Philadelphia Jack O'Brien

Joseph Francis Hagan (better known as Philadelphia Jack O'Brien) (January 17, 1878 – November 12, 1942) was light heavyweight boxing champion of the world.

Personal

Born in Philadelphia, Hagan was the older brother to John T. Hagan, a.k.a. Young Jack O'Brien and the cousin of heavyweight boxer Jack Rowan.

Professional Boxing Career

Hagan turned pro in the 1890s and won the World Light Heavyweight title with a win over Bob Fitzsimmons in 1905, but vacated the title shortly after. In 1906 he drew with World Heavyweight Title holder Tommy Burns, and lost a decision in a rematch the following year. In 1909 he lost to World Middleweight Title holder Stanley Ketchel, and lost via TKO in a rematch later that year.

Exhibitions

Known Exhibitions fought by O'Brien:
*1909-8-20 EX4 Dick Gilbert, Denver, CO
*1909-2-11 EX4 Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, Philadelphia, PA
*1909-1-04 EX2 Fred Cooley, Washington S.C. Philadelphia, PA
*1909-1-04 EX2 Jack Reed, Washington S.C. Philadelphia, PA
*1909-1-04 EX2 Jack Cooper, Washington S.C. Philadelphia, PA
*1908-9-23 EX4 Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, Philadelphia, PA
*1908-4-04 EX4 Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, Philadelphia, PA
*1902-3-26 EX Jack McCann, Reading, PA
*1902-3-26 EX2 Morris Mahoney, Reading, PA

Life After Boxing

Hagan is believed to have managed a gym at 1658 Broadway, NY, in the late 1920s/early 1930s. (See the Dec. 24, 1931 New York Times)

He was the chief second to Jack Dempsey at the 1926 Dempsey-Tunney bout in Philadelphia

Hagan was elected into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1987.

References

*
* [http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/w0202-tc.htm Cyberboxingzone Article]

External links

* [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=14916605 Photo]