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Active Tasmania

Gerald Freeman

Member 1992 - Born 5 January 1941

Gerald entered the ring for the first time in 1955 at the age of 14, and the following year won his first state championship in the Featherweight division. In 1957 the youngster from Bothwell was selected in his first state team.

By 1959 Gerald had matured as a boxer and he defeated Arthur Bradley of Queensland to capture his first national title, in the Light Welterweight division. At the 1960 selection trials in Melbourne he was chosen Australia's No. 2 boxer for the Australian Olympic team to compete in Rome. Gerald was defeated on points in his second round elimination bout.

Further state and national honours came his way in 1960 and 1961 and the following year he won selection in the Australian team for the 1962 Perth Commonwealth Games. At those trials he was voted 'Best Boxer in Australia'. He was bitterly disappointed to lose a hotly disputed points decision at the Games and this motivated an early retirement at the age of 22.

He made a brief come-back in 1963 before retiring permanently in 1964. In total he won four national championships, seven state titles and represented his country at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

Gerald Freeman was not only a truly great Tasmanian champion but outside the ring was recognised as a fine ambassador for his sport.