BoxRec

bennie wrote:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/3561131.stm

The word great is FAR too often used these days, but Jimmy Wilde was GREAT.

A truely wonderful fighter.

bit expensive 150k

ring legend thou

OwainCymru wrote:I know the guy who owns this painting; spoke to him last night and he told me that the painting started off at 60k but didn't attract one bid. Can you believe that?

There is now the distinct possibility that this painting will go to the States at some time in the future.

The sport has been so cheapened by the number of titles - and weights - out there today, it doesn't surprise me in the least. Saad Muhammad's NABF light-heavyweight belt went for a mere 2,500 dollars on Ebay last month and Henry Cooper got only 10 grand for his THREE Lonsdale Belts in the late 80's (thankfully, the buyer donated the belts back to Henry). Boxing is in a muddle, and who wants to buy into that?

It's a cracking painting but Bonhams have tried it on a bit there. The artist who did it was good but his work doesn't normally sell in that sort of price range, I think they were just hoping a wealthy boxing fan would have a bid.

Their estimate was way out, in my opinion.

Who's Jimmy Wilde?

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Who's Jimmy Wilde?

Little Welsh guy. Could punch a bit.

He was a murderous punching Welshman from Merthyr, world flyweight champion in the early part of last century.

Despite weight little over 100 lbs he knocked men cold with his educated fists.
One of the greatest fighters to ever emerge from these shores.
I though you woulda heard of him before James?

Obviously as a fighter from the early days of modern boxing we have to rely on contemporary reports rather then film footage of his bouts but what I have read of him painted him as a true legend of the ring.

I was kidding, I do of course know of 'the ghost with a hammer in his hand,' I was putting some bait out to see if anyone laid into me for not
having heard of Wilde, but sadly to no avail.