"Seaman Tommy Watson was one of the finest featherweights Great Britain has produced, and very likely the greatest fighter the North East has produced." http://nipperpatdaly.co.uk/sparringseamanwatson.htm Really Great stuff....Very Good Article fellas !! An interesting read for all those interested in British Boxing..... :good
I've got a book on Watson, but I haven't read it yet. Bought it specifically with the notion I would read it on holiday, so can't bring myself to read it yet!
Cheers Vic. I have to get a copy of that book Flea. Tom first came to my attention reading the Nipper Daly book (honestly, well worth a read), and their battle seemed a great one. Looking at his record, I dont understand why many dont rave about him more. He beat Daly, LaBarba (at the end of his career, but who had just narrowly lost to Chocolate) etc. He seems to have only lost to the very best, the majority at the end of his long career.
Some ringside observers had Watson winning the Chocolate fight, although the Cuban was apparently lethargic. Watson, by all accounts gave it his all and deserved at least 6 rounds.
Wow! Had no idea about that :good Losing to Chocolate isn't a disgrace in it, but putting up such a showing only makes me want to learn more
I've got a few reports at home. I'll post 'em in this thread when I get in :good Will be interesting to see how the author of the book perceives the fight, and how many primary sources he utilises. Unlike Berg, Watson didn't have the added help of being the bigger man. Supposedly Watson had a flat-footed style developed on ships, dunno how much of that is true but apparently he had to adapt to the seas and the movement of his fighting ground. Maybe he was just a plodder ;-)
My next article was gonna' be on Watson 'til I discovered the book on him. I was going to cover his travels to the States and try and find a conclusive angle on the Chocolate fight. It's pending my experiences with the book now and whether I think I can do a better job, so watch this space.
Just a long time ago I guess. Theres a boxer from Liverpool called Ike Bradley who had a similar career and never gets mentioned these days.
I had the boxing news with the Watson-Chocolate fight report in it but I can't find it. If I find it, I'll post it.