John H. Wagner
John ("Jack") H. Wagner was born January 31, 1893 in Brunnental, Russia, the son of George Wagner.
Jack Wagner was a boxer and promoter. Wagner won both the northwest lightweight and welterweight championships as an amateur in 1912 and later as one of Portland's leading professionals. According to The Oregonian newspaper, he was considered "a standout boxer in the day when the mitt game flourished here." In an August 1917 article, The Oregonian also described Wagner as a "two-fisted lightweight meteor who has won his last 12 bouts."
Wagner hung up his gloves and retired from boxing around 1920.
In 1921, Wagner was hired as the boxing and wrestling instructor for the Armory Athletic Association, a group of over 600 national guardsmen. An article in The Oregonian stated that "Wagner has a way all of his own in developing a green man into a good boxer and fighter in a remarkably short time. Last year he turned two Pacific Northwest association champions out of five entries."
Wagner also managed Benny Pelz, Eddie Robinson and other professional fighters.
Jack Wagner died on December 17, 1941 at the age of age 48 after a year's illness following a stroke. He left a widow, Helen, and son, Jack H. Wagner Jr.
Jack Wagner was a boxer and promoter. Wagner won both the northwest lightweight and welterweight championships as an amateur in 1912 and later as one of Portland's leading professionals. According to The Oregonian newspaper, he was considered "a standout boxer in the day when the mitt game flourished here." In an August 1917 article, The Oregonian also described Wagner as a "two-fisted lightweight meteor who has won his last 12 bouts."
Wagner hung up his gloves and retired from boxing around 1920.
In 1921, Wagner was hired as the boxing and wrestling instructor for the Armory Athletic Association, a group of over 600 national guardsmen. An article in The Oregonian stated that "Wagner has a way all of his own in developing a green man into a good boxer and fighter in a remarkably short time. Last year he turned two Pacific Northwest association champions out of five entries."
Wagner also managed Benny Pelz, Eddie Robinson and other professional fighters.
Jack Wagner died on December 17, 1941 at the age of age 48 after a year's illness following a stroke. He left a widow, Helen, and son, Jack H. Wagner Jr.
Sources
The Oregonian Historical Archive
The Brunnental Database courtesy of Sherrie Stahl
The Brunnental Database courtesy of Sherrie Stahl
Last updated November 12, 2016.
