Baltimore boxer wins national title: Dan Radebaugh becomes oldest champion

Dan Radebaugh became the first 52-year-old amateur Masters boxer from Baltimore to win a national tournament on Tuesday. The real estate attorney defeated both of his opponents by knockout at the Pat Johnson Masters National Championship Tournament in Atlantic City. His first victory came via a second-round knockout, while the second bout ended in the first round.

Radebaugh is a partner at the R&P Settlement Group, where he has handled legal settlements since 2005. He attended the University of Baltimore School of Law before establishing his career. His path to the ring began with two years of independent training. He then contacted Mack Allison, a coach at Time 2 Boxing Club, to prepare for competition.

Allison said he agreed to train Radebaugh because the boxer wanted to compete rather than just exercise. The coaching plan involved six months of preparation. Allison insisted on sparring with younger and more experienced opponents to ensure Radebaugh was ready for any challenge in the age bracket.

"Listen, I’m not gonna train you to fight another 50 year old, I'm gonna train you to fight a guy who may be a little experienced, and younger," Allison told the boxer. This approach required Radebaugh to adjust to a demanding schedule. He attended early morning practices before working at his law firm. He often arrived at the office late after rushing home to shower.

Radebaugh said his family and colleagues supported his pursuit of the sport. They adjusted their routines to accommodate his training commitments. "It was just something I wanted to do, everyone at home knew it, everyone at work knew it," Radebaugh said. "They all made sacrifices and picked up the slack so I could do what needed to be done."

The competitive portion of the experience lasted only about four minutes across the two bouts. Radebaugh noted the contrast between the short duration of the fights and the long preparation period. He gained a deeper respect for the discipline required by professional and amateur fighters who maintain strict training schedules alongside work and family life.

"I think about all those hours and training, for 6 straight months, and I fought for what, like 4 minutes?" Radebaugh said. "I think what I came away with was respect for Coach Mack and the guys he trains." He described his participation as a brief immersion into a lifestyle defined by consistent effort.

Radebaugh has not decided whether he will compete again. He said he would be willing to fight if given the opportunity, but he noted that his wife and coach view the achievement as a one-time event. Allison suggested that Radebaugh made history and does not need to fight again, though he would prepare the boxer if he chose to return.