A special plaque will be unveiled in the city centre next week, (Friday 2, September) to commemorate a Cardiff born, Welsh champion boxer.
The late Jack Petersen was the first Welshman to win the British and Empire Light heavyweight and heavyweight boxing championships among a number of titles he won during his short but highly impressive career in the 1930s.
He was born in Whitchurch Cardiff on September 2, 1911 and enjoyed an excellent amateur record before turning professional in 1931. He won several titles including the British light-heavyweight crown, the British heavyweight title and the Lonsdale Belt which he defended eight times.
In his early twenties he defended a 22-fight unbeaten record and was pleasing local crowds of up to 50,000 people at Ninian Park. He went on to be Britain’s biggest box-office draw and won 33 of his 38 professional fights.
Petersen retired at an early age of 25 due to an injury to his eye. He went on to become a Cardiff Councillor and served in the Army attaining the rank of Major. He kept his interest in Boxing alive and was elected as the first boxer to the position of President of the British Boxing Board of Control, a post which he held until his death from lung cancer in 1990.
He also served on the Sports Council for Wales and was Deputy Chairman under Sir Harry Llewellyn. He was awarded the Territorial Decoration in 1950 and the OBE for Services to Sport in 1978. He married Betty Williams, daughter of a well known Cardiff auctioneer and had five children and 17 grandchildren.
The blue plaque is one of a series erected in South Wales, to remember famous people, events and places. It will be erected at number 6 -7 St Johns Street, outside the Blacks shop at the top of the Hayes.
The building once housed the Lynn Institute Gym, owned by Jack’s father, Pa Petersen, who became his mentor and manager. The facility offered boxing training, fitness, massage and hot baths to the citizens of Cardiff during the 1920’s and 1930’s, and was used by sportsmen including the Cardiff City football team who went on to win the 1927 FA Cup.
The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Prof Delme Bowen and Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Neil McEvoy will attend the event as well as members of Mr Petersen’s family.
Cllr Bowen said: “I am delighted that we are honouring a respected and victorious boxing legend who was such a great role model for Welsh men during the dark days of the depression of the 1930s.
“This plaque will raise awareness of the achievements and success of Jack Petersen whilst adding historical value to the city.
“Cardiff is fortunate to have a rich history and culture of sporting figures and it is important to commemorate them for the education of future generations.”
Robert Petersen, Jack’s youngest son said: “On behalf of all the Petersen family I would like to thank the Lord Mayor and the City of Cardiff for giving my father such an honour. He was through and through a Cardiffian and it is most appropriate that this plaque has been erected outside the building which he trained so hard for all his fights.”
