UW Athletic Hall of Fame

Gene Rankin

  • Class
  • Induction
    1992
  • Sport(s)
    Boxing
Gene Rankin
  • Only boxer in NCAA history to win three national titles (1939, 1941 and 1942) at the same weight class (135 pounds)
  • Key member of the Wisconsin national championship squads of 1939 and 1942
  • Captain of the Badger boxing team as a senior in 1942
  • Speed and finesse were his trademarks in the ring
  • Won the 1937 National Diamond Belt title at 135 pounds
  • Served in World War II with the United States Navy
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