Ulli Wegner celebrates his 83rd birthday today – an occasion to congratulate one of Germany’s greatest boxing coaches.
Born in Stettin in 1942, Wegner survived the war, flight and reconstruction in the GDR. He discovered his passion for boxing at an early age – and although his active career as an amateur never quite lived up to his own expectations, he achieved true greatness as a coach. First as a state and national coach in the GDR sports system, later as a national coach in the reunified Federal Republic. His protégés collected more than 150 medals at the Olympics, World and European Championships.
In the professional world, Ulli Wegner became a living legend: Sven Ottke, Arthur Abraham, Markus Beyer, Marco Huck, Cecilia Braekhus – they all became world champions under his guidance. His clear language, his stern tone – always combined with genuine passion – shaped generations of athletes. Wegner was also active outside the ring: as a local politician in Berlin, a socially committed citizen and a passionate soccer fan. Even today, he is regarded as a role model for discipline, fairness and unbridled determination. His motto in life: “I wasn’t just ambitious – I was voraciously ambitious!” – he never just said it, he lived it.
Dear Ulli, we sincerely wish you health, happiness and continued fire in your heart – and thank you for everything you have given to German and international boxing. Happy birthday, coaching legend! 🥊🎉🇩🇪