William Hague

Who was William Hague?

James William "Iron" Hague was a boxer born in Mexborough, South Yorkshire. He was the British Heavyweight Champion between 1909 and 1911. He fought for the Yorkshire Heavyweight title against Dick Parkes at Doncaster on 8 April 1905 winning in the 5th round. He then went on to beat a steady stream of English heavyweights, many by K.O's. He came under the eye of London and was invited to enter the Heavyweight Novice competition held at the National Sporting Club, London in January 1908. This was a series of fights of 3 rounds only. He won this with a series of K.O's. After gaining a few more victories under his belt he was then invited to fight Gunner Jim Moir for the English Heavyweight title on 19 April 1909. He won this in the first round with a K.O, creating a new boxing record for the fastest victory of a title. His homecoming was a splendid affair with thousands lining the streets of his home town. He defended the title once against Bill Chase, knocking him out in the 6th round, but lost it on 24 April 1911 to the up-and-coming Bombardier Billy Wells. This fight was for the first Lonsdale Belt.