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Driscoll was another Welshman to fight himself out of poverty, learning his trade in the boxing booths. Born in Ellen Street, Newtown, Cardiff Jim Driscoll was to become world famous, winning, as he did the coveted 'Lonsdale belt', Jim never forgot his roots. He was a staunch supporter of his church, remained close to his community and had great affection for the Nazareth House Orphanage for whom he gave up the chance of becoming Featherweight Champion of the World. After claiming the British featherweight title he went to prove himself in the USA. American fight fans favoured all-action boxers, but they were so won over by the Cardiffian's skills that he was dubbed 'Peerless.' The champion Abe Attell faced Driscoll in 1910. Abraham Washington Attell (born February 22, 1884 in San Francisco, California, United States – died February 6, 1970 in New Paltz, New York), better known in the boxing world as Abe Attell, was a boxer who became known for his involvement in scandals as well as for his long period as...
The Welshman dominated the fight, but - with the 'no decision' rule in place - without a KO he couldn't take the crown. Driscoll declined a return bout to box a charity exhibition for Nazareth House in Cardiff, saying: "I never break a promise." Cardiff (Welsh: Caerdydd, from caer, fort, and dydd, Aulus Didius) is the capital and largest city of Wales. ...
After becoming the first featherweight to win a Lonsdale Belt, an eagerly anticipated fight was arranged for Driscoll against Freddie Welsh. Freddie Welsh (March 5, 1886 - July 29, 1927) was a boxing champion. ...
The occasion was a disappointment, though, as Welsh's spoiling tactics upset Driscoll's style. By the 10th his frustration boiled over and he was disqualified for butting Welsh. Driscoll's career was interrupted by the war, and in the succeeding years he defied failing health to box on, relying on his skills to keep him from trouble. He died on 30 January, 1925, and over 100,000 lined the streets of Cardiff for the funeral. [1] |