JoAnn Hagen

JoAnn Hagen (1930 or 1931 – February 5, 2004) was an American former professional female boxer who was a pioneer of women's boxing in the 1940s and 1950s.

Early life Jo-Ann Verhaegen was born in South Bend, Indiana, United States, in 1930 or 1931. She was "discovered" while playing sandlot football with boys.

Professional boxing career Verhaegen began to regularly train at local promoter Johnny Nate's boxing gym. Her first fight came after just two days of training, when she filled in for another trainee and won.

In June 1950, she appeared on the first card to feature women's boxing in West Virginia, sparring Nancy Parker in a six-round exhibition.

Hagen fought Norm Jones, a male boxer, in Michigan City in 1952, winning by decision after four rounds.

In September 1954, in Calgary, Alberta, Hagen beat Barbara Buttrick by an eight-round decision, the only loss of Buttrick's career, before 1,200 fans. It was the first women's bout broadcast on radio. She once posed with Sugar Ray Robinson for a publicity shoot.

Over an eight-year career, she reigned as U.S. women's champion in the featherweight and lightweight divisions.

After the Kugler bout, she retired from boxing. Following her retirement, Hagen enlisted in the Marine Corps.

Death Jo-Ann Verhaegen died on February 5, 2004, in South Bend, Indiana, United States, at age 73.

Legacy Hagen competed in three fights against men, winning every one.

She was posthumously inducted into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014. She was inducted into the "Women's Trailblazer Category" of the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2023.