The first fighting Welshmen disappeared into the mists of time. Lawrence Davies’ stirring history begins with the ‘prize fighters’ of the early 1700s who fought with sword and staff in the days of James Figg, the first Champion of England. In vivid detail, he revives the memories of the Welsh bare-knuckle boxers who subsequently gained fame or notoriety in the ring. The careers of many of these early Welsh pugilists have never before been recorded. Illustrated by rare portraits and images, the book features a dramatic account of the career of ‘Paddington’ Jones, the first Welshman to make his mark in the London Prize Ring. The legendary Ned Turner is profiled in memorable detail. The story of Jack Rasher, the Whitechapel butcher known as ‘Ironface’ is remembered, while the tale of William Charles of Newport, ‘Champion of Wales’ by 1828, is previously untold. The Story of Welsh Boxing offers a first, atmospheric glimpse into the lost world of boxing’s bare-knuckle era, and into the lives of its Welsh heroes.