Freddie Mills

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For other people named Freddie or Frederick Mills, see Frederick Mills (disambiguation).

Freddie Mills
Freddie Mills in the 1952 film The Hundred Hour Hunt
Born
Frederick Percival Mills

(1919-06-26)26 June 1919
Bournemouth, Hampshire,[1] England
Died25 July 1965(1965-07-25) (aged 46)
London, England
NationalityEnglish
Other names
  • The Bournemouth Bombshell
  • Fearless Freddie
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 10+1⁄2 in (179 cm)
Reach72 in (183 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights101
Wins77
Wins by KO55
Losses18
Draws6
No contests0

Frederick Percival Mills (26 June 1919 – 25 July 1965) was an English boxer, and the world light heavyweight champion from 1948 to 1950. Mills was 5 feet 10+1⁄2 inches (179 cm) tall and did not have a sophisticated boxing style; he relied on two-fisted aggression, relentless pressure, and the ability to take punishment to carry him through, and in more cases than not these attributes were sufficient.

Mills excelled first as a middleweight, and most successfully as a light-heavyweight boxer, but also fought as a heavyweight. He was described as Britain's biggest boxing idol in the post-war period and remained a popular media personality after his retirement from the ring.[2]

Once he had retired from boxing, Mills moved into boxing management and promotion, and pursued a career in entertainment, working in radio, television (notably as co-presenter of the early BBC TV music show, Six-Five Special between 1957 and 1958), and on the stage, as well as playing roles in a number of films between 1952 and 1965. He opened a Chinese restaurant in Soho before there was an established Chinatown in the area and also ran his own London nightclub until his mysterious death.

Early life

He was born Frederick Percival Mills in

milkman's assistant.[3] The milkman in question was Percy Cook, brother of former Welsh lightweight champion Gordon Cook, and Percy helped Mills develop his boxing skills.[5]

Professional career

Early career

Mills had three bouts in 1936 in a 11 stone novices’ competition, all of which he won by knockout.[6] He subsequently signed professional terms with manager Bob Turner.[6] He began fighting in fairground booths and at venues on the south coast.[7] His first 64 fights, in 3½ years, most fighting as a middleweight, though often against heavier opponents, resulted in 48 wins, 9 losses and 7 draws. By late 1939 he was the Western Area middleweight champion, and in April 1940 he beat Eastern Area champion Ginger Sadd on points.[8] At the time, Mills was ranked 9th best middleweight in Britain, and Sadd 2nd.[9]

In January 1940 he joined the Royal Air Force and went on to become first a corporal physical training instructor and, by the following year, a sergeant, while continuing to box professionally.[6] He fought Jock McAvoy, the British and Commonwealth middleweight champion, the fight made at 12st 9lbs, McAvoy having the previous year unsuccessfully fought Len Harvey for the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles. The fight against McAvoy took place in Liverpool in August 1940 and Mills won a clear decision over ten rounds.[10] Mills subsequent fought mainly at light heavyweight.

In 1941 he was taken on by new manager Ted Broadribb, and began an affair with Broadribb's daughter Chrissie, who was at the time married to South African boxer Don McCorkindale.[6] In September 1941 he was disqualified for a low blow in the third round against Jack Hyams, suffering his first defeat in almost two years.[11]

In November 1941 he stopped heavyweight Jim Wilde in the third round, despite conceding almost two and a half stones to the Welshman.[12] In December 1941, he fought Jack London, a heavyweight who later (in 1944) won the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, Mills won on points over ten rounds despite conceding over three stones in weight to London.[13][14] At this time Mills was nicknamed 'The Bournemouth Bombshell'.[15]

British light-heavyweight title

Mills was due to fight McAvoy in January 1942 in a final eliminator for the British and Empire (later 'Commonwealth') light-heavyweight title, but withdrew from the fight, stating that wanted to concentrate on fighting at heavyweight and challenge for Len Harvey's title.[16] He beat Tom Reddington at heavyweight later that month, but evidently had a change of heart, and in February 1942 fought McAvoy in a final eliminator for the light-heavyweight titles. The fight, in the Royal Albert Hall, ended after one round when McAvoy was forced to retire with an injured back.[17] The way was open for Mills to challenge Len Harvey for the British and Empire light-heavyweight titles (Harvey at the time also holding the British heavyweight title).

The title fight took place on 20 June 1942, at

all-in wrestling.[22]

Len Harvey's retirement in early 1943 left the British and Empire heavyweight titles vacant. Mills and London were nominated to fight for the titles by the BBBofC in April that year, but after the fight was postponed three times, twice due to injuries sustained by London, they eventually met in September 1944. The fight took place at the Kings Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester, with Mills conceding just over three stone (19 kilos) in weight.[23] Both men were at the time serving in the Royal Air Force. Mills showed speed and aggression, but London's superior strength and power were evident in the closing stages and the heavier man was awarded the decision after fifteen rounds.[24]

Mills and London were set to fight again in February 1945, but London's RAF duties made it impossible for him to train.[25] Instead, Mills fought former Scottish amateur heavyweight champion Ken Shaw, stopping him in the seventh round.[26]

World title fight

In March 1945, Mills was posted to

Burma as part of a touring party that also included Denis Compton, giving lectures and boxing demonstrations and taking part in exhibition bouts.[27][28]

Mills returned to the UK and was demobilised in March 1946,[29][28] and in May 1946 he was given a shot at Lesnevich's world light-heavyweight title.[30] Mills' preparation was interrupted in April when his father died at his home in Bournemouth.[31] The fight took place at Harringay Arena in front of 11,000 fans. Mills was not considered a serious threat to Lesnevich but performed better than many expected in what was described as a "slam-bang, punishing contest". Mills was floored heavily in the second round but recovered strongly and was cheered on by the British crowd. In the ninth round, Mills's aggression appeared to be turning the fight in his favour, and Lesnevich was troubled by cuts above his eyes. In the tenth, however, Lesnevich "exploded" to score two knockdowns and the referee stopped the contest.[32]

Three weeks after losing his fight against Lesnevich, Mills fought British heavyweight Bruce Woodcock, losing a twelve-round fight on points after being knocked down in the fourth.[33]

Mills returned in August 1946 with a first-round knockout of the Swedish heavyweight John Nilsson.[34] In November 1946, Mills fought another heavyweight, American Joe Baksi. Mills suffered two badly cut eyes and retired after six rounds of what was described as a "disappointingly one-sided contest".[35]

European title

In 1947, Mills again focused on the light-heavyweight division, and had three wins by knockout in the first half of the year (one against Italian champion Enrico Bertola and the third against South African champion Nick Wolmarans in Johannesburg) before losing in June by KO to American Lloyd Marshall.[36]

In September 1947, Mills fought for the vacant European light-heavyweight title against the Belgian, Pol Goffaux, winning after Goffaux retired towards the end of the fourth round.[37] Mills ended the year with a points win over French heavyweight Stephane Olek.[38]

Mills defended the European title in February 1948, against the Spanish champion Paco Bueno, who was subjected to "terrific punishment" before being knocked out in the second round.[39]

In April 1948 he beat the heavyweight Ken Shaw for a second time, in a final eliminator for the British title.[40]

World title

On 26 July 1948, Mills was matched against Lesnevich for his second attempt at the world light heavyweight title. Mills was in much better shape for this fight, held at the White City Stadium, London in front of a 46,000 crowd. Lesnevich reportedly struggled to make the 175 pound limit, weighing in at 174¾ pounds, whereas Mills came in at 170½.[41]

Lesnevich, who was a

1/3 betting favourite, suffered from cuts over the eyes from the opening round as Mills started strongly. The fight then settled down into a "remarkably dull" affair, which drew boos from the crowd and saw both men warned by the referee Teddy Waltham for the lack of action.[42] In the tenth round, Mills rallied and floored Lesnevich heavily on two occasions. Lesnevich launched a "savage attack" in the twelfth and thirteenth rounds, but Mills responded in the last two sessions and at the end of fifteen rounds, the British boxer was awarded the decision by the referee.[43]

Mills was set to defend his title against Lesnevich in September in New York, but the fight was cancelled due to Mills suffering severe headaches and bouts of dizziness since the July fight.[44][45] In August medical opinion was sought and he was diagnosed with misaligned vertebrae at the base of the skull; It was decided that after two months rest and spinal treatment he could return to boxing.[46]

In September 1948, Mills was challenged to a fight at light-heavyweight by Sugar Ray Robinson, but it was dismissed as "ridiculous" by promoter Jack Solomons.[47]

Mills beat another heavyweight, Johnny Ralph, in Johannesburg in November 1948 in an eliminator for the Empire heavyweight title.

metacarpal in his right hand during the fight.[49]

In early 1949, after a well-received appearance with Arthur Askey on the radio show How Do You Do?, Mills expressed a desire to work in radio after his boxing career ended, stating "I am not going on fighting for ever. I've got some money now. I reckon that being on the radio would just about suit me."[50] In March 1949, Mills signed a promotional contract with Solomons, which made any return fight with Lesnevich more likely to take place in Britain.[51]

In June 1949, Mills challenged Bruce Woodcock for his British, Empire, and European heavyweight titles. The fight was also recognised as an eliminator for the British version of the World Heavyweight Championship. They fought at the White City Stadium, with Mills conceding twenty pounds in weight to his opponent. Mills bloodied the heavyweight's nose but was floored four times before being knocked out in the fourteenth round.[52]

Shortly after the Woodcock fight, Mills expressed a willingness to defend his light-heavyweight title later that year, although he wanted the purse money to be spread over five years, for tax reasons, and to guarantee him an income for several years after retiring from the ring, Mills clearly not intending to keep fighting for much longer.[53]

In September 1949, a contract was signed for Mills to defend his world title against American

Earls Court, London.[54] Mills decided to leave long-time trainer Nat Sellers and train himself for the fight.[55] Mills began strongly but Maxim, who "boxed beautifully", began to overhaul him. Mills, according to press reports, looked for a knockout win, but in the tenth round he was floored by a left right combination. Mills took the count in a sitting position before falling sideways and being counted out. Mills was assisted to his corner and was checked by a doctor before leaving the ring.[56] He had fought the last four rounds with three of his teeth knocked out and one embedded in the gum of his upper jaw.[57] Mills' reign as world champion was over, and the next day Broadribb announced that he had decided to retire, a decision made formal on 15 February when Mills wrote to BBBofC to confirm his retirement and to relinquish his British, European, and Empire light-heavyweight titles, aged 30.[58][59][60]

Personal life

On 30 September 1948, Mills married Christine Marie McCorkindale ("Chrissie") (25 December 1913 - 4 November 1994)[citation needed] at Herne Hill Methodist Church.[61] She had a son, Donnie, by former husband Don McCorkindale.[62] They honeymooned in South Africa, where they stayed with McCorkindale, with whom Mills was good friends.[63]

Mills and his wife went on to have two daughters, Susan Marhea (born 17 June 1952) and Amanda Christine Elizabeth (born 12 June 1958).[64] They lived, with Donnie, at Joggi Villa in Denmark Hill in South London from June 1947.[65]

Retirement and other business interests

Boxing management and promotion

A month after confirming his retirement, Mills was granted a manager's licence by the BBBofC, taking on Brixton heavyweight Terry O'Connor as his first boxer.[66][67] In June 1950, Mills' autobiography, Twenty Years, was published.[68] In 1951 he gained a promoter's licence and put on many successful events until the mid-1950s.[69]

During the latter stages of his boxing career, Mills suffered from frequent headaches,[70] which continued after his retirement. Mills taught boxing classes at the Streatham Youth Centre in the early 1960s.[71]

In October 1962 his world championship belt was stolen from his car, but it was returned three days later with a note from the thief apologising for stealing it.[72][73]

Entertainment

Mills made an appearance on the television show Rooftop Rendezvous in February 1950, earning praise for his comedy skills.[74] In May 1950 he did his first television commentary on the Dennis Powell v. Mel Brown card at Birmingham, broadcast by the BBC, which saw him described as "discovery of the week" by the Daily Herald.[75][76] In late 1950 he again appeared on radio as a presenter of the programme Calling All Forces.[77] In March 1952 he was given a 12-week Saturday radio show by the BBC.[78] In 1952 he made his first film appearance in Emergency Call, going on to take small rôles in a dozen films.[79]

In September 1954 he was knocked unconscious during a TV sketch after being hit over the head with a real stool rather than the prop that should have been used.

Dick Whittington in Hulme, playing Idle Jack.[84] In 1961 he appeared in a Summer stage show in Brighton with Alfred Marks.[85]

He was the subject of This Is Your Life, when he was surprised by Eamonn Andrews in the foyer of London's Earls Court Exhibition Centre. The episode was broadcast on 2 January 1961.[citation needed]

By 1963, television appearances had become less frequent, although he appeared on variety show Big Night Out in January 1964.[86]

Property, restaurant and night club

Mills began investing in property in the late 1940s, acquiring several houses and flats.[87] In 1946 he opened the Freddie Mills Chinese Restaurant at 143 Charing Cross Road as a joint venture with Charles Luck and actor Andy Ho.[88][89] He also briefly jointly owned a café in Peckham with his friend and investment adviser Bill Bavin.[90] By 1963 the Chinese restaurant was no longer profitable, and Mills and Ho converted it to a nightclub ('The Freddie Mills Nite Spot') at a cost of around £12,000, re-opening in May that year.[2][91][92] After initially hoping to make the club a family venue, they were pressured into allowing 'hostesses' to work there, unknown to Mills a euphemism for prostitutes.[93] He became friends with the Kray Twins, notorious criminals who frequented his club.[94] In August 1963 Mills and Ho started the Freddie Mills Theatrical Agency, based at the club.[95]

After its initial success his nightclub began to fail and he tried to sell it, without success. He sold off what property he had but was in serious financial difficulty.[96]

Death

On 24 July 1965, Mills was found dead in his car, parked in Goslett Yard, off an alleyway behind his nightclub.[97] A fairground rifle was found in the car with Mills, who had been shot through his right eye. He had told the nightclub staff that he was going for a nap in his car, something that he often did.[98] His body was found at approximately 11:45 p.m. by doorman Robert Deacon. An ambulance was not called until Mills' wife arrived over an hour later.[99] A week or two previously, he had borrowed a 0.22 calibre rifle from May Ronaldson, whom he knew from his boxing booth days, and who ran a shooting gallery.[100] Although the rifle was not in working order when borrowed, it had apparently been repaired and was found in the car alongside him.[101] For whatever reason, still unknown and with no police in attendance, ambulance personnel removed Mills from his car, disturbing a possible crime scene, and transported his body to the Middlesex Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation into his death initially assumed murder, but within a couple of days, the police had decided not to investigate it as such.[102] The coroner's inquest heard that the angle of the bullet was consistent with a self-inflicted wound, and it ruled his death a suicide.[103]

Mills's funeral took place at St. Giles’ Parish Church, Camberwell, and he was buried in Camberwell New Cemetery, South London. The pallbearers included boxing promoter Jack Solomons, British Heavyweight Champion Henry Cooper, the Secretary of the BBBofC, Teddy Waltham, and entertainer Bruce Forsyth (who also gave the funeral address).[104] His grave has a marble boxing glove on it, beneath which is an urn containing a real boxing glove.[105]

Despite the wealth that Mills had gained from his boxing career (estimated at £100,000), and his property investments that earned him around £3,000 per year, Mills died with a net figure of only £387 to his name.[106] His club had been up for sale since June 1963, but he had been unable to find a buyer.[107] At the time of his death, he was heavily in debt to a crime syndicate, which led him to be both depressed and in fear of his life.[108] He was rumoured to be making a stand against protection racketeers shortly before his death, a theory backed up by gangland enforcer Johnny Bradbury, who gave the name of the man he believed was responsible for killing Mills to the police, but they were unable to find evidence to pursue the matter.[109] Two weeks before his death, Mills and Ho had been fined for liquor and gaming offences committed at the club, and Mills had asked for a catering job at a pub near his home.[102]

A star-studded benefit show, The Freddie Mills Night, was staged in February 1966 to raise money to support his widow and children.[110]

Following his death, several lurid theories sprang up, such as that Mills, married with children, had been arrested in a public toilet and charged with indecency,

Ronnie Kray.[112]

Mills's family and friends did not accept the suicide verdict,[109] and according to Bavin, his widow received a phone call some time after his death from a woman who told her who was responsible for killing him.[113] In 1968, Leonard "Nipper" Read began investigating the case again at Chrissie's behest.[113] There were some inconsistencies regarding the death: two shots had been fired in the car, one from a front seat which hit the nearside front door, and the one that had killed Mills while he was sitting on the car's back seat,[114] Mills's body was found with its hands resting on his knees and the gun in a position out of Mills's reach, and there were no fingerprints found on it.[115]

In November 1970, police began investigating again after a constituent had told MP Michael O'Halloran that a man had admitted killing Mills, although the investigation was soon ended.[116]

Phoenix Television produced a documentary about the death of Mills, Murder in Soho: Who Killed Freddie Mills? Directed by Simon Dales, it was first broadcast by the BBC on 1 August 2018. The film explored the possibility that American mobster, Meyer Lansky, colluded in the killing of Mills; Roger Huntman, said his father, Benny Huntman, a boxing manager was involved in the murder.[117][118][119]

Evaluation as a boxer

The boxing statistics site BoxRec rates Mills as the fourteenth-best British boxer of all time, the second-best British boxer of all time in the light-heavyweight division (behind John Conteh), and the thirty-sixth-best light-heavyweight in the history of boxing.[120]

Selected filmography

Professional boxing record

101 fights 77 wins 18 losses
By knockout 55 7
By decision 22 10
By disqualification 0 1
Draws 6
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
101 Loss 77–18–6 Joey Maxim KO 10 (15) Jan 24, 1950 Earls Court Empress Hall, Kensington, London, England Lost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring light heavyweight titles
100 Loss 77–17–6 Bruce Woodcock KO 14 (15) Jun 2, 1949 White City Stadium, White City, London, England For EBU, Commonwealth, and BBBofC British heavyweight titles
99 Win 77–16–6 Johnny Ralph KO 8 (10) Nov 6, 1948 Wembley Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
98 Win 76–16–6 Gus Lesnevich PTS 15 Jul 26, 1948 White City Stadium, White City, London, England Won NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring light heavyweight titles
97 Win 75–16–6 Ken Shaw RTD 1 (12) Apr 20, 1948 Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England
96 Win 74–16–6 Pacho Bueno KO 2 (15) Feb 17, 1948 Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England Retained EBU light heavyweight title
95 Win 73–16–6 Stephane Olek PTS 10 Nov 28, 1947 King's Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester, Lancashire, England
94 Win 72–16–6 Pol Goffaux RTD 4 (15) Sep 8, 1947 Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England Won vacant EBU light heavyweight title
93 Loss 71–16–6 Lloyd Marshall KO 5 (10) Jun 3, 1947 Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England
92 Win 71–15–6 Nick Wolmarans KO 5 (10) Apr 29, 1947 Wembley Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
91 Win 70–15–6 Enrico Bertola KO 5 (10) Feb 17, 1947 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England
90 Win 69–15–6 Willie Quentemeijer KO 2 (10) Jan 20, 1947 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England
89 Loss 68–15–6 Joe Baksi RTD 6 (10) Nov 5, 1946 Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England
88 Win 68–14–6 John Nilsson KO 1 (10) Aug 13, 1946 Withdean Stadium, Brighton, Sussex, England
87 Loss 67–14–6 Bruce Woodcock PTS 12 Jun 4, 1946 Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England
86 Loss 67–13–6 Gus Lesnevich TKO 10 (15) May 14, 1946 Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England For NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring light heavyweight titles
85 Win 67–12–6 Ken Shaw TKO 7 (8) Feb 7, 1945 Queensberry Club, Soho, London, England
84 Loss 66–12–6 Jack London PTS 15 Sep 15, 1944 King's Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester, Lancashire, England For vacant Commonwealth and BBBofC British heavyweight titles
83 Win 66–11–6 Al Delaney KO 5 (10) May 25, 1944 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England
82 Win 65–11–6 Bert Gilroy TKO 8 (10) Feb 16, 1944 Queensberry Club, Soho, London, England
81 Win 64–11–6 Al Robinson KO 2 (10) May 22, 1943 Elland Road Football Ground, Leeds, Yorkshire, England
80 Win 63–11–6 Al Robinson RTD 6 (10) Oct 23, 1942 King's Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester, Lancashire, England
79 Win 62–11–6 Len Harvey KO 2 (15) Jun 20, 1942 White Hart Lane (Tottenham FC), Tottenham, London, England Won Commonwealth and BBBofC British light heavyweight titles
78 Win 61–11–6 Jock McAvoy RTD 1 (12) Feb 23, 1942 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England
77 Win 60–11–6 Tom Reddington TKO 9 (10) Jan 26, 1942 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England
76 Win 59–11–6 Jack London PTS 10 Dec 8, 1941 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England
75 Loss 58–11–6 Tom Reddington PTS 10 Nov 28, 1941 King's Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester, Lancashire, England
74 Win 58–10–6 Jim Wilde KO 3 (8) Nov 3, 1941 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England
73 Win 57–10–6 Tommy Martin TKO 5 (?) Sep 29, 1941 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England
72 Loss 56–10–6 Jack Hyams DQ 3 (8) Sep 1, 1941 Granby Halls, Leicester, Leicestershire, England
71 Win 56–9–6 Tom Reddington PTS 10 Aug 4, 1941 Filbert Street Football Ground, Leicester, Leicestershire, England
70 Win 55–9–6 Jack Powell TKO 1 (10) Jun 30, 1941 Greyhound Stadium, Reading, Berkshire, England
69 Win 54–9–6 Jack Hyams TKO 4 (10) Jun 8, 1941 The Stadium, Liverpool, Merseyside, England
68 Win 53–9–6 Trevor Burt TKO 2 (10) May 31, 1941 Gess Pavillion, Pontypool, Wales
67 Win 52–9–6 Arthur Sadd TKO 9 (10) May 26, 1941 Granby Halls, Leicester, Leicestershire, England
66 Win 51–9–6 Ernie Simmons RTD 6 (10) Dec 26, 1940 New St James Hall, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England
65 Win 50–9–6 Jock McAvoy PTS 12 Aug 8, 1940 The Stadium, Liverpool, Merseyside, England
64 Win 49–9–6 Ben Valentine TKO 3 (10) May 22, 1940 Winter Gardens, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
63 Win 48–9–6 Stafford Barton TKO 7 (10) Apr 18, 1940 Sports Centre, Walthamstow, London, England
62 Win 47–9–6 Arthur Sadd PTS 10 Apr 10, 1940 Winter Gardens, Eastbourne, Sussex, England
61 Win 46–9–6 Jim Berry PTS 10 Mar 17, 1940 Arena, Coventry, West Midlands, England
60 Win 45–9–6 Elfryn Morris KO 4 (10) Dec 27, 1939 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
59 Draw 44–9–6 Eddie Maguire PTS 10 Nov 27, 1939 Sportsdrome, Southampton, Hampshire, England
58 Win 44–9–5 Dave McCleave KO 5 (10) Oct 28, 1939 Sportsdrome, Southampton, Hampshire, England
57 Loss 43–9–5 Eddie Maguire PTS 10 Oct 23, 1939 Ice Rink, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England
56 Win 43–8–5 Charlie Parkin KO 1 (10) Jul 21, 1939 Millbay Rinkeries, Plymouth, Devon, England
55 Loss 42–8–5 Arthur Sadd PTS 10 Jun 14, 1939 Winter Gardens, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
54 Win 42–7–5 Dave McCleave KO 1 (10) May 3, 1939 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
53 Win 41–7–5 Charlie Parkin PTS 10 Apr 26, 1939 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
52 Loss 40–7–5 Elfryn Morris PTS 10 Apr 12, 1939 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
51 Draw 40–6–5 Nat Franks PTS 12 Mar 13, 1939 Millbay Rinkeries, Plymouth, Devon, England
50 Win 40–6–4 Eddie Maguire PTS 10 Mar 1, 1939 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
49 Loss 39–6–4 Ernie Butcher Gascoigne PTS 12 Feb 20, 1939 Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England
48 Win 39–5–4 Johnny Blake TKO 6 (12) Feb 1, 1939 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
47 Win 38–5–4 Paul Schaeffer PTS 10 Jan 18, 1939 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
46 Win 37–5–4 Yorkey Bentley TKO 7 (12) Jan 4, 1939 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
45 Loss 36–5–4 Dave McCleave PTS 12 Dec 14, 1938 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
44 Win 36–4–4 Ernie Butcher Gascoigne PTS 12 Dec 7, 1938 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
43 Win 35–4–4 Yorkey Bentley KO 6 (12) Nov 23, 1938 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
42 Win 34–4–4 Tom Curran PTS 10 Nov 14, 1938 Aquarium, Brighton, Sussex, England
41 Win 33–4–4 Seaman Tommy Long KO 3 (12) Nov 9, 1938 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
40 Win 32–4–4 Fred Clements TKO 6 (10) Oct 27, 1938 Connaught Drill Hall, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England
39 Win 31–4–4 Moe Moss KO 5 (10) Aug 1, 1938 Dean Court Football Ground, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
38 Win 30–4–4 Charlie Parkin PTS 12 Apr 27, 1938 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
37 Win 29–4–4 Charlie Parkin TKO 3 (12) Apr 13, 1938 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
36 Win 28–4–4 Jack Lewis PTS 12 Mar 30, 1938 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
35 Win 27–4–4 Tommy Taylor PTS 12 Mar 16, 1938 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
34 Win 26–4–4 Harry Vine TKO 9 (12) Mar 2, 1938 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
33 Win 25–4–4 Ted Barter TKO 6 (12) Feb 16, 1938 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
32 Win 24–4–4 Billy James TKO 3 (12) Feb 2, 1938 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
31 Win 23–4–4 Jim Greaves PTS 12 Jan 19, 1938 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
30 Win 22–4–4 Ginger Dawkins TKO 8 (12) Jan 5, 1938 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
29 Draw 21–4–4 Ginger Dawkins PTS 12 Dec 17, 1937 Adelphi Gardens Pavilion, Paignton, Devon, England
28 Loss 21–4–3 Jack Lewis PTS 10 Dec 15, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
27 Win 21–3–3 Fred Clements TKO 6 (12) Dec 1, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
26 Draw 20–3–3 Jim Greaves PTS 12 Nov 17, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
25 Win 20–3–2 Billy Fuller KO 7 (12) Nov 3, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
24 Loss 19–3–2 George Davis PTS 12 Oct 20, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
23 Win 19–2–2 Harold Anthony KO 1 (12) Oct 8, 1937 Adelphi Gardens Pavilion, Paignton, Devon, England
22 Loss 18–2–2 George Davis KO 10 (10) Aug 14, 1937 Poole Sports Arena, Poole, Dorset, England
21 Win 18–1–2 Albert Johnson PTS 12 May 5, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
20 Win 17–1–2 Harry Lister PTS 12 Apr 28, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
19 Win 16–1–2 Jack Alder PTS 12 Apr 14, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
18 Win 15–1–2 Jack McKnight PTS 12 Mar 17, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
17 Win 14–1–2 Ernie Red Pullen PTS 12 Mar 3, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
16 Win 13–1–2 Jack McKnight PTS 12 Feb 17, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
15 Win 12–1–2 Harry Frolick TKO 7 (10) Feb 3, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
14 Win 11–1–2 Terry Warren KO 2 (8) Jan 20, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
13 Win 10–1–2 Billy Brown KO 1 (10) Jan 6, 1937 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
12 Win 9–1–2 Georges Bradby KO 1 (10) Dec 9, 1936 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
11 Win 8–1–2 Fred Linnington KO 4 (8) Nov 25, 1936 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
10 Win 7–1–2 Slogger Wilson KO 7 (8) Nov 11, 1936 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
9 Win 6–1–2 Stan Nelson TKO 2 (6) Oct 28, 1936 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
8 Win 5–1–2 Jack Scott KO 1 (6) Oct 14, 1936 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England Mills had knocked out Scott earlier on this card, leaving the crowd dissatisfied.
So, after a couple of other fights were concluded, they met again, with the same result
7 Win 4–1–2 Jack Scott KO 1 (6) Oct 14, 1936 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
6 Draw 3–1–2 George Hesketh PTS 6 May 21, 1936 Weymouth, Dorset, England
5 Draw 3–1–1 Eddie Gill PTS 6 Apr 20, 1936 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
4 Loss 3–1 Eddie Gill KO 3 (8) Apr 6, 1936 Pannier Market, Barnstaple, Devon, England
3 Win 3–0 Reg Davis KO 4 (6) Mar 25, 1936 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
2 Win 2–0 Young Barfoot KO 2 (4) Mar 11, 1936 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
1 Win 1–0 Jim Riley KO 1 (3) Feb 26, 1936 Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England

See also

References

  1. ^ a b before 1 April 1974 Bournemouth was in Hampshire
  2. ^ a b "Former Boxer is Show Business Hit". Saskatoon Star-Phoenix. 29 April 1958. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  3. ^ a b Michael Horsfield (May 2011). "Boxing Champ was not run of the Mills". Snapshots. Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
  4. ^ "Bournemouth, Garden by the Sea" (PDF). Diamond Jubilee Civic Honours Bid. Bournemouth County Council. May 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 June 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
  5. ^ Bavin, p. 32
  6. ^ a b c d Bavin, p. 33
  7. ^
    Painesville Telegraph
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  8. ^ "First-Rate Boxing "Bill"". Eastbourne Gazette. 27 March 1940. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  9. ^ "N.B.A. Ratings". Evening Despatch. 12 April 1940. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  10. ^ "Mills Beats British Champ". Leader-Post. 9 August 1940. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  11. ^ "Sensational Victory by Roderick". Nottingham Journal. 2 September 1941. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
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  14. ^ "Mills Outpoints London". Liverpool Daily Post. 9 December 1941. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  15. ^ "Pilot's Sports Log". Liverpool Evening Express. 10 December 1941. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  16. ^ "Boxing". Lincolnshire Echo. 7 January 1942. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  17. ^ "Jock McAvoy Hurt: Mills Wins Match". Milwaukee Journal. 23 February 1942. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
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  19. ^ "K.O Sends Harvey Out of Ring". Sunday Post. 21 June 1942. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
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  21. ^ "Boxing Champion in Bristol". Western Daily Press. 8 December 1942. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
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  23. ^ "Big Fight Weights". Liverpool Echo. 15 September 1944. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  24. ^ "Jack London Wins". The Maple Leaf. 16 September 1944. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
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  31. ^ "Freddie Mills' Father Dead". Dundee Evening Telegraph. 24 April 1946. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  32. ^ "Mills Much Tougher than Champ Expected". Calgary Herald. 15 May 1946. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  33. ^ "Great Points Victory for Woodcock". Birmingham Daily Gazette. 5 June 1946. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  34. ^ "Mills Wins in First Round". Birmingham Daily Gazette. 14 August 1946. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  35. ^ "Joe Baksi Beats Freddie Mills". Indian Express. 7 November 1946. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  36. ^ "Mills K.O.'D in Fifth". Dundee Courier. 4 June 1947. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  37. ^ "Mills Wins European Title". Spokane Daily Chronicle. 8 September 1947. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
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  39. ^ "Two Rounds Suffice for Mills to Win". Indian Express. 9 February 1948. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  40. ^ Bavin, p. 12
  41. ^ "Lesnevich is 1/4-lb. Inside Weight". Derby Daily Telegraph. 26 July 1948. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  42. ^ "Jeers turn to cheers as Mills wins title". Daily Mirror. 27 July 1948. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  43. ^ "Freddie Mills decisions Gus Lesnevich in Sensational Ring Upset". The Spokesman-Review. 27 July 1948. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  44. ^ "Mills to Fight Lesnevich in America". Aberdeen Press and Journal. 31 July 1948. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  45. ^ "Freddie Mills Is Ill". Sports Argus. 7 August 1948. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  46. ^ "Mills to rest for two months: title fight off". Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer. 10 August 1948. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  47. ^ "Jack Solomons...". Yorkshire Evening Post. 20 September 1948. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
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  49. ^ "Mills Injured Hand". Yorkshire Evening Post. 8 November 1948. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  50. ^ "Freddie Was Funny". Daily Herald. 24 February 1949. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  51. ^ "Mills Signs". Belfast News-Letter. 8 March 1949. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  52. ^ "Bruce Woodcock Score 14-round Kayo over Freddie Mills". Schenectady Gazette. 3 June 1949. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  53. ^ "Mills Wants £20,000 Spread Over 5 Years". Hull Daily Mail. 7 June 1949. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
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  55. ^ "Freddie Mills to Train Himself". Yorkshire Evening Post. 22 November 1949. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  56. ^ "Maxim Kayoes Freddie Mills". St Petersburg Times. 25 January 1950. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  57. ^ Bavin. p. 30
  58. ^ "Freddie Mills Decides to Give Up Boxing". Western Morning News. 16 February 1950. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  59. ^ "Freddie Mills Decodes 'No More Competitive Boxing'". Leicester Daily Mercury. 25 January 1950. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
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  61. ^ "Mills Marries His Manager's Daughter". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 30 September 1948. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  62. ^ "Freddie Mills Marries". Montreal Gazette. 1 October 1948. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  63. ^ "Home to Prepare". Dundee Evening Telegraph. 22 April 1949. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  64. ^ "Her Dad's a Champ". Daily Herald. 17 June 1958. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
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  66. ^ "Freddie Gets His Licence". Hull Daily Mail. 15 March 1950. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  67. ^ "Mills to Manage O'Connor". Gloucestershire Echo. 17 March 1950. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  68. ^ "Mills as Author". Birmingham Daily Gazette. 3 June 1950. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  69. ^ "Champion's Visit to Portsmouth". Portsmouth Evening News. 11 July 1951. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  70. ^ "Mills-Lesnevich Title Fight Is Off". Milwaukee Journal. 7 August 1948. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  71. ^ AP (11 April 1962). "The old ring game (for better or worse)" (PDF). Binghamton Press. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  72. ^ "Freddie Mills' Championship Belt Stolen". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 16 October 1962. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  73. ^ "Freddie Mills' Belt Returned". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 19 October 1962. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  74. ^ "That man Freddie Mills...". Daily Mirror. 14 February 1950. Retrieved 13 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  75. ^ "Midland 'TV' Broadcast". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 2 May 1950. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  76. ^ "Mills Wins Again". Daily Herald. 12 May 1950. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  77. ^ "Freddie Was Radio Hit". Daily Herald. 12 May 1950. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  78. ^ "Freddie Mills Takes on the BBC". Daily Herald. 15 March 1952. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  79. ^ "Stage & Screen". Uxbridge and West Drayton Gazette. 20 June 1952. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  80. ^ "TV knock-out for Freddie Mills". Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer. 6 September 1954. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  81. ^ "Accent Is on Music in New '6.5 Special'". The Stage. 31 January 1957. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  82. ^ ""6-5" Mills, Murray Shock". Aberdeen Evening Express. 25 March 1958. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  83. ^ "Freddie Mills Goes Into Variety". The Stage. 18 September 1958. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  84. ^ "Hulme Hippodrome". The Stage. 24 December 1959. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  85. ^ "Marked!". Daily Mirror. 20 September 1961. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  86. ^ "Ready for return of variety series from ABC". The Stage. 9 January 1964. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  87. ^ Bavin, p. 19
  88. ^ Bavin, p. 22
  89. ^ Thompson, Tony (11 July 2004). "How boxing champion was driven to suicide by threat from Krays". The Guardian.
  90. ^ Bavin, p. 24
  91. ^ Bavin, p. 36
  92. ^ "New Nite Spot Deserves Success". The Stage. 16 May 1963. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
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  94. ^ "ARGUELLO DEATH ANOTHER TRAGEDY". Sporting Life. Retrieved 20 May 2012.[permanent dead link]
  95. ^ "Employment Agency Licences". The Stage. 22 August 1963. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  96. ^ Tony Thompson, crime correspondent (12 July 2004). "How boxing champion was driven to suicide by threat from Krays". London: Guardian. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  97. ^ Bavin, p. 9
  98. ^ Bavin, p. 38
  99. ^ "The Fight That Freddie Mills Faced Alone". Daily Mirror. 3 August 1965. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  100. ^ "Mills killed himself with a borrowed gun". Aberdeen Evening Express. 2 August 1965. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  101. ^ Bavin, p. 67
  102. ^ a b "Killer Hunt Off - Freddie Mills Shock". Daily Mirror. 26 July 1965. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  103. ^ a b "The ten strangest sporting deaths". London: The Observer. 8 February 2004. Retrieved 1 June 2009.
  104. ^ "1,000 attend funeral of ex-champion". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 30 July 1965. Retrieved 12 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  105. ^ "Freddie Mills, Camberwell New Cemetery and Crematorium, Find a grave". Findagrave.com. 26 June 1919. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  106. ^ Bavin, p. 56
  107. ^ "Freddie's club was up for sale - but no takers". Daily Mirror. 27 July 1965. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  108. ISBN 0953446700
  109. ^ a b Hart, Ted (29 December 1979). "Was it Freddie's last big stand?". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  110. ^ "A Freddie Mills Show Tribute". Aberdeen Evening Express. 7 January 1966. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  111. ^ a b Tony Thompson, crime correspondent (4 November 2001). "Boxing hero Freddie Mills 'murdered eight women'". London: Guardian. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  112. ^ Thompson, Tony (4 November 2001). "Boxing hero Freddie Mills 'murdered eight women'". The Guardian. London.
  113. ^ a b Bavin, p. 58
  114. ^ Bavin, p. 95
  115. ^ Bavin, p. 97
  116. ^ "Freddie Mills: police get murder report". Liverpool Echo. 20 November 1970. Retrieved 14 August 2018 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  117. ISSN 0140-0460
    . Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  118. ^ "BBC - Murder In Soho: Who Killed Freddie Mills? - Media Centre". www.bbc.co.uk. 2018. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  119. ^ Singh, Anita (28 July 2018). "Boxer Freddie Mills 'was murdered by the Mob', BBC documentary claims". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 28 July 2018.
  120. ^ "BoxRec Boxing Records". Boxrec.com. Retrieved 20 May 2012.

Sources

  • Bavin, Bill (1975) The Strange Death of Freddie Mills, Howard Baker Press,
    ISBN 0-7030-0078-0

External links
Achievements
Preceded by World Light Heavyweight Champion
26 July 1948 – 24 January 1950 		Succeeded by
Light heavyweight status
Preceded by
Gus Lesnevich
 Latest born world champion to die
July 22, 1965 – December 15, 1971 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Freddie_Mills&oldid=1218191596"