By Per Ake Persson
Former 3-time EBU welterweight champion Jorgen "Gamle" Hansen has passed away at the age of 74. Hansen had been suffering from dementia the last few years.
"Gamle" (the Old Man") Hansen became a legend in his own time not just in Danish and European boxing but also in Danish sport.
His win over Dave Green in Randers back in 1978 is a classic everyone remembers. Hansen, a big underdog to begin with, was floored but came back to stop Green in the third round and British commentator Reg Gutteride delivered the classic line that "in 40 years of boxing I´ve never seen anything like this."
Hansen was a good amateur and fought in the 1968 Olympics and then turned pro.
His early career was so-so even if he fought for both the WBC and EBU titles but also blew hot and cold and was an erratic performer.
However when then future WBA champ Ayub Kalule came to Denmark he set a standard in training that also lifted Hansen to a different level. He was a solid boxer with a powerful right and when in top shape he was a dangerous opponent for anyone and a dominant force in European boxing for a number of years in the late 70´s and early 80´s.
Hansen fought professionally from 1969 through 1982 compiling record of 78-14, 35 early endings.
Outside of Green he fought Pipino Cuevas, Hans Henrik Palm, Bruno Arcari, Roger Menetrey and a number of others in a great career.
