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libster
New Member


4 Posts
Posted -  27/04/2010  :  22:44
Four brothers from Barnoldswick created a piece of boxing history when they appeared together on the same bill in the town on August 21st 1920.  It was the first occasion this had ever happened.  Three of the  Demaine brothers Dan, Walter and Tom won their contests, while Jim managed a draw.  Of the four, Dan, a bantamweight, had the most notable career (1910-20) with 27 traced fights of which he won almost half.  Unfortunately the Barnoldswick contests were not reported in either the "Craven Herald" or the "Colne and NelsonTimes."

My grandfather, the Warrington boxer Joe Durham, met and defeated Dan at tthe  Palace Theatre, Blackburn in 1911.  I'm currently writing Joe's biography and seeking  photographs of his opponents.  I've noted previous interest in the Demaine family elsewhere in the Forum and hope that a relative of Dan's might perhaps have a picture and information on what became of him.  In return I would be pleased tp provide a detailed record of his career inthe ring.

Libster
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Stanley
Local Historian & Old Fart


36804 Posts
Posted - 28/04/2010 : 06:21
Welcome to the site. The Demaines ar still about. Try a search on BT residential and do some cold-calling. Could be worth while.


Stanley Challenger Graham




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stanley at barnoldswick.freeserve.co.uk Go to Top of Page
libster
New Member


4 Posts
Posted - 28/04/2010 : 07:24
Thanks for the tip.  I'll let you know how I get on.

Mick


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thomo
Barlick Born Old Salt


2021 Posts
Posted - 28/04/2010 : 09:42
Hi there, there was quite a lot of interest in boxing here in Barlick in the 1920s, my own Father learned the noble art in the Navy in WW1 and on his return home used to train in the gym that was behind the Railway Hotel. This was run by Billy Woods who was the trainer, some may remember Billy as the Landlord of the Station Hotel in Earby and later the Commercial at Colne. There was also at one time a "Boxing Booth" on the site of the old Alahmbra Cinema in the place we know as "Butts". Good luck with your search.


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libster
New Member


4 Posts
Posted - 28/04/2010 : 10:31
Hi Thommo

Thanks for the  very interesting information.  East Lancashire was a real boxing hotbed before and after the First World War with regular tournaments held at Colne, Nelson, Accrington, Darwen and Blackburn and less frequent promotions held at Barnoldswick, Earby and Skipton.  Four figure crowds were not unknown in the boom years.
 
Mick


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moh
Silver Surfer


6860 Posts
Posted - 29/04/2010 : 09:57
My dad was into boxing too - he was small thin and wiry so I don't know what weight.  He boxed for the TA.  I also have a bronze medal he won for weighlifting.


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libster
New Member


4 Posts
Posted - 29/04/2010 : 19:58
A lot of famous boxers got into the sport in the forces.  British heavyweight champion Bombardier Billy Wells made his name with the Army in India before the First World war.  Later on he was the man who banged the gong at the start of Rank films.

Mick


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