Jimmy Wilde

Biography

Jimmy Wilde, known as "The Mighty Atom" and "The Tylorstown Terror," was a Welsh professional boxer widely regarded as one of the greatest flyweight boxers of all time and a true legend of the sport. He fought from 1911 to 1923 and held multiple titles, including the IBU world flyweight title, the EBU European flyweight title, and the British flyweight title.

Born on May 15, 1892, in Quakers Yard, Wales, Wilde began his boxing career at 16 in fairground boxing booths, where he gained a reputation for his incredible toughness and ability to knock down much larger opponents. His official professional debut came in 1911, and he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division.

One of Wilde's most impressive feats was his unbeaten streak of 103 fights, which remains the longest in boxing history. During this streak, he defeated Joe Symonds to capture the British flyweight title in 1916. He then went on to win the IBU World Flyweight title the same year, beating Johnny Rosner and becoming the first officially recognized world flyweight champion.

Wilde's boxing style was characterized by his bludgeoning punching power, earning him the nicknames "Ghost with the Hammer in His Hand" and "The Tylorstown Terror." Despite his small stature, he was known to take on and knock out larger opponents, including bantamweights and featherweights.

In addition to his professional bouts, Wilde participated in an astonishing 151 newspaper decision contests, losing only one and winning seven. Of these, 143 were declared no-decisions, further demonstrating his dominance and technical prowess in the ring.

Wilde's most famous fights include his 1919 victory over American Joe Lynch and his 1923 title defence against Filipino boxing icon Pancho Villa at the Polo Grounds in New York. Although Wilde lost to Villa by knockout, his willingness to defend his title against the best opponents solidified his status as a true champion.

After retiring from boxing in 1924, Wilde wrote several books on the sport, including The Art of Boxing, an instructional book, and his autobiography Fighting Was My Business. He also briefly worked as a boxing referee in the 1930s.

Wilde's legacy in the world of boxing is undeniable. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. Ring Magazine named him the third greatest puncher, the greatest flyweight, and the thirteenth greatest fighter of the 20th century. The International Boxing Research Organization ranked him the top flyweight of all time in 2006.

Despite his incredible success in the ring, Wilde's post-boxing life was marked by financial difficulties and personal struggles. In 1965, he suffered severe injuries during a mugging, from which he never fully recovered. He passed away on March 10, 1969, in Whitchurch, Wales, leaving behind a legacy that inspires boxers and fans alike.

Jimmy Wilde's story is one of incredible talent, determination, and resilience. His impact on boxing is immeasurable, and his status as one of the greatest flyweights ever is undisputed. He remains a true icon and a source of pride for his native Wales and boxing enthusiasts worldwide.