William Thomas Wells
| Bombardier Billy Wells | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | William Thomas Wells |
| Nickname(s) | Bombardier |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Nationality |
 United Kingdom
|
| Born |
31 August 1889 Stepney, London, England |
| Died | 12 June 1967 (aged 77) Ealing, London, England |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 52 |
| Wins | 41 |
| Wins by KO | 34 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Draws | 0 |
| No contests | 0 |
William Thomas Wells, better known as Bombardier Billy Wells (31 August 1889 – 12 June 1967), was an English heavyweight boxer. Fighting under the name "Bombardier Billy Wells", he was British and British Empire Champion from 1911 until 1919, defending his title fourteen times. In 1911 he became the first Heavyweight to win the Lonsdale Belt, which had been introduced for British champions at all weights in 1909.
Wells, who was 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) and was between 182 and 192 lb (83 and 87 kg), fought with an orthodox style.
Wells was born at 250 Cable Street, Stepney, in the East End of London. He was the eldest of five brothers and was one of nine children. His parents were William Thomas Wells, a musician, and Emily Rhoda Farrier, a laundress. He attended Broad Street elementary school, Shadwell until about the age of twelve, then becoming a messenger boy. He began to box as an amateur during this period.
In 1906, Wells joined the Royal Artillery as a gunner. He was posted to Rawalpindi where he boxed in divisional and all-India championships, with great success. He was promoted to a bombardier, and began training full-time with the help of a civilian coach. It became apparent that Wells was good enough to make a living from boxing, so in 1910, he bought himself out of the army and returned to Britain. This was at a time when boxing was becoming very popular as a spectator sport, in Britain and elsewhere.
Wells had his first professional fight on 8 June 1910, against Gunner Joe Mills, winning on points over six rounds. In his first eight fights he recorded seven wins and one defeat. In his next fight he fought for the British Heavyweight Title, at the National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London. The fight was in April 1911 against Iron (William) Hague, the holder, and Wells won by a knockout in the sixth round of twenty.
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