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Indianapolis Pugilist: Ray Bronson

Online Lecture and Q&A Session

Join us online via Zoom to learn how Ray Bronson, known as the “Indianapolis Pugilist,” rocked the boxing world during the early 20th century and how his considerable wins, international bouts, and successful management of other boxers put him a cut above most fighters.

Culture, History, and Society: Historic Indianapolis Metropolitan Area—Boxing holds a revered place in the history of American life. From Jack Johnson and Rocky Marciano to Muhammad Ali, the sport has captivated audiences and broken barriers. One boxer who did just that was Ray Bronson (1887 – 1948), known as the “Indianapolis Pugilist.” Starting his boxing career in his teens, Bronson fought in 81 matches, with 48 wins and 22 Knock-Outs. His skill in the ring took him all over the world, from Sydney to London, where he was one of the first American boxers to fight abroad. Later in life, he cultivated upstart boxers, acting as their manager, and worked to promote the sport. Bronson’s name has largely been forgotten by sports aficionados, but his mark on boxing remains. In this free online session, from Indiana Historical Bureau historian Justin Clark, you'll learn how Ray Bronson rocked the boxing world during the early 20th century and how his considerable wins, international bouts, and successful management of other boxers put him a cut above most fighters. Registration is required. 

Presented by: Justin Clark is a public historian and serves as the Digital Initiatives Director for the Indiana Historical Bureau, a division of the Indiana State Library. He holds a B.S. in History/Political Science from Indiana University Kokomo and a M.A. in Public History from Indiana University Indianapolis. A specialist in intellectual history and digital history, his writing has appeared in the Indiana Historical Bureau’s Untold Indiana blog and The Sower and the Seer: Perspectives on the Intellectual History of the American Midwest. 

Age Group: Adults

This free online program is part of the Culture, History, and Society programs hosted by the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR). It is being held as an online meeting/webinar via Zoom. Registered attendees will receive the Zoom link via email within 2 hours before the online meeting/webinar. Made possible by the Indiana Historical Bureau, a division of the Indiana State Library. 

Contact: Special Collections Librarian Montoya Barker | Email

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