Jack Petersen Boxing Champion
A Welsh Sporting legend
John “Jack” Charles Petersen entered our Baker family line through his marriage to our third cousin Annie Elizabeth “Betty” Williams on 9 October 1935. Betty was the daughter of Thomas Baker Williams, a well-known Cardiff auctioneer, and his wife Maud Williams.
Jack’s story is one of remarkable talent and determination. At just twenty years old, he became the youngest fighter ever to win the British Heavyweight title – a record-breaking achievement that captured the nation’s attention and made him a Welsh sporting hero. We are delighted to share his life and legacy as part of our family’s history.
Cardiff Born
Jack was born on 2 September 1911 at 52 Monthermer Road, Cathays, Cardiff, one of three children of John Thomas Peterson (1889–1945) and Melinda Laura Rossiter (1887–1943). Baptised John Charles Peterson, he later adopted the spelling Petersen for his professional career. He received a private education in Lower Bullingham, Herefordshire.
His father, originally from Cork, was a respected physiotherapist and boxing trainer, and his grandfather was of Norwegian origin. In 1905, his father established the Lynn Institute in St John’s Square, Cardiff, which became a renowned training centre for boxers and wrestlers. This strong sporting background no doubt influenced Jack’s early interest and success in boxing.
Boxing Champion
Jack’s amateur boxing career began with great promise. On 23 February 1931, he won the ABA Light Heavyweight Championship of Wales at the Drill Hall in Cardiff. Just a month later, he became Light Heavyweight Champion of Britain.
With support from a syndicate organised by his father, Jack turned professional later that year, fighting under the name Jack Petersen. His professional debut came in September 1931, when he defeated the towering Bill Partridge in the fourth round at London’s Holborn Stadium, despite being three stone lighter. Over the next few months, he fought thirteen bouts, winning three major titles in 1932: Welsh Heavyweight Champion (defeating Dick Power). British Light Heavyweight Champion (defeating Harry Crossley). British Heavyweight Champion (defeating Reggie Meen).
History Maker
His knockout victory over Reggie Meen in the second round made him the first Welshman to win the British Heavyweight title – and, at twenty years old, the youngest ever to do so. In 1933, Petersen fought seven times, notably defeating the six-foot-four Irishman Jack Doyle, who outweighed him by four stone, and securing the Lonsdale Belt. His first defeat came later that year at the hands of Len Harvey, ending a twenty-five-fight winning streak and costing him the British title.
The following year, 1934, proved triumphant once again: he won all seven of his fights and reclaimed the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship in a rematch against Len Harvey – another first for Wales. By the end of the year, he had won 32 of his 33 fights. In 1935, Jack fought twice, both against the formidable German Walter Neusel. In their second match, a dramatic moment saw Jack’s father accidentally throw in the towel during a close fight, resulting in an unexpected loss. This marked the end of their professional partnership.
Hanging Up The Gloves
Jack successfully defended his title in 1936, defeating Len Harvey again and later overcoming Jock McAvoy, the Middle and Light Heavyweight Champion of Britain. However, his reign ended on 17 August 1936, when he lost to Ben Foord of South Africa in a shocking three-round bout at Leicester rugby ground.
His final fight came on 1 February 1937, a rematch with Walter Neusel at Harringay Arena. Though he fought bravely, the bout was stopped in the tenth round, and medical advice soon forced him to retire to protect his eyesight. At just 26 years old, Jack Petersen left the ring with an impressive record: 33 wins (19 by knockout) out of 38 fights.
This Is Your Life
During the Second World War, Jack served as a Physical Training Instructor in the British Army. After the war, he remained deeply involved in the sport, working with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) and promoting boxing throughout Wales.
On 16 December 1957, Jack received the honour of being featured on the popular television programme This Is Your Life. He was awarded the Territorial Decoration in 1950 and the OBE in 1978 for his outstanding service to sport. In 1986 he was the first former boxer to be elected President of the BBBC. The Board’s new headquarters in south London was later named Jack Petersen House in his honour. He also served as Vice-Chairman of the Sports Council for Wales and as a Cardiff councillor for the Plasnewydd ward.
Jack retained a high profile throughout his life and was a popular contributor to boxing coverage in the media. He and Betty later retired to Porthcawl, where they enjoyed life by the sea. Jack passed away on 22 November 1990, aged 79, at the Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, after a battle with lung cancer. He was cremated, and his ashes were interred at Cathays Cemetery, Cardiff, close to his former home. Betty survived him until 2002.
A Plaque For Jack
In 2011, a blue plaque was unveiled in Cardiff city centre to honour champion boxer Jack Petersen. His son Robert Petersen said the family were deeply honoured by the tribute to his father. The plaque is located on St John Street, at the top of The Hayes, and was unveiled by Cardiff’s Lord Mayor, Delme Bowen. The building once housed the Lynn Institute Gym, which had been owned by Jack’s father — his mentor and manager.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Lord Mayor 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, while adding historical value to the city.”
