Pugilism: A Sport Involving Punching - Manfred Wolke mourned as boxing moves towards social acceptance.
Shimmering night-time fights and captivating audiences: Manfred Wolke played a significant role in Germany's boxing craze during the 1990s. Sadly, the revered boxing coach, who worked with the likes of Henry Maske and Axel Schulz, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 81 in Frankfurt/Oder. The news was confirmed by Maske through the German Press Agency (dpa) and reported by "Welt" newspaper and radio station 91.7 Oderwelle.
The former boxing champ Maske, now 60, expressed his regret over the tragic loss of his influential mentor. "He was definitely the trainer for me," said Maske. "There were several athletes who he helped to become internationally renowned boxers. It wasn't just their talent; he pushed them to reach beyond what they thought possible." Maske also emphasized that while athletes had to find their own path, Wolke was the companion who set the bar high for his charges, leading them to accomplishment.
Wolke's contributions were manifested when Maske secured Olympic gold in the Middleweight category in 1988 in Seoul and became a professional world champion in the light heavyweight category in 1993. The same mentor guided featherweight Rudi Fink to Olympic Gold in 1980 in Moscow.
Wolke, also known as "Manne," was instrumental in reviving the boxing scene in reunified Germany. Known for his prowess in the ring as an East German athlete at one point, he retired as a professional and turned his attention to training. Under his tutelage, Wolke introduced boxing to the big stage. In the Sauerland boxing stable, he introduced Henn Manfred Maske, giving him the spotlight and paving the way for those million-strong televised evening program bouts. Ulli Wegner, a legendary trainer, voiced his sentiments about Wolke in dpa, "He made professional boxing in Germany sophisticated. He was the catalyst that made Maske's fame a reality."
Born in 1943 in Potsdam, Wolke was a celebrated figure in East German sports himself. He boasted Olympic gold in the Welterweight category in 1968 in Mexico City and was a two-time European vice-champion in 1967 and 1971. His appearance at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich as the DDR flag-bearer is proof of his status. "He may have been one of the world's greatest trainers," said Wegner. "Not many athletes achieve success both as performers and trainers."
Besides Maske and Fink, Wolke oversaw the careers of Danilo Haussler (European Super Middleweight champion in 2001), Timo Hoffmann, Kai Kurzawa, Enad Licina, and Artur Hein. His infamous strictness and unique personality were hallmarks of his approach as a coach.
Over time, Maske explored his mentor's humanity, noting, "I realized that Manfred Wolke is not a god, because he was a god for me. He is a signpost, just a human being."
Axel Schulz, a former heavyweight boxer, echoed these sentiments, thanking Wolke for helping him throughout his career. "Without Manne, I wouldn't have become who I am," he said in response to dpa inquiries.
A decisive moment in Schulz's career was when Wolke persuaded him to fight George Foreman in 1995. Although the match's controversial decision favored Foreman, it opened up opportunities for the German boxer on the major stage. "He was the best coach I ever had," said Axel Schulz, with obvious gratitude.
Read also:
- Ulli Wegner, another renowned German boxing trainer, praised Manfred Wolke's influence on the professional boxing scene, stating that he was the catalyst behind Maske's fame.
- Besides Henry Maske and Rudi Fink, Manfred Wolke also guided the careers of several other international boxers, such as Danilo Haussler, Timo Hoffmann, Kai Kurzawa, Enad Licina, and Artur Hein.
- Axel Schulz, a former heavyweight boxer, expressed his gratitude to Wolke for supporting him throughout his career, particularly during his 1995 match against George Foreman.
- Regardless of their talent, Wolke pushed his athletes to exceed their limits and reach new heights, as he did with Henry Maske, who went on to win Olympic gold and become a professional world champion.
- Wolke's impact on German boxing was not limited to his time as a trainer; as an athlete, he also earned notable achievements, including Olympic gold in the Welterweight category in 1968 and being the DDR flag-bearer in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.
