Boxers of Newport

There has always been a great boxing tradition in Newport and the valleys of Monmouthshire, but recently the area has excelled itself. Over the last two decades, no fewer than four world champions have been groomed in local gyms. Robbie Regan, Gavin Rees, Nathan Cleverly and the incomparable Joe Calzaghe may be the stand-out achievers featured in this book, but they are far from the only stars remembered here. Johnny Basham and the `Maesglas Marciano’, Dick Richardson, lead the way for the city on the Usk, while there are many others who have worn the Lonsdale Belt or claimed Commonwealth Games medals. And the changing face of boxing is epitomised by Ebbw Vale girl Ashley Brace, the first woman to top a professional bill in Wales – and the first to win an international title. Some 70 boxers are pictured and profiled. Any fight fan, whether a `Gwentie’ or not, will enjoy this book.

'If you want to learn more about some of the finest fighters to appear on Sky Sports - Regan, Rees, Cleverly and the man I consider Britain's best boxer since the war, Joe Calzaghe - this book has the answers. And it's not just the stars. There is also plenty about fighters you may have forgotten - or never knew existed.' Adam Smith, Head of Boxing, Sky Sports; 'Gareth Jones is THE authority on Welsh boxing, and always a joy to read. His exhaustive research uncovers wonderful stories that should not be missed.' Matt Christie, Editor, Boxing News; Nobody knows Welsh boxing with quite the depth, understanding and empathy of Gareth Jones. This time he profiles not merely the area's four world champions and the likes of Dick Richardson, Steve Sims and the gloriously named Johnny Basham. This engaging volume also stretches back to the bare-knuckle era to chronicle the deeds of Morgan Crowther, who drank and gambled around Newport, fought enthusiastically, and after several visits to police cells in the vicinity, became that rare beast, a respected bookmaker.' Kevin Mitchell, The Observer

Gareth Jones is a journalist who has been writing and broadcasting on boxing in Wales for more than 40 years, including over 15 years as Boxing Correspondent of the South Wales Echo, and a longer period as Welsh Correspondent of Boxing News.