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Born in
Pontypridd,
Wales,
and christened Frederick Hall Thomas, he was
nicknamed the "Welsh Wizard" (an epithet shared by his
contemporary,
David Lloyd George).
The son of a successful businessman,
Freddie suffered frequent illnesses as a child and was sent
to
California
for his health. Here he took up
boxing
as a result of a suggestion from his physical fitness
instructor. He became so good at the sport that he decided
to make a living out of it and he turned professional in
1905.
He took the name Freddie Welsh to prevent his mother from
learning of his new career. The surname 'Welsh' was taken in
honour of his nationality.
In
1909,
Welsh was awarded the first
Lonsdale Belt,
in recognition of his winning the European lightweight
title. In
1914,
he won the World Lightweight title on a points decision
against Ritchie in
London.
During the
First World War
Freddie served as a lieutenant and helped disabled veterans
at the Walter Reed Hospital. He was discharged a captain and
returned to the ring in December,
1920.
He retired from boxing after a
defeat by Archie Walker in
1922,
but retired as a wealthy man. He bought a health farm and a
gymnasium but fell on hard times and died penniless in
New York. |
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