We two great fighters were the best our country produced ,never world champs, both died tragic deaths. Who were we two ?
Holman Williams sadly died during a fire while he was sleeping in his gym. Its a shame he never got a chance to enjoy the renewed interest in his career as well as the much belated plaudits he so richly deserved.
Nay, was Gatti one of his countries greatest fighters ?...My 2 tragic guys were the 2 greatest fighters ever of their country...
Young Griffo. Died virtually unknown in the USA after many years of alcohol abuse. Les Darcy. Also passed away in the USA.Poor Les was used a political pawn during the first World War,A very sad and tragic end to a young Gentleman's life.
Darcy and Griffo both arguably the best on the planet during their primes but never received global recognition as champion.
Griffo drank himself to death but you could hardly call it tragic and it didn't cost him a shot at a title or anything. Darcy we all know but Dave Sands who was a leading contender (and a bloody excellent fighter) for the middleweight title was tragically killed in a truck crash at 26 years of age and already possessing wins over Bobo Olsen,Robert Villemain,Henry Brimm and Dick Turpin. What might have been:-(
BINGO ! Les Darcy and Dave Sands were the two tragic figures that were the best Australia produced [alongst Young Griffo]. Both died prematurely when both were seeking a MW title shot...Many years ago I saw Dave Sands beat the TOUGH young Bobo Olson on our little tv screen. Great fight in which Sands won...Well to my surprise I saw the bout today on Youtube...Check it out...Dave Sands was a helluva fighter who would have given anyone hell...
