DR. CHARLES P. LARSON

Photo courtesy of The News Tribune files

Dr. Larson started his boxing career in 1927 when he boxed as an amateur and, as the story goes, had a few professional fights which led him to believe that a more academic career in medicine might be a more appropriate choice.

He attended Gonzaga University then medical school at McGill University in Montreal. He became interested in neuropathology which led him to forensic medicine. WWII brought him into the world of war crimes where he spent his time investigating war related deaths in the European theatre. At the end of the war he testified at the Nuremberg trials. Upon return to the states he settled with his wife Margaret in Tacoma.

Larson, who was born in Spokane in 1910, was appointed chairman of the Washington State Athletic Commission in 1957 by Governor Rosellini. His interest in boxing continued with involvement locally in the Golden Gloves and nationally as a ring physician and boxing judge. Many a night was spent at the Larson household watching the Gillette Friday night fight with each member of the family scoring the bout with the 10-point must system.

One of the commission's first acts was to license 1956 Olympic heavyweight champion Pete Rademacher to make his pro debut against world pro titlist Floyd Patterson in Seattle in 1957.

The idea of pairing an amateur for his first pro bout with the world pro champion was an unusual concept but one that promoter Jack Hurley was willing to try. While some nationally called the match "ridiculous," Larson responded in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer by saying that if Rademacher won the fight, "we will recognize him as the heavyweight champion of the world in the great sovereign State of Washington."

Dr. Larson, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, became interested in the injuries in boxing especially those involving the brain. He designed and lobbied successfully for the padding in the floor mats to prevent head trauma and he was responsible for getting the turn buckles wrapped also preventing head injuries.

In 1961 he was elected the president of the National Boxing Association, the oldest and most prestigious sanctioning organization for boxing. He realized the global nature of boxing and in 1962 became the first president of the newly formed World Boxing Association replacing the NBA.

His strong influence in boxing circles made Tacoma and the Northwest an important boxing venue. The rich history of Tacoma boxing continues to this day as a result of his influence.