It was all the way back in 1937 when Tommy Farr, nicknamed the ‘Tonypandy Terror’, fought all-time great heavyweight boxer Joe Louis for the NYSAC and The Ring heavyweight titles. The fight, held at Yankee Stadium, New York, would become infamous for a result which many deemed unjust.
As any boxing fan worth his or her salt can attest, Louis is widely regarded pound for pound as one of the greatest boxers of all time. For the Farr fight in 1937, Louis was 23 years, 109 days old and quickly establishing himself as a great; already with 33 wins (and just one defeat to Max Schemling which would soon be avenged) to his name.
Who Was Tommy Farr?
Farr was less-known. The Welshman from Cwmclydach, Cwm Rhondda had suffered numerous defeats early into his career and had only begun hitting his stride in the year before the Louis fight. In many ways, this was the original Rocky movie; a relatively unknown underdog fighting against the world-famous big shot dominating the sport. Betting odds were firmly in favour of Louis.
To the surprise of many, the fight went the full 15 rounds (back when fights were 15 rounds). It was a hard-hitting contest, with Farr himself joking years later that “when I talk about that fight, my nose still bleeds.”
Yet, the result remains one of the most controversial in the sport’s history (which is saying something). An attending crowd of 50,000 strong booed the outcome; the referee, judges and Louis himself. Farr lasted until the end and was regarded as the winner by the majority of the attending audience but it was Louis who would be announced as the winner – his hand raised in victory to the anger of the crowd. Interestingly, the referee initially went to raise Farr’s glove before withdrawing.
Though it is claimed Farr was robbed on the night, he became a beloved figure in the sport of boxing and a hero back home in Cymru.
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Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
Welsh Histories Magazine Mid-2025 6 Issue SPECIAL OFFER!
Mid-2025 6 Issue SPECIAL OFFER – DIGITAL Magazines!
The Mid-2025 6 Issue SPECIAL OFFER includes the first six digital magazines from 2025 at a heavily reduced price! From the native castles of Cymru, to the Welsh history adventures of Welsh Histories founder, Niklas George, to the distinctive histories of north and south, the Welsh rebels of our history, Wales in the First World War and a collection of “Did You Know” type facts, it is all covered in this collection!
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This collection has been released not only to mark the halfway point of 2025 but to make the magazines even more affordable than they already are. All six magazines for just £5.99 means that you are getting them all for slightly less than £1 per magazine, saving you on £5.94 in total. Bargain!
Happy reading!
If you have any issues with receiving and downloading your copy, please send all queries to: niklas@welshhistories.co.uk.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.