Johnny Williams (boxer)
Johnny Williams (25 December 1926 – 28 January 2007) was a British former professional boxer in the 1940s and 1950s and was at one time both the British and Empire heavyweight champion.
| Johnny Williams | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Heavyweight |
| Nationality | Welsh |
| Born | 25 December 1926 Barmouth, Wales |
| Died | 28 January 2007 (aged 80) |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 75 |
| Wins | 60 |
| Wins by KO | 38 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Draws | 4 |
| No contests | 0 |
Life and career
Born in Barmouth, Wales, Williams grew up in Rugby, England, his family having moved there when he was a toddler. He started to box from the age of 10.[1] He turned professional in 1946 and was known for his scientific approach in the ring, with one of his greatest fights being a bout with Jack Gardner on 17 July 1950 in Leicester. It was a Commonwealth title eliminator fight and he lost on points, and according to the BBC it was rated as one of the most grueling bouts ever staged in Britain and left both boxers requiring a night in hospital.[2]
Two years later on 11 March 1952, Williams had his finest hour, when in a rematch with Gardner, he won the 15 round fight, claiming both the British and Empire Heavyweight titles. However the following year he lost these titles to Don Cockell.[3]
Williams made an attempt at winning back the titles in 1955, but was defeated in a fifth-round knockout by Gardner.[4][3]
Williams retired in 1956 with 60 wins, 38 by knockout, 11 losses and 4 draws, and began a career as a farmer at Newton near Rugby.[3]
He died on 28 January 2007 survived by his wife and daughter.[3]
References
- "Johnny Williams". Welsh Boxers. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- "Ex-British champion Williams dies". BBC. 6 February 2007. Retrieved 30 July 2010.
- "Obituaries: Johnny Williams". The Telegraph. 5 February 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- "Uk: Boxing: Gardner V Williams: 1955". British Pathé. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
External links
- Boxing record for Johnny Williams from BoxRec (registration required)
- Welcome To New Champion 1952 – Short British Pathé newsreel of Williams at a victory celebration in 1952