Tommy Farr

TOMMY FARR d1986. Welsh boxer nicknamed "the Tonypandy Terror", he became British and Empire Heavyweight Champion on 15th March 1937 and is considered to be one of the greatest British heavyweight fighters of all time. Career Record ; 137 fights / 84 wins with 34 losses. Prior to 1936, he had boxed in the light-heavyweight division in which he was the Welsh champion. On 30th August 1937, he fought world heavyweight champion Joe Louis at the height of his career at the Yankee Stadium New York. He gained huge respect whilst losing a controversial points decision after 15 rounds. Louis (one of the greatest heavyweights of all time) had knocked out eight of his previous nine opponents and proceeded to knock out his next seven, but was fearlessly attacked and hurt by Farr. The 50,000 crowd booed when Louis was awarded a narrow points decision after referee Arthur Donovan Sr had seemingly raised Farr's glove in victory. After the Louis fight, he was unsuccessful in several contests at Madison Square Garden New York. These included a ten-round fight on 21st January 1938, against former heavyweight champion James Braddock (the Cinderella Man). He returned to the UK early in 1939, enjoying a run of victories that year. He retired in 1940, but personal tragedies saw him lose his fortune ; he ended up bankrupt and having to return to the ring at the age of 36 to make a living. He died in 1986 aged 72.