Joe Hoare

A member of the famous Orion Club, Joe Hoare won the 1890 ABA middleweight title by beating George West of Birmingham in the final. Prior to his ABA title, Hoare’s best win was in capturing the German Gymnastic Society’s middleweight title in 1887. In addition to Orion, he also boxed for, and was captain of, the Spartan Boxing Club

After his fight days were over, Hoare turned to refereeing and continued as an official up to the outbreak of World War I. At the 1908 London Olympics, he officiated in two finals. He was referee for the bantamweight final between Harry Thomas and Johnny Condon, and was a judge in the Fred Grace – Fred Spiller lightweight final. Hoare served the ABA for many years and was honorary secretary for the three years up to 1907, when he became joint-treasurer with Jack Angle.