Old boxers

[Tricia_2]

Not sure.
I think that he was born in Llantrisant around 1911, but he may have lived in Pontypridd.
I'll see if my Mum can remember.

[Pontygirl]

Hi Gareth
I'm new here, but saw your post about boxing in Pontypridd, and wondered if you can help me trace Albert John Bowen who was connected to the Mill St boxing scene in Pontypridd around the 1920's?  My grandfather (Albert's elder brother) was also interested in boxing and a member there too. He was Daniel David Bowen, who also later became secretary of the Pontypridd Rubgy Club 1921. I don't think either of them were champions, just colliers who used to enjoy the scene. Albert went off to live in Evesham I think, and we have completely lost all track of his side of the family. Any info would be good. Many thanks.

[EXMOUTH]

My Grandfather was Billy Thomas - originally from Merthyr then  Bargoed and Deri who was boxing in late 1920's and 1930's.
He went to Australia in 1928 on a boxing tour and contested the Australian Middleweight title.
He was also ,I believe, the only person to beat Tommy Farr.
Any information would be great and good luck with the book.

[joboy]

Not sure where he was born but certainly Welsh was Jimmy Driscoll ......... my dad used to tell me about him when I wanted to do a little bit of 'the noble art' and bought me a book about him ............. there is a lot about this champion by googling.
Joe

[Tricia_2]

I was reading about Jim Driscoll only today ~ well, his funeral, actually ~ in a book called
'Immigration and Integration: The Irish in Wales - 1798-1922' by Paul O'Leary. Very interesting.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Immigration-Integration-1798-1922-Studies-History/dp/0708317677
http://www.recyclegen.com/Peerless/index.html

[Garethboxing]

Sorry about the delay in replying: I've not been getting email notifications about recent posts for some reason 

First, Pontygirl: sorry, I know nothing of your Bowens. I can tell you, it's hard enough trying to find out about some of the old boxers from Ponty, let alone the fans 

Exmouth, Billy Thomas came close to inclusion in my current book about Merthyr and Ponty boxers, but I decided he was based for most of his career in Deri, so he should wait till I get around to the Rhymney Valley. I'll contact you by PM, but should point out he was far from the only person to beat  Tommy Farr - Joe Louis did, rather famously, for one! Farr lost frequently when he was starting out.

Joboy, Driscoll was from Cardiff. And Tricia, there are pictures of his funeral in my first book:

http://www.welsh-academic-press.com/St%20Davids%20Press/The%20Boxers%20of%20Wales%20-%20Cardiff.html
 

[Tricia_2]

Hi Gareth,

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out.

Well, I managed to get to Cardiff Library and to see the newspaper article about my uncle. They had ordered it in specially for me. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. The family really enjoyed hearing his story!

Thanks again

Tricia

[Mike Bull]

Hey bud just came across your mail regarding my great uncle Frank Moody his brother Glen and my grandfather Jack. Thank you for the posting and I am sure if you want more info I can help you. I know my grandfgather Jack was a miner and was killed in a pit cave in at the maritime mine in Pontypridd. My mother was only two at this time. You are right Glen and Frank went on to be very competent boxers travelling to America and Australia. Sadly they have now left the ring of life but I have pictures of them displayed in my barber shop in Thetford Norfolk where I live. It's great to see that the Moody heritage lives on and on........ Thank you once more. Mike 

[Garethboxing]

Thanks, Mike. I will PM you with a couple of specific queries about your grandfather and his brother Glen.

The book should be out in early November and, with the indulgence of the mods, I will give details when it appears.

    Regards, Gareth