Researcher seeks memories of Leicester's boxing past

A PhD student at De Montfort University is hoping to speak to people who were involved in the sport of boxing in Leicestershire between 1945 and the late 1970s.

Neil Skinner – who is writing his thesis on the county’s boxing history – wants to build up a detailed picture of boxing in Leicester, looking at all aspects of the amateur and professional sport in the decades after the Second World War.

“Leicester was a big boxing town, with a large number of spectators and participants,” he said.

“I’m hoping to track down anyone who was involved in the sport at any level – and that includes people who boxed at school, in youth groups, at university, in the services, in a workplace gym or in an amateur boxing club.

“They can have been involved in any of the amateur strands, the fairground booths or the professional sport.

“I want to know who boxed, why they boxed and where they boxed.”

Although Neil is keen to hear from Leicester’s post-war boxers, he’d also like to speak to people whose family members were involved in the sport – and those who were watching the sport in Leicester between 1945 and the late 1970s.

“Obviously it would be great to speak to former boxers, but I’d also like to hear from trainers, managers, promoters, referees and spectators – in fact, anyone with memories of Leicester’s post-war boxing scene,” he said.

“If you’d like to help me put together one of the most detailed studies of boxing in post-war Leicester by sharing your story with me, I’d love to hear from you.”

Anyone who can help Neil with his research can contact him on 07983 726636 or at nskinner@dmu.ac.uk|.