Post by dallen on Aug 14, 2010 17:02:49 GMT -5
Thought some of you guys would like to read about a trip i made to Wales with a writer and a boxer.A pub owner in Cardiff read a article written on boxing by Fred Snelling,and invited him to spend a weekend at his public house.In replying Fred asked if he could bring a couple of friends on his weekend away.The Landlord said sure they will be most welcome to come along with you,just let me no when you are coming as i have a few surprises which will interest you.Fred phoned me and asked if i was up for it,i jumped at the chance as Fred had learnt me so much about the game.Fred was in his late 70s and his knowledge on boxing was second to none.Fred made all the arrangements for the following week,i was to drive up to london and pick up Fred and George Daly.George was also a friend and was a great fighter in his day,his manager was the American Jeff Dickson.Dickson had a office in London and George was his office boy in between fights.George was highly rated around the British fighters of his day,and was known as the Mechanic.
After picking them both up it was a laugh a minute all the way to Wales,with George telling us stories about all the characters he met in his boxing days.One story he told was that all through his career he smoked 20 cigerettes a day,the day he stopped boxing he stopped smoking.And George and his brother were trainers at the British Boxing Gym in London at Haverstock hill,thats were Muhammed Ali worked out for his fight with Brian London.Also George told us the day Micky Duff walk into the gym with two girls on his arm,and asked if he could spar a few rounds in front of the ladies.Well Micky as George put it came on a bit strong trying to impress the ladies,i said what did you do George.I still chuckle over his reply oh i stuck him on his arse,and Micky was no mug he had about 60 pro fights before becoming manager and promoter.
On arriving at are destination in Wales we were greeted by the landlord Mike Flynn,who ushered us into the bar for refreshments.The bar was a museum to the great Welsh fighter Jim Driscoll,in awe looking at Silks,photos,which plastered the walls.Then Mike explained his wife was related to Jim Dricoll,after a couple of drinks Mike showed us the gym he had built onto the house.On the door of the gym was printed in large letters JIMS GYM.Mike told us a lot of overseas fighters train there when fighting in Wales,as Cardiff stadium is only a stones throw away from the pub.
After a lovely meal and some intresting conversation,Mike produced the original solid gold lonsdale belt which Driscoll had won.He had taken it out of the bank just for us to see it,i have some great photos of the belt.Also Mike had a photograph signed by three Welsh greats Driscoll.Tom Thomas,Freddie Welsh,which is worth a lot of money.Also Mike showed us a book on Jim Driscoll which had just come out in paperback by Alexander Cordell.Mike said Dave i will get you a signed copy from Alexander and send it on to you,which he did a week later.
Funny thing was me and George had to share a bed,and i was a bit nervous as George had told us in the car he had never been married.But George explained he was celibate and he was more concered about me,but we both hit the pillows and were out like a light.
It was a great trip with two dear friend who sadly are no longer with us,but the memories will last forever in my head.
After picking them both up it was a laugh a minute all the way to Wales,with George telling us stories about all the characters he met in his boxing days.One story he told was that all through his career he smoked 20 cigerettes a day,the day he stopped boxing he stopped smoking.And George and his brother were trainers at the British Boxing Gym in London at Haverstock hill,thats were Muhammed Ali worked out for his fight with Brian London.Also George told us the day Micky Duff walk into the gym with two girls on his arm,and asked if he could spar a few rounds in front of the ladies.Well Micky as George put it came on a bit strong trying to impress the ladies,i said what did you do George.I still chuckle over his reply oh i stuck him on his arse,and Micky was no mug he had about 60 pro fights before becoming manager and promoter.
On arriving at are destination in Wales we were greeted by the landlord Mike Flynn,who ushered us into the bar for refreshments.The bar was a museum to the great Welsh fighter Jim Driscoll,in awe looking at Silks,photos,which plastered the walls.Then Mike explained his wife was related to Jim Dricoll,after a couple of drinks Mike showed us the gym he had built onto the house.On the door of the gym was printed in large letters JIMS GYM.Mike told us a lot of overseas fighters train there when fighting in Wales,as Cardiff stadium is only a stones throw away from the pub.
After a lovely meal and some intresting conversation,Mike produced the original solid gold lonsdale belt which Driscoll had won.He had taken it out of the bank just for us to see it,i have some great photos of the belt.Also Mike had a photograph signed by three Welsh greats Driscoll.Tom Thomas,Freddie Welsh,which is worth a lot of money.Also Mike showed us a book on Jim Driscoll which had just come out in paperback by Alexander Cordell.Mike said Dave i will get you a signed copy from Alexander and send it on to you,which he did a week later.
Funny thing was me and George had to share a bed,and i was a bit nervous as George had told us in the car he had never been married.But George explained he was celibate and he was more concered about me,but we both hit the pillows and were out like a light.
It was a great trip with two dear friend who sadly are no longer with us,but the memories will last forever in my head.
