Adolph August (Ad) Wolgast

Adolphus “Ad” Wolgast

Professional Boxer

Ad Wolgast was born in Cadillac, Michigan and at age 16 left home to find his way in the world. He took on a series of jobs before settling on boxing as a career. After compiling a winning record across Michigan, he headed west to Wisconsin to take on stiffer competition while gaining a reputation as a relentless brawler with a crippling left hook and a ferocious body attack. Wolgast then moved to California, the center of the boxing universe, where he gained national fame in a 40-round decision over the world lightweight champion. He would go on to lose and regain his title a few times over the remainder of his career as he compiled a record of 61 wins (42 by knockout), 13 losses and 16 draws with most of his losses coming late in his career. Ad Wolgast was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1964. He passed away on April 14, 1955 at 67 years of age.