Just seen on the news sadly that Brian Curvis died yesterday at the age of 74. He was the former British and Empire welterweight champion who lost a brave 15 round decision to Griffith for the world title at the Empire Pool in 64. A quiet, unflashy, no-nonsense sort and a tough, capable stand-up southpaw, he held wins over varying versions of Ralph Dupas, Isaac Logart, Gaspar Ortega, Dave Charnley, Jose Stable and Tito Marshall in addition to the six defences of his British title. He retired in 1966 at the age of 29 just as he was being tipped for a second title shot, this time against Curtis Cokes, with his faculties and dignity in tact. The first clip below is a half hour interview with the BBC from 1988 interspersed with some good snippets of footage, including a few rounds of the Griffith fight. The interview itself is good with some nice flashes of insight. Second clip is from British Pathe showing footage of him against Wally Swift. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/wales/16490755.stm http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=82961 Curvis is a bit of a forgotten man in British boxing imo, but he was a champion and notable contender at world level who deserves to be very much remembered (although I don't expect many responses in all honesty).
A sad loss to the British sport. A fine fighter, who showed himself able to compete in an incredibly strong division in his era.
Sad really not too aware of his career. By all accounts he seemed to have had a good career and not suffered many/any ill effects from boxing. Apparently he was injured with a medicine ball just before his challenge with Griffith but was unable to postpone the fight.
