Mildura’s Kevin Hogarth, misses 1956 Olympic medal ceremony

Originally published December 1, 1956

MILDURA’S Kevin Hogarth claimed Australia’s first Olympic boxing medal for almost 50 years when he reached the semi-finals of the in welterweight division.

However, Fred Tiedt, of Ireland, used his terrific left hook to advantage throughout all three rounds of the semi-final against Hogarth.

Strictly a counter-puncher, Tiedt never missed an opportunity to throw his left whenever Hogarth dropped his guard.

Hogarth’s best punch was a right cross as the straight left for which he is renowned was almost useless against the weaving target which Tiedt presented.

Tiedt hammered Hogarth with incessant lefts to the face and Hogarth, in a dying effort, replied with two left jabs, and a right jab to the face, but it was too late.

The decision of the judges was unanimous in favor of Tiedt, with the scores being: Tiedt 60, 60, 60 (180); Hogarth 56, 58, 58 (172).

Hogarth fought his way to the semi-finals at West Melbourne stadium winning all the way against Hungarian welter Andras Doriwith with a deadly left.

In doing so, he became Australia’s most successful boxer in Olympic Games since Adrian Holme came fourth in the light heavyweight division at the 1948 London Games.

Hogarth’s twin strengths — a sound defence and deadly jab — enabled him to master Dori.

Dori was reduced to swinging crude blows which never connected, while Hogarth jabbed constantly with lefts to the nose.

At one stage, after one minute of pummelling, Dori’s face became tomato-red from punishment.

Dori attempted to rush Hogarth — his only hope — but it was in vain.

Hogarth also used his right skilfully against the baffled Hungarian.

Hogarth’s win was a real runaway. The first three judges favored him without the fourth and fifth cards being called for.

The win gave Hogarth a shot at Tiedt, Irish winner in his quarter final over U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Pearce Lane, for a shot at the gold medal.

Tiedt was beaten in the final against Rumanian N. Linca.

Hogarth caused a mild sensation at the Olympic presentation ceremony when he failed to show up to collect his bronze medal.

In boxing four medals were awarded.

Winner of the division received the gold medal; runner-up the silver medal; and the two unsuccessful semi-finalists a bronze medal for what is termed equal third.

As the three other medalists stood on the victory dais, officials made a hurried search of the stadium for Hogarth.

As the announcer called the medalists as they stood on the dais, the crowd sat up in their seats hoping to get a good look at the only Australian to win an Olympic boxing medal for nearly 50 years.

There was a loud murmur of dismay when Hogarth failed to appear when his name was called.

Boxing officials were mystified by Hogarth’s absence and said they could not give any explanation why he did not turn up for the ceremony.

Hogarth later said he was never told that he had won an Olympic medal or that he was required on the evening of the gold medal bout to claim his reward.

Instead, the spent the evening at a harness racing meeting.

“Kevin fights tonight”