Holberg, Waldemar

Sport:
boxing

Country Represented:
Denmark

Years Competed:
1908

Olympic Info:
The Danish lightweight champion, Holberg was considered a favorite in the Olympic competition at the 1908 London Games. In his first bout, he fought Englishman Matt Wells in a match that went longer than the scheduled three rounds. According to the official Olympic Report, "The Dane, looking bronzed and full of muscle, gave his man [Wells] plenty of work in the first round, and began the second with fine right-handed hitting...In the third...the Dane scored heavily in the mouth." After the third-round, the bout was ruled a draw and an extra two minutes of fighting were ordered. Many expressed surprise when Wells was declared the victor as, "...Holberg had rather hard luck in not getting the award...Wells certainly did not seem very much the stronger of the two."

Click here for Holberg's entry in the boxing section.

Career Highlights:
Holberg was the Danish featherweight champ in 1902 and lightweight champ in 1903, 1905, 1907, and 1908. He turned professional after the Olympics and in January, 1914, Waldemar became the world welterweight champion by defeating Ray Bronson in 20-rounds. Unfortunately, Holberg lost the title only three weeks later on a sixth-round disqualification against Tom McCormick. He never received another title shot. Holberg retired in 1921 with a career professional record of 31 wins (20 knockouts), 4 draws, and 23 losses.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. 1883 - d. March 16, 1947

Origin:
Denmark

< Previous |  Next >