Biography:
Pat Emerick, born as Pat Lancaster Landreth, is a pioneer female boxer hailing from Tennessee. At the age of 88, she reminisces about her boxing career that made her a former boxing champion. Her journey in the ring began when she was a 19-year-old ticket seller in South Bend, Indiana. In 1948, a promoter suggested she try her hand at boxing, and thus began her path towards becoming a boxing sensation.
To prepare for her new venture, Pat trained diligently. She spent hours working on her technique, honing her skills with a punching bag and engaging in sparring sessions. Additionally, she incorporated a daily five-minute run along a railroad track near the University of Notre Dame. This robust training routine soon paid off, and Pat went on to achieve remarkable success in the ring.
Pat’s boxing record boasts an impressive 18-1, with her only loss occurring in her first professional fight. However, it was her title match in November 1949 that truly solidified her place in the boxing world. Competing against Joann Hagen, who stood at 5’7 and weighed 150 lbs, Pat pulled out all the stops. Employing a combination of left jabs to the head and powerful body shots, she overwhelmed Hagen. After three grueling rounds, Hagen was unable to continue, and Pat emerged victorious, securing the championship on a TKO. This remarkable achievement earned her the Ladies World Boxing Association championship title.
Being a female boxer during that era presented unique challenges for Pat. On one occasion, she encountered a referee who seemed biased towards her opponent, intervening whenever she was ready to deliver a decisive blow. Pat later discovered that the referee held a fondness for her adversary, explaining his questionable actions. Despite such obstacles, her determination and passion for the sport kept her going.
Throughout her career, Pat competed in various locations across Indiana, Nebraska, and Iowa. However, the reality for women boxers of that time was that financial rewards were meager. It was the love for the sport that drove many women, including Pat, to persevere. In her title fight against Hagen, Pat earned $250, which, even before deductions, was a modest sum.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck in September 1950, when Pat was involved in a severe vehicle accident at the age of 20. The incident marked a turning point in her boxing career. Despite the dire circumstances, she miraculously survived, thanks to her exceptional physical condition. Pat made the brave decision to forgo a leg amputation, opting for multiple operations instead. After enduring thirteen months of hospitalization and undergoing seven surgeries, Pat was left with a left leg that could no longer bend.
Beyond her boxing endeavors, Pat embraced motherhood wholeheartedly. She gave birth to eleven children and also became a stepmother to four more. Despite the challenges she faced, Pat Emerick’s legacy as one of the top female pioneer boxers endures to this day. Her dedication, skill, and tenacity in the ring have left an indelible mark on the sport of women’s boxing.
Awards:
– Ladies World Boxing Association championship title