Ralph Nicholls

National Boxing

Class of 1937

Inducted : 1998

Ralph Nicholls was a member of the wrestling and varsity football and baseball teams in high school. In 1936, he played third base on the varsity baseball team, the first time the team resumed playing after a long hiatus due to the Depression.

While he was a high school student, Mr. Nicholls began participating in local competitions and open boxing tournaments at Asbury Park’s Convention Hall. In 1935, at seventeen years old, he won the Golden Glove Central Jersey Championship. To reach this goal he had to defeat twelve other contenders. This championship was the top and only prize to be won at any age.

Shortly after graduating from high school he worked for his family's business. He went on to work at Balanca Aircraft Factory and then owned and operated a custodial and maintenance business. From 1945 - 1995, he performed as a drummer in a number of local bands.