BoxRec

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

Henry Wharton.

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.

There are loads surely? Travellers love their boxing.

Mark Baker comes to mind.

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.

Monty Wright

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.

Kevin wrote:Monty Wright

Thats the bugger!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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?

Georgie "Boy" Collins ....??

J

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.

I meant anytime :-)

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.

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

Brother Tony Collins.

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

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?

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

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