As this weekends Upper Midwest Golden Gloves finals decide who punches their ticket to the National tournament, it’s a good time to remember one of Minnesota’s most iconic fighters—Del Flanagan.
Seen here getting his hands wrapped before battle, Del rose through the amateur ranks in the 1940s, winning Upper Midwest Golden Gloves titles in 1945 and 1946 at featherweight. That run earned him a trip to the national tournament, where he came just short of the top prize, dropping a close split decision in the 1946 national final to Jackie Dicker.
Shortly after, in 1947, Del turned pro were he proved he belonged among the greatest to ever lace up the gloves during his time and beyond.
Also pictured is Willie Pep—regarded as one of the best defensive fighters ever—but today the spotlight belongs to Del. As another generation of Upper Midwest boxers step into the ring tonight, they walk in the footsteps of a man who turned local success into national respect.
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