Occupation, Prizefighter: The Freddie Welsh Story

Born and raised in Wales, Freddie Welsh became World Champion a fortnight before the outbreak of the Great War. His was an outstanding record and, with his sharp business sense,Welsh was one of the first boxers to turn drama in the ring into cash outside it. He made his home in New York where he became a celebrity, dining with actors, playwrights, and gangsters. It was a way of life that was difficult even for wealthy men to sustain, and as Freddie’s ring career faded away, so did his money. This fascinating biography explores not only Welsh’s life but also the world of boxing in the early twentieth century, where being a champion could meet a defence every fortnight, in the grimiest and most brutal fashion. It also offers insights into American society of the period, where popular culture in all its forms entwined so that, for instance, Welsh would spar with F Scott Fitzgerald. With tough fights, big money, seedy associates, Welsh’s story is the prototype of that of twentieth century boxing.