Today in Boxing History: Ad Wolgast born in Cadillac, Michigan
Wolgast became a professional fighter in 1906 and spent the first two years of his career boxing in Michigan and Wisconsin. His relentless, but defenseless attack earned him many accolades.
In 1909, he faced world lightweight champion Battling Nelson in a non-title bout. While both men pummeled each other for 10 rounds, they were standing at end, and the fight resulted in a no-decision. However, many ringside observers felt that Wolgast had won. Because of the controversy and excitement of their first bout, a rematch with the title on the line was scheduled for February of 1910.
This fight was more brutal than their first bout. W.O. McGeehan of the New York Herald Tribune covered the match, writing, “for concentrated viciousness… the most savage bout I have ever seen.â€? The two battered each other for more than 40 rounds. At the beginning of the 42nd round, Nelson’s vision was so impaired that he could not tell Wolgast from a ring post. The bout was then stopped.
As champion, Wolgast defended his title eight times. One of his title bouts was a 13th-round knockout of Owen Moran in 1911. Wolgast lost the title in 1912 when was disqualified in the 16th round for throwing excessive low blows at Willie Ritchie. The two met again in 1914 for a rematch, which resulted in a no-decision.
Wolgast continued fighting until 1920, but never won another world title. Unfortunately, the punishment he endured in the ring caused excessive brain damage. He was committed to an institution in the 1920s, where he remained until his death in 1955.
The International Boxing Hall of Fame enshrined Wolgast in 2000.