Joe Gagnon (1918–2001) was a Canadian amateur

boxer Boxer most commonly refers to: * Boxer (boxing), a competitor in the sport of boxing *Boxer (dog), a breed of dog Boxer or boxers may also refer to: Animal kingdom * Boxer crab * Boxer shrimp, a small group of decapod crustaceans * Boxer snipe ee ...

in flyweight category. In 1938 (20 years old), he was the winner of the silver medal at the

1938 British Empire Games The 1938 British Empire Games was the third British Empire Games, the event that evolved to become the Commonwealth Games. Held in Sydney, Australia from 5–12 February 1938, they were timed to coincide with Sydney's sesqui-centenary (150 ye ...

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. Joe Gagnon had fought 125 times in his career, winning all but eight of his bouts. Included a total of 55 knockouts. He never lost by knockout. In 1997, he was admitted to the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame. His career started in 1933 (15 years old) at the Griffintown Boy's Club. He became champion of Montreal (16 years old), of the province of Quebec and of Canada (18 years old). Several memorables bouts including a 1940 win over Johnny Greco despite giving away 15 pounds. Joe Gagnon also defeated Gerry Blanchard, Fernando Gagnon and Danny Webb. One of the eight losses by decision of the referee came against future world welterweight and middleweight champion

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, who was visiting Montréal in 1938. Gagnon went the distance, but suffering a badly cut lip in the opening round. It was the first defeat in an international bout on the continent. Turning pro, he fought four times before retiring of boxing. In 1957, he was named boxing coach at Palestre Nationale of Montréal.

References

1918 births 2001 deaths Boxers at the 1938 British Empire Games Commonwealth Games silver medallists for Canada Canadian male boxers Commonwealth Games medallists in boxing Flyweight boxers Medallists at the 1938 British Empire Games {{Canada-boxing-bio-stub