We examined the brains of 3 demented male ex‐boxers, including one middleweight world champion, age 72–79 years, using immunocytochemistry for phosphorylated tau (AT8, PHF‐1, CP‐13) and Aβ. We found dense tau immunoreactive neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), glial tangles, neuropil threads and spindles, often in clusters, in the superficial layers of cerebral cortex (I‐III). Cortical tau pathology was most prominent in the sulcal depths of the frontal and temporal lobes, especially the medial temporal lobe, often in a vascocentric pattern. Tau positive glia and spindle‐shaped neurites were also found in the subcortical white matter and corpus callosum. The olfactory bulb, thalamus, hypothalamus, nucleus basalis, striatum, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, raphe, periventricular gray, locus ceruleus, oculomotor nucleus, red nucleus, pontine base, tegmentum, reticular nuclei, inferior olives, and dentate nucleus also showed dense NFTs and glial tangles. Spindle‐shaped neurites and tau positive glia were pronounced in the midline white matter tracts of the brainstem. Aβ neuritic plaques were found in 2 cases. The pattern of tau pathology in dementia pugilistica is distinct from AD; its distribution in superficial cortex, deep nuclei, brainstem and white matter tracts may reflect its origin from traumatic neuronal and axonal disruption. Supported by NIA P30 AG13846, and by the Dept of Veteran's Affairs.