Thomas Thomas (boxer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thomas Thomas |
|
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Thomas John Thomas |
| Nickname(s) | Tom Farmer |
| Rated at | middleweight |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Nationality | Welsh |
| Born | 8 April 1880 Glynarthen, Wales |
| Died | 13 August 1911 (aged 31) Cardiff, Wales |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 36 |
| Wins | 32 |
| Wins by KO | 28 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Draws | 0 |
Thomas Thomas (born April 8, 1880 – died August 13, 1911) was a famous Welsh boxer. He made history as the first British middleweight boxing champion.
Early Life and Boxing Start
Thomas Thomas was born in a place called Glynarthen, in Wales. When he was young, his family moved to Carncelyn Farm in Penygraig, which is in the Rhondda Valley of South Wales.
He started his boxing career in a fun way! He boxed in a "sideshow" that traveled around. He even toured with other famous boxers like Freddie Welsh and Jim Driscoll.
Becoming a Champion Boxer
Thomas Thomas quickly became a strong boxer. He won the local heavyweight "championship" in the Rhondda Valley. After that, he won a big middleweight competition in London.
In May 1906, he fought against the English champion, Pat O'Keeffe. Thomas Thomas won this important fight! This made him the very first national British middleweight champion.
He kept winning and made more history in 1909. He fought Charlie Wilson and won the first-ever Lonsdale Belt for his weight class. The Lonsdale Belt is a special award for British boxing champions.
Thomas Thomas won over thirty fights during his career. He held his British middleweight title until November 1910, when he lost it to Jim Sullivan.
Later Years and Legacy
Sadly, Thomas Thomas started to get sick with rheumatism. He passed away in August 1911 in Cardiff because of heart failure.
Even though not all of his boxing matches were officially recorded, people believe he won 41 out of his 44 fights. He is remembered as a pioneering Welsh boxer and a true champion.