STAN FITZGERALD
LIGHTWEIGHT
1958-1963

When asked why he became a boxer, Stan Fitzgerald replied, "because boys in my neighborhood were kind of tough. They took my popsicles and candy away."

Born Stanford Fitzgerald on the 4th of July, 1934, he attended schools in Buffalo, where his name could usually be found on the honor roll. He started boxing at age 17 while attending Technical High School, where he also participated in Track and Cross-Country. Starting off in the local Golden Gloves tournament, Stan entered the 1951 novice 112 lb. division, and was the runner-up that year. Subsequently, he won Golden Gloves titles in 1952 and 1953, and Niagara District A.A.U. championships in 1953 and 1954. Later in 1954, he became one of Buffalo's most successful amateur boxers by being the runner-up to the Eastern Golden Gloves 126 lb. champion in N.Y. City's Madison Square Garden. Also, in 1954 he captured the National A.A.U. 125 lb. crown in Boston at the Boston Garden.

While Stan was engaging in amateur fights, many of them out-of-town, he was also attending Erie County Technical Institute, majoring in Construction Technology. After completing this two-year course, Stan took a job with the New York State Department of Transportation as a surveyor, working on highway design and inspection of construction.

Fitzgerald turned pro in 1955 and after a few fights was named Prospect of the Month by The Ring magazine in their July 1956 issue. Subsequently, Stan had a 10 bout winning streak snapped when he was stopped by Earl Dennis, who hit him with a flagrant low punch. In 1957 Stan was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Later, after being discharged in February 1959, he resumed his boxing career and took Bernie Blancher as his manager. In early 1960 Stan traveled to Philadelphia where he fought an eight-round bout with the local favorite Sid (Sweet Pea) Adams, losing a highly disputed "home town" decision. The fans were so incensed by this injustice, that they threw debris into the ring.

A few months later, Stan received some publicity when he fought 3 bouts within the space of 5 days. After driving to Philadelphia for a 10 round bout, he drove all the way to Sarnia, Ontario (almost 600 miles) where he fought another main event the following evening! Then Stan drove back down to Akron, Ohio and had a third main event 3 days later. Those who have seen Fitzgerald fight say that he won with a swarming style that overwhelmed his opponents.

After finding it difficult to obtain opponents, Stan retired from boxing with only 3 losses on his record, two of which were highly disputed. He continued working for the State of New York, and retired after 41 years. Stan lives in Buffalo, and has 2 daughters and 7 grandchildren.

Tonight we honor Stan Fitzgerald by inducting him into Ring 44's Hall of Fame.