. I'm the best fighter, ounce for ounce." - Willie Pep

"The Pittsburgh Kid"
World Light Heavyweight Champion 1939-1941
When Billy Conn challenged Joe Louis for the heavyweight title on June 18, 1941, the Pittsburgh Pirates paused their game against the New York Giants in the 4th inning to broadcast radio coverage of the fight over the PA to the spectators at Forbes Field. The game resumed after the fight's conclusion (Louis won by KO in the 13th round), but was called after 11 innings with the score tied 2-2 due to National League curfew laws.

World Middleweight Champion 1938 & 1939-1940
Ranked 59th on Ring Magazine's Greatest Punchers of All-Time list.
Jack Dempsey compared Hostak's style and power to Stanley Ketchel, calling him "One of the greatest hitters I ever saw."
Hostak was a music collector and in his retirement, he liked going to thrift stores and flea markets looking for new finds.

World Lightweight, Junior Welterweight & Welterweight Champion
Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year 1934 & 1935