Connect with us

Canada and USA

REVANCHE Henry Maske’s Remarkable One-Fight Comeback

Published

on

Revanche Henry Maske – Most boxing comebacks are categorized as “ill-advised.” Alexis Arguello, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Razor Ruddock, Eric Lucas, Stephane Ouellet, Paul Briggs, Axel Schultz, Boone Pultz, Mads Larsen, and Sugar Ray Leonard had little left at the time they came back (though Ray manifestly made an amazing comeback against Marvelous Marvin Hagler). Jerry Quarry and Tommy Morrison had nothing left (but for different reasons).  Even legends like Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis, and Muhammad Ali were a shell of what they once were. Smokin’ Joe Frazier was given a gift draw six years after he came back, and Gerrie Coetzee was slaughtered by Frank Bruno and embarrassed by Iran Barkley. The list is a long one. Relatively few make successful returns to the ring. Notable exceptions that quickly come to mind are Edwin Rosario (who died of a drug overdose while in the midst of a successful comeback), Eder Jofre, Jeff Fenech, Vitali Klitschko, George Foreman, and Carlos Palomino.

In some ways, political comebacks can be like boxing comebacks. If Bill Clinton was “The Comeback Kid,” Dick Nixon laid the blueprint. But in boxing the incentive is usually not restoring disproportionate ego needs and recapturing power and influence; the incentive in boxing is almost always financial. An exception was Henry Maske’s single comeback fight after an eleven year layoff. Henry simply had something to prove about losing for the first time in his career, and against all odds and advice he set out to do just that — to recapture his lost territory– to gain revanche (revenge).

Henry “Gentleman” Maske (2007)

“In the early 1900s, James J. Jeffries looked good physically when he got into the ring against Jack Johnson after six years’ inactivity but could offer only gameness in a mismatch. Joe Louis, after a two-year absence, moved like an old man at the age of 35 when Ezzard Charles outboxed him….Now it is Maske’s turn. He says he wants to avenge the only loss he ever suffered.”—Graham Houston

“This is not good for the sport…If things go normally, Henry doesn’t have a ghost of a chance. He can’t have any reflexes left.”—Sven Ottke

 “Either he’s bored and has earned too much money and doesn’t know what he should do now. Or he needs money. I can’t imagine that he’ll beat Hill.”—Dariusz Michalczewski

Maske, a 1988 Olympic middleweight gold medalist for East Germany, won his first 30 professional fights, many against top-tier opposition. He beat the likes of “Prince” Charles Williams (against whom he won the IBF World light heavyweight title), undefeated Ernesto Magdaleno, Iran Barkley, Graciano Rocchigiani (twice), and John Scully. In fact, in just his sixth professional fight, he beat a seasoned Sean Mannion (38-11-1), and only his first two opponents had losing records. During his career he became the IBF world title holder in the light heavyweight category, winning the belt on March 20,1993 and he successfully defended the title ten times before suffering his first career loss, losing a split decision vs. a prime Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill (42-1).

Though he was only 33 years old at the time, Maske, rather than seek a rematch, called it a career with a 30-1 record.

Called “the gentleman boxer” because of his classic style and extraordinary manners both inside and outside the ring, Henry Maske stayed retired for 11 years but kept fit as a fiddle. In late 2006 he announced that he would go into training for another go at Hill. Many Maske fans feared at the time that the Gentleman with his handsome Teutonic features and blue eyes would ruin his status as a German sports idol by risking a thrashing at the hands of Hill (then 50-5), a future Hall of Famer who had owned multiple titles including the WBA cruiserweight title.

The Fight: Shock and Awe

The cruiserweight fight was held on March 31, 2007 at the Olympiahalle in Munich, Germany, the very same venue in which Maske lost his title to Hill. However, this time Henry shocked the boxing world by doing the improbable, if not the impossible, winning a solid 12-round unanimous decision. This amazing achievement cemented Henry’s standing as one of Germany’s most adored sports figures. But make no mistake; what Maske did was far from the norm. Here is the fight:

To the shouts of “Henry, Henry, Henry,” Maske showed tremendous conditioning and stamina as he was able to outwork Hill. He used pinpoint counters, an effective right jab, and beat Virgil to the punch to reverse his only defeat by scores of 117-110, 116-113, and 117-110. A point controversially deducted from Maske in round eight after an accidental head clash floored Hill and left him with a deep cut over his left eye, but didn’t play a role in the scoring. The crowd was on its feet at the end and even close friend Vladimir Klitschko and announcer Michael Buffer got caught up in the euphoria of what had just occurred.

After the fight, Maske revealed he had promised his wife that he would never box again, thus precluding the possibility of a trilogy.

Here is what Graham Houston had to say in an article for ESPN:

“… in a supremely satisfying victory, Maske gained revenge for his only loss by defeating Virgil Hill in a 12-round cruiserweight “special attraction” in Munich, Germany. Maske had prepared meticulously, including having taken part in two unofficial fights in private. He negotiated the advantageous (for him) weight of 190 pounds, instead of the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds, for the Hill bout. Maske boxed a careful, tactically perfect fight to outpoint Hill, who although a reigning champion, was the same age as Maske.”

Somehow some way, Teddy Atlas got involved, training Maske in the early stages. But like many of Teddy’s charges, Maske left and went back to Germany. It’s safe to assume that Coach Manfred Wolke was far more important than Atlas.

Today, Maske is a successful businessman and a celebrity of sorts in Germany. He is adored by his fandom. He also is a member of Germany’s Sports Hall of Fame. Hopefully, Canastota will be in his future one of these days.

Ted Sares is one of the world’s oldest active power lifters and holds several records. A member of Ring 4’s Boxing Hall of Fame, he enjoys writing about boxing.

Revanche Henry Maske / Check out more boxing news and videos at The Boxing Channel.

 

 

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Advertisement
Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles1 week ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles1 week ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles6 days ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 days ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles3 days ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 days ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles3 days ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles6 days ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles1 week ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles1 week ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

Boxing-Notes-and-Nuggets-from-Thomas-Hauser
Featured Articles1 month ago

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending