Willie Ritchie

Willie Ritchie (born Gerhardt Anthony Steffen, February 13, 1891 – March 24, 1975), was the World lightweight champion from 1912 to 1914.

Ritchie (left) in his title fight against Ad Wolgast, 1912.

He was born in San Francisco, California as Gerhardt Anthony Steffen on February 13, 1891. He began his boxing career in 1907 under the assumed name of "Willie Ritchie" so that his mother wouldn't be aware of his career.

On July 16, 1908, he met future World Bantamweight Champion Jimmy Walsh at the Reliance Athletic Club in Oakland, California, and won a six round points decision. Ritchie was one of the most accomplished opponents Reagan would met in his early career.

Ritchie's first title shot was with reigning lightweight champion Ad Wolgast on November 28, 1912 in San Francisco. Ritchie dominated the fight, and after Wolgast landed two blows below the belt in the sixteenth round, the referee called the fight for Ritchie.

He held the title for two years, successfully defending it four times. In 1914, he sailed to London to face the British lightweight champion, Freddie Welsh. Welsh won the 20-round match by decision.

After losing his title, Ritchie continued to fight until retiring in 1927. In 1937, he became chief inspector for the California State Athletic Commission, a position he held until 1961.

He was inducted in the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1962. He died in Burlingame, California in 1975.