Samuel Berger (boxer)

Samuel Berger (December 25, 1884 – February 23, 1925) was an American professional heavyweight boxer who competed in the early twentieth century.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois and died in San Francisco, California.

Olympics

A longtime leading amateur boxer representing the San Francisco Olympic Club, the 6' 2", 200-pound Berger was the first Olympic Heavyweight Boxing Champion, winning his gold medal in St. Louis in Boxing at the 1904 Summer Olympics. The St. Louis Games marked the first time boxing was included on the Olympic program.

Pro career

Berger turned professional immediately after the Olympics, but fought as a pro for only two years. His most notable professional bout was a 6-round no-decision against Light-Heavyweight Champion Philadelphia Jack O’Brien in July 1906.

Hall of Fame

Berger, who was Jewish, was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1985. [ [http://www.jewishsports.net/BioPages/Tables/Sport/Boxing.htm International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame ] at www.jewishsports.net]

Link

[http://www.jewishsports.net/biopages/SamuelBerger.htm Jewish Sports bio]

Notes