Freddie Welsh
From Ffaith
Born Frederick Hall Thomas in Pontypridd, the son of a successful businessman. Freddie, who boxed under the name of "Freddie Welsh" to prevent his mother from finding out what he did for a living, went on to reign as champion of the world for almost three years at lightweight between 1914-1917. He fought 178 fights between 1905-1922, losing only four.
Freddie won the European title in 1909, becoming the first fighter to win the newly introduced Lonsdale Belt. the British Featherweight crown followed three months later. Welsh successfully defended his European crown twice before relinquishing it in 1913. He claimed the Commonwealth title in 1912 and became World Lightweight Champion in 1914 when he beat American Jimmy Ritchie over 20 rounds in a title fight in London.
He retired from boxing after a defeat by Archie Walker in 1922, but retired as a wealthy man. He bought a health farm and a gymnasium but fell on hard times and died penniless in New York.
Freddie is a member of the Welsh Sporting Hall of Fame.