Eddie Thomas (boxer)
Edward Thomas MBE (27 July 1925 – 2 June 1997) was a Welsh professional boxer and boxing manager. He was born in Merthyr Tydfil. After a highly successful amateur boxing career, he turned professional in 1946. He won the Welsh welterweight title in 1948 and the British welterweight title in 1949, becoming the first Welsh fighter to hold the belt for more than 30 years. He won the European welterweight title in 1951, retaining it for only four months. He held the British Empire title for a period in the same year.
Eddie Thomas MBE | |
|---|---|
Statue by Peter Nicholas in Bethesda Gardens, Merthyr Tydfil | |
| Born | Edward Thomas 27 July 1925 Merthyr Tydfil, Wales |
| Died | 2 June 1997 (aged 71) |
| Nationality | Welsh |
| Other names | The Merthyr Marvel |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Welterweight |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 48 |
| Wins | 40 |
| Wins by KO | 13 |
| Losses | 6 |
| Draws | 2 |
Retiring in 1954, he became the manager of two of Britain's most successful boxing champions, Howard Winstone and Ken Buchanan, both of whom won world titles in their weight classes. He later served as mayor of Merthyr Tydfil. Thomas was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1984 Birthday Honours for services to boxing.