Sid Smith

Career

He had his first professional fight on 1 February 1907, a day before his eighteenth birthday. He beat Jack Brooks on points over six rounds. He was not a hard hitter but was a fast mover, who always displayed outstanding footwork.

In September 1911, he fought for the inaugural British flyweight title, introduced by the National Sporting Club.

In April 1913, he fought in Paris against Frenchman, Eugene Criqui for the European flyweight title and the World flyweight title, as recognised by the International Boxing Union. He beat Criqui on points over twenty rounds to take both titles.

He lost his titles when the fight was stopped in the eleventh round. He continued fighting until December 1919, when he had his last fight, beating Johnny Marshall, at the Royal Albert Hall.

Achievements

• He was the first officially recognised British flyweight champion, and was also recognised by the International Boxing Union as the World flyweight champion. He fought Stoker Hoskyne at The Ring, Blackfriars, London and won on points over twenty rounds. He won on points and, having won the title and defended it twice, he won outright the Lonsdale Belt, that he had been awarded after his first title fight.

Views

In October 1911, he defended his title against Louis Ruddick at Liverpool Stadium, again winning on points over twenty rounds. In December 1911, he defended his title again, against Joe Wilson, at the National Sporting Club, Covent Garden. In September 1912, he defended his title against Curley Walker, winning on points.

In June 1913, he defended his British, European and World flyweight titles against Bill Ladbury at Blackfriars, London.