Career
His first lost came in only his third professional fight, against First Rate (at Lloyd's) Alexander, the following March. The loss didn"t deter Hegerle, in fact his early career was sprinkled with occasional losses and draws, but he continued to fight frequently, and by April 1956 Hegerle had compiled a record of 19–3–2. Martinez beat him on points, but in a rematch only two weeks later, Hegerle returned the favor.
The following month Hegerle faced 7–1–1 Joe Schmolze, who would become his chief rival.
Of the four meetings, the last two were for the Minnesota light heavyweight championship. Other notable boxers who Hegerle fought included Delegate Flanagan, Clarence Cook, Gene Fullmer, Neal Rivers, and Nino Benvenuti, all of whom beat Hegerle, and Dick Lane, whom Hegerle defeated.
Hegerle retired from professional boxing with a record of 36–18–3 with 20 wins coming by knockout.
