Freddie Welsh, sportsman with a connection to Wales (Pontypridd)

Freddie Welsh

Freddie was a boxer. In 1901 he won the Lonsdale belt, in 1914 he won the World Lightweight title. He retired in 1922, a wealthy man and purchased a gym and health farm. Sadly fell on hard times and died penniless in New York.

Connection: Frederick Hall Thomas was born in Pontypridd in 1886. He took on the name Freddie Welsh in honor of his nationality and to stop his mother finding out about his career. His nickname was the "Welsh Wizard"

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comment by:sarajay
Freddie was born the son of a wealthy businessman and was sent to California when he was a child due to ill health. That is where he took up boxing, he turned professional in 1905.