OHIO'S BEST BOXERS
BILLY "KELLY" WAGNER

One of the most popular boxers in the Cleveland area during the 1970s was a light-heavyweight Billy Wagner. Many feel that the 175lb division right after the Bob Foster era was among the most talent laden ever. Galindez, Conteh, Yaqui Lopez. Eddie Gregory, Matt Franklin and Marvin Johnson created loads of excitement. The contender during Foster's reign are usually overlooked because of Foster's dominance. There were some good light-heavyweights then and Wagner was one of them. Nevertheless a title shot always eluded him.

Billy became a bonafide contender on November 25, 1970, when out pointed former title challenger Roger Rouse in Cleveland. Within a year Billy would lose tough decisions to John Griffin and Don Fullmer. A kayo loss in a rematch with fellow Clevelander Griffin temporarily pushed Billy out of contention. Billy regrouped and over the next twelve months he posted victories over Joe Cokes, Hal Carroll and Frankie Evans. On July 21, 1973, at Madison Square Garden, Wagner met highly ranked Mike Quarry. A win may have secured a title try for Billy. It was judged a draw although many felt Billy had done enough to win. Four months later Wagner returned to NYC and was halted by the streaking Jorge Ahumada. From that point on Billy's career decelerated.

Jim Amato