I guess not many have given this much thought but I have!
I'm torn between 2: Jimmy Wilde and Freddie Welsh.
Jimmy Wilde “The Ghost With a Hammer in His Hand” became World Flyweight champion in 1916, 1st defeating Joe Symonds for the IBU belt and then becoming universally accepted as World Champ after defeating Young Zulu Kid he was recognised as champion until his defeat to P:ancho Villa in 1923. He beat Hall of Famer Joe Lynch twice andwent 1-1 with another Hall of Famer Memphis Pal Moore. Ring ****zine rated him the best flyweight of all time and also their 3rd gretatest puncher of all time. He was elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
Freddie Welsh was Lightweight World Champion from 1914 to 1917, argueably the toughest era in boxings historically deepest division. He fought the hardest competition of ANY Welsh and probably British fighter clashing with Benny Leonard 3 times, Al Wolgast 3 times, Packie McFarland twice, Jim Driscoll twice, as well as Battling Nelson, Abe Attell, Johnny Dundee, Rocky Kansas, Charley White, Willie Ritchie and Johnny Kilbane. Contemporary observers considered him one of the greatest defensive fighters of all-time. He was rated the 12th best lightweight ever by Ring ****zine in 2001 (I personally think he should be in the top 10). He was elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997.
What do you guys think? Who is greater out of these 2? Or is it someone else? Jim Driscoll? Howard Winstone? Or even Joe Calzaghe? What's your opinions?
I'm torn between 2: Jimmy Wilde and Freddie Welsh.
Jimmy Wilde “The Ghost With a Hammer in His Hand” became World Flyweight champion in 1916, 1st defeating Joe Symonds for the IBU belt and then becoming universally accepted as World Champ after defeating Young Zulu Kid he was recognised as champion until his defeat to P:ancho Villa in 1923. He beat Hall of Famer Joe Lynch twice andwent 1-1 with another Hall of Famer Memphis Pal Moore. Ring ****zine rated him the best flyweight of all time and also their 3rd gretatest puncher of all time. He was elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
Freddie Welsh was Lightweight World Champion from 1914 to 1917, argueably the toughest era in boxings historically deepest division. He fought the hardest competition of ANY Welsh and probably British fighter clashing with Benny Leonard 3 times, Al Wolgast 3 times, Packie McFarland twice, Jim Driscoll twice, as well as Battling Nelson, Abe Attell, Johnny Dundee, Rocky Kansas, Charley White, Willie Ritchie and Johnny Kilbane. Contemporary observers considered him one of the greatest defensive fighters of all-time. He was rated the 12th best lightweight ever by Ring ****zine in 2001 (I personally think he should be in the top 10). He was elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997.
What do you guys think? Who is greater out of these 2? Or is it someone else? Jim Driscoll? Howard Winstone? Or even Joe Calzaghe? What's your opinions?
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