From outsider to crowd favorite: It was 1993 when Henry Maske got into the ring against US boxer “Prince” Charles Williams. Many experts at the time were counting on the American to win, but Maske fought his way through. From then on, Germany had a new star in the ring. Because of his fighting style and his well-groomed appearance in public, he was nicknamed “Gentleman”.
Up to 18 million TV viewers watched his fights, and the Brandenburg native sparked a real boxing hysteria. From 1993 to 1996, Maske defended his light heavyweight world title, losing only one of 32 fights. It was to be his last: in 1996 he lost to the American Virgil Hill.
But how much the defeat gnawed at him became apparent eleven years later, when Maske challenged his former conqueror for revenge – and won. That same evening, Henry Maske finally said goodbye to the ring. Although the 60-year-old has hung up his boxing gloves today, he has remained loyal to the sport. For several years he has been a partner in a sports technology company.
Henry Maske: The “Gentleman” turns 60
