I'm currently writing my dissertation on the increasing relationship between the British state and sport since 1945. As part of the study I'm going to reference a popular feeling of national sporting decline during the 1950s, with defeats to Hungary in 1953 and 1954 and a poor showing at the 1952 Olympics. While doing my research I found a parliamentary debate (from 18th July 1950) in which MP John Haire asked the prime minister (Clement Attlee): "Is my right hon. Friend aware that, despite those efforts, our recent defeats in soccer, cricket, tennis, golf and boxing, and the rest, have reduced our national morale and our international prestige in sport very seriously indeed? Will he not reconsider whether it would not be another form of social service if we were to sponsor and finance promising athletes after their school days, adult sporting organisations, and games generally?" So, can anyone help me find what defeats in boxing was he referencing? :good
more than likely Mills vs Marshall and then Maxim. also Woodcock vs Mauriello, and Savold. you have to remember Boxing was/is all about the Heavyweights and bigger men, it always has been and Britain the Home of Boxing couldn't capture or dominate at those most important weights. on the other hand at the lower weights we was King for approx 30 years or so. but most likely Mills, Woodcock & Cockell against Marciano. Turpin's loss to SRR was a let down for Britain.
I understand Woodcock's defeat to Joe Baski was a big disappointment during this period. As mention some Imports were finding the UK a happy Hunting ground during this period.
yes I forgot to mention Baski, I always forget about that fight, probably because you never see footage of it compared to all the other Mills, Woodcock footage available. is there footage of that fight?
