The great boxing championships we recall from history tend to be the heavyweights, but in the early 20th century, all weight classes could draw huge crowds. And a little guy who didn't mind being beaten could make a lot more money as a fighter than as a farmer. Adolph Wolgast became a prizefighter in his teens and quickly became popular, despite being only 5' 4" and skinny, because he was fast, relentless, and fearless. By 1910, he was booked to compete for the world lightweight championship against Oscar Nelson, the "Durable Dane," who had held the title for four years.
The fight drew ticket prices as high as $85, a considerable sum in 1910. The match went for forty rounds, with rules thrown out the window. Neither boxer backed down, but when the fight was finally stopped, Wolgast became the youngest lightweight champion ever. He also became a rich man, but paid a terrible price for his fame and fortune. Read the story of Adolph Wolgast at 3 Quarks Daily. -via Nag on the Lake
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