Travelling Champions

kevin · Post by **kevin** » 13 Jun 2006, 11:04

I was doing a preview of the Power-Napa fight last night and of course Power is a traveller, and is following in the footsteps of Digger Stanley if he wins the Lonsdale Belt at bantamweight.

What other travellers have won British or Area titles?

Kev

TheGoods · Post by **TheGoods** » 13 Jun 2006, 11:14

Henry Wharton.

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 13 Jun 2006, 11:38

I know he aint won much (yet?) but isnt Storm Boy Thomas McDonagh a traveller?

Irish fighter Francie Barret is famously from a travelling community on the outskirts of Galway.

E · Post by E » 13 Jun 2006, 11:41

There are loads surely? Travellers love their boxing.

Mark Baker comes to mind.

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 13 Jun 2006, 11:46

Gyspy Jonny Frankham was British Light Heavyweight champ.

Remember a light heavy called Monty something in the early 90s. Dont think he won a title but he competed in good class - his family had run boxing booths at fair grounds for generations.

kevin · Post by **kevin** » 13 Jun 2006, 11:53

Monty Wright

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 13 Jun 2006, 11:54

What about Darkie Smith's son Steven Smith? Does he qualify as a traveller?? Dunno.

Also Matthew Barney, I think I remember reading somewhere that he is from gypsy stock.

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 13 Jun 2006, 11:55

Kevin wrote:Monty Wright

Thats the bugger!

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 13 Jun 2006, 11:56

Out of those mentioned so far I would say that Henry Wharton is the most accomplished fighter from the travelling community.

kevin · Post by **kevin** » 13 Jun 2006, 11:58

Depends how far you go back. Before World War 2 I don't think anyone can overlook Digger Stanley.

kevin · Post by **kevin** » 13 Jun 2006, 11:59

On the scene now there are the two Smith brothers, Isaac Ward, Clifford Smith, Paul Porter, who is a relative of Danny Porter who fought for the European title of course none of these have been champions. Also current promoter/trainer George Carmen

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 13 Jun 2006, 12:22

Kevin wrote:On the scene now there are the two Smith brothers, Isaac Ward, Clifford Smith, Paul Porter, who is a relative of Danny Porter who fought for the European title of course none of these have been champions. Also current promoter/trainer George Carmen

Porter also competed for a WBO world strap - losing out to Pat Clinton.

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 13 Jun 2006, 12:38

Jimmy Vincent fought for a couple of titles, also tony "doc" could be added to the list.

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 13 Jun 2006, 12:56

Gypsy John Fury fought for the Central Area Heavyweight Title but didn't win it.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=27680

MPG · Post by **MPG** » 13 Jun 2006, 13:32

Pj Gallagher was british super feather weight champion,vatcated title,he didnt lose it.

dandantheweatherman · Post by **dandantheweatherman** » 14 Jun 2006, 10:14

Wasn't Gary Cooper who lost his British light middleweight title to Gary Stretch from a travelling family?

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 14 Jun 2006, 10:24

martin_g wrote:Pj Gallagher was british super feather weight champion,vatcated title,he didnt lose it.

yeah as I rememebr his career was cut short by a mysetry virus/illness that left him knackered, despite being fit as a fiddle??..weird.

His cousin Patrick 'Blue Boy' Gallagher was supposed to be an excellent fighter but his career was start - stop and fizzled out. Anyone know anything about him?

john2345 · Post by **john2345** » 14 Jun 2006, 12:16

Georgie "Boy" Collins ....??

J

Andy Mac · Post by **Andy Mac** » 14 Jun 2006, 19:14

Kevin wrote:I was doing a preview of the Power-Napa fight last night and of course Power is a traveller, and is following in the footsteps of Digger Stanley if he wins the Lonsdale Belt at bantamweight.

What other travellers have won British or Area titles?

Kev

Do you mean now or anytime?
Johnny Frankham is a traveller as is his brother Bobby. I think Les Stevens won a Southern Area and he is a traveller. Also George Carman though I dont know if he won a title.

kevin · Post by **kevin** » 15 Jun 2006, 02:34

I meant anytime :-)

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 15 Jun 2006, 05:56

TerribleTerry wrote:I know he aint won much (yet?) but isnt Storm Boy Thomas McDonagh a traveller?

Yes and London based Peter McDonagh as well? Current Irish champion after the fiasco with Michael Gomez.

E · Post by E » 15 Jun 2006, 07:06

john2345 wrote:Georgie "Boy" Collins ....??

Brother Tony Collins.

Have heard prospect George Hillyard is.....not sure

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 15 Jun 2006, 07:33

Going slightly off topic, did anyone notice when Paul Dempsey made the introductions to Ward vs Power - mentioning both from travelling backgrounds he said "and now its time to find out, who's the boss?" - intentional pun on their background, or not?

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 15 Jun 2006, 08:06

Gary Cooper Britsh Light-middle champion in 1988 used to live as a traveller in the New Forest

Tkokidround1 · Post by **Tkokidround1** » 15 Jun 2006, 12:26

yeah blueboy was a great fighter but injured his arm in his last fight

Travelling Champions

Travelling Champions

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