British boxing history

Few people today are aware of just how popular and widespread the sport of boxing was in Britain in the first half of the 20th century.

Professional boxing shows were staged with astounding regularity - sometimes a single venue would hold several fight shows per week, and regular boxing could be seen in towns and cities nationwide. There were thousands of active pro fighters in Britain, and many had to fight week in and week out simply to earn a crust.

The nation's leading boxers were feted like film stars, and the sport attracted a following akin to Premier League football today. Back then a British-title win was a glorious achievement and no mere 'stepping-stone', and the British champions themselves were household names.

Naturally, such an environment turned out many great champions, plus others who were great but for various reasons never won titles. Sadly, their names and their accomplishments are all but forgotten today. This section of the site is dedicated to them and to the feats they achieved inside the roped square.

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Interested in Britain's boxing past? Then why not join the British Boxing History facebook group and share your knowledge and opinions with others. To join the group simply click here, sign in to facebook, then click 'Like'.