BOXING

Grey River Argus, 6 August 1937, Page 6

BOXING

TOMMY FARR. Now that Welshman Tommy Farr has been matched to light Joe Louis for the world’s title, boxing fans will recall the deeds of British heavies in world company. Until Farr’s advent none since the immortal Charlie Mitchell has achieved fame. Mitchell spotted weight to John L. Sullivan and held him to a draw at Chantilly, France. Bombadier Billy Wells might have won a world's title, but he had a glass jaw. Joe Beckett, had a papier mache chin, and Phil Scott spent most of his time on the floor. He gained the sobriquet of “Phainting Phil.” Jack Peterson’s reputation was wrecked by Neusel, who has been eliminated by Farr. The past generation of fans will recall the futile efforts of Bandsman Rice, Gunner Moir, lan Hague, Arthur Townley and Jem Roache. Farr, like Freddy Welsh, Jimmy Wilde and Jem Driscoll, is a Welshman. He learned boxing in the tent shows. If he is tough he should test Louis, and Welshmen who are good are verygood. Welsh and Wilde held world’s championships, and there has never been a better boxer than Driscoll. England also produced such great boxers, as Kid Lewis, Matt Wells, Fred Dyer, Kid Berg McEvoy, Mason, Mplligan, Tarleton, Baldock and Hood. Ted Broadribb, famous English manager, has watched Farr’s development. •‘I didn’t teach Tommy his boxing,” Ted explained. “I haven’t taught him ringcraft; or given him his clever defence. But I have made him believe in himself, and that’s just, as important. I’ve ironed out the faults in his boxing character. “Three years ago Tommy came to me in a little hotel in Aberdare. He said, 'Mr Broadribb, you know a little about me. I want you to manage me. Unless you do I shan’t get anywhere.’ “Tommy was then a nervous, lanky youth. His hands were broken. He was lonely. Both his parents were dead. He hadn’t the confidence of a kitten. “Mind you, we’ve had rows. Tommy, at twenty-three, would’nt be human if he had’nt kicked at times. But I’ve always come back at him like this: ‘Tommy, you’re always wanting your own way. You’ve got no common sense. You’re just a young f 001.... But you’re jtist the greatest, boxer in the world!’ “I’ve never yet made a statement to deceive him,” added Ted Broadribb. “If I were to tell him now that he could thrash Joe Louis, he would believe me, because I’ve never let him down.”

And now Farr, former pit-boy, might give Io England its first heavyweight championship.