In Janitor's Flyweight thread Wolgast is one of the guys I know very little about. I know McGrain knows abit about him and I have read about Wolgast but my knowledge is a little rusty and unclear. And I would really like to know more about him. So lads, I leave it you, tell me about this wee man.
Some considered him practically untouchable in his heyday, fast, fast. He was unorthodoxed in terms of technique and was something of a pioneer switch-hitter, although that would have been no help to anyone because nobody was re-creating his style. New York recognised him as champion at just 19 - he turned pro ag 15. I think he was probably primed in 1931. After the draw with Genaro on boxing day 1930 he squashed I think 25 fights into those twelve months, losing just one of them, a disputed decision loss to bantamweight Cris Peneda. But Wolgast was huge on booze out of the ring (he was also drilling Mae West, which seemed to help absolutley no fighter she ever was with). The flyweight limit which should have posed no problem for him became a real grind. He ended his career a bloated parody of his genius, fighting welterweights, unable to squeeze into even the lightweight division. He beat guys like Black Bill Valdes, Jackie Brown, Small Montana, Juan Zurita, Speedy Dado, Willie Davies, top guys, not great guys. But I'd say he's likely the most physically talented of all the flyweights, and if the recent Ring article is to be believed, perhaps more defensively precocious than Willie Pep. Shame he couldn't keep himself under control.
Here's what I wrote about Wolgast in another thread that asked about him: http://www.eastsideboxing.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5364242
Just watched it, really impressed with Wolgast. He has a instinctive style as you guys say, from that clip I wouldnt say he was as good defensivly as Pep because he seemed to lack concentration at times with his defence. His offence was what impressed me the most, his fast flurries seemed to be very effective and the offensive masterclass he put on at the end of the third round was beautiful.
I agree with most of what you say, but I want to sing the old song on this one. This is Wolgast way past his prime. I know how that sounds given his age and activity, but opinion seems to be near universal that he had dramatically fallen off by this time. Still, it's nice that we have this footage.
Perhaps that explains the lack of concentration I noticed. His style seems really hard to grasp so any footage is a godsend, but even with the footage we still cant fathom his style
You're true. Who knows what the **** he is up to. Absolutley uncanny balance. Strange habit of finding accurate punches even from a tortured perched position. Best back foot jab i've ever seen outside of Ali, even here. Must have been something other in his prime.
His punches really were accurate but to me he didnt put much sting behind any of them, perhaps similar to Maxie Rosenbloom? I was really impressed with his lateral movement and the angles he found whilst using lateral movement and the jab, like you say from tortured perch positions.
I know a whole lot about him but ill save it for later as im going to sleep. But check this out an old time Mexican great that is never mentioned beat him Chango Cassonova.
yeah that article was interesting, especially the quote (paraphrasing) "if you'd seen wolgast, you'd never have heard of willie pep"
