Battling Nelson
Oscar Mattheus Nielsen , better known as Battling Nelson (born June 5, 1882 in Copenhagen , † February 7, 1954 ) was an American boxer of Danish origin.
Career
Nelson grew up in Chicago. In 1896 he became popular with 14 boxers and lightweight with his unconditional attack boxing. He had a famous chin and a dangerous left body hook.
In 1904 he boxed his way forward with knockout victories over Martin Canole, Eddie Hanlon and Young Corbett and a point win over the dreaded puncher Aurelio Herrera. In December, however, he lost to Jimmy Britt in the fight for the vacant world title.
After knocking out Britt in 1905, he met the hard-hitting counter-boxer Joe Gans , the first major promotion from Tex Rickard , in Goldfield in the most famous fight of the lower weight classes of the early 20th century . In the 42nd round, Gans won after a low blow from Nelson.
He won two more fights against the goose, who is now suffering from tuberculosis, through a knockout.
In 1909 he met his second known opponent in Ad Wolgast . The first fight ended No Decision , the second he lost because both eyes were completely swollen shut.
In 1992 Nelson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame .
Web links
- Hall of Fame (archive link)
- Battling Nelson in the BoxRec database
- Battling Nelson in the BoxRec Encyclopaedia
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Battling, Nelson |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Nielsen, Oscar Mattheus |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American boxer of Danish origin |
| DATE OF BIRTH | June 5, 1882 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Copenhagen , Denmark |
| DATE OF DEATH | 7th February 1954 |