Lonsdale Belt
From Ffaith
The first Lonsdale belt was won by a Welshman, named Welsh.
The Lonsdale Belt is the oldest championship belt in boxing. Its origins started in London in 1909. The belt is named after Lord Lonsdale who was patron of the National Sporting Club. The Earl of Lonsdale was a keen boxing fan who supported boxing for many years.
It was originally presented to the champion in each British weight division and the holder could keep the belt if it was won and then successfully defended twice. The belt was first won by Pontypridd's Freddie Welsh in 1909 for winning the British lightweight title and defending it twice.
Another Welshman to win the coveted belt was peerless Jim Driscoll, friend and one-time opponent of Welsh. World Champion Howard Winstone, born in Merthyr Tydfil, has won two Lonsdale belts.
The belt is still awarded today, by the British Boxing Board of Control. These days, in order for a boxer to keep the belt, he must win and defend it three times. The belt is crafted from gold and porcelain.
The original Lonsdale Belt is now kept at The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, South East London, although it is not on display to the general public.
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