# Boxing in Liverpool

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**Boxing in Liverpool**, the [United Kingdom](/source/United_Kingdom), is centered on approximately 22 amateur boxing clubs. The city has produced several national, European, and world champion boxers.

Boxers from Liverpool were a significant percentage of the [2012 Olympics](/source/2012_Olympics) [British Boxing Team](/source/GB_Boxing). Boxing events were most commonly held at [Liverpool Stadium](/source/Liverpool_Stadium); since then[when?] boxing events have been hosted at the [Echo Arena](/source/Echo_Arena) and [Liverpool Olympia](/source/Liverpool_Olympia) within the city.

## History

Boxing in Liverpool developed rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, alongside the growth of the city as a major port. The sport became deeply embedded in working-class communities, particularly in districts such as Toxteth, Kirkdale, and Everton. [1]

The opening of [Liverpool Stadium](/source/Liverpool_Stadium) in 1932 marked the United Kingdom’s first purpose-built boxing arena and venue for major fights.[2]

Throughout the 20th century, Liverpool was considered a leading boxing city, producing British and international champions and maintaining a successful amateur boxing infrastructure.[3]

## Notable amateur boxers from Liverpool

### David Burke

[David Burke](/source/David_Burke_(boxer)) won a bronze medal in men's featherweight at the [1996 European Amateur Boxing Championships](/source/1996_European_Amateur_Boxing_Championships) in [Vejle](/source/Vejle) in the 57 kg division. He represented Salisbury Amateur Boxing Club.[4]

### Natasha Jonas

[Natasha Jonas](/source/Natasha_Jonas), from [Toxteth](/source/Toxteth), was the first British female boxer to ever qualify for and compete at an Olympic games,[5] as [GB Boxing](/source/GB_Boxing)'s women's 60 kg representative at the [2012 London Olympics](/source/2012_London_Olympics). She also won a bronze medal at the [2012 AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships](/source/2012_AIBA_Women's_World_Boxing_Championships) in [Qinhuangdao](/source/Qinhuangdao). She represents Rotunda Amateur Boxing Club.[6]

### Daniel Ezra Deane

[Daniel Ezra Deane](/source/Daniel_Ezra_Deane), from [Dingle](/source/Dingle,_Liverpool), Liverpool, 6"1 tall & then aged 36, won the gold medal as heavyweight at the [1996 European Amateur Boxing Championships](/source/1996_European_Amateur_Boxing_Championships) in [Vejle](/source/Vejle). He also boasted a professional record of 15-15-0 before his career was ended after an injury whilst on active deployment. He was from the backstreets of Moses Street.[citation needed]

### Jay Deane Brown

[Jay "Back alley" Brown](/source/Jay_%22Back_alley%22_Brown), Cousin of Daniel Lowday (Ezra Deane) was from the back streets of Dingle (Graffton Street). He boasted of an amateur record of 20-0 with 19 KO's and 1 TKO, he boxed out of the United services club (L8 Byles street) but had to give up his career due to unforeseen circumstances. He currently works as a doorman in Liverpool's club scene.

### Neil Perkins

Neil Perkins, from [Kirkdale](/source/Kirkdale,_Merseyside), won a bronze medal at the [2005 World Amateur Boxing Championships](/source/2005_World_Amateur_Boxing_Championships) in the 69 kg division. He represented Kirkdale Amateur Boxing Club.[7]

### David Price

[David Price](/source/David_Price_(boxer)), from [West Derby](/source/West_Derby), won a bronze medal at the [2008 Beijing Olympics](/source/2008_Beijing_Olympics) in the 91+ kg division where he also captained the [GB Boxing](/source/GB_Boxing) team.[8] He represented Long Lane and Salisbury amateur boxing clubs.[9]

### Stephen Smith

[Stephen Smith](/source/Stephen_Smith_(boxer)), from [Kirkdale](/source/Kirkdale,_Merseyside), won a bronze medal at the [2006 European Amateur Boxing Championships](/source/2006_European_Amateur_Boxing_Championships) in [Plovdiv](/source/Plovdiv) in the 52 kg division. He represented Rotunda Amateur Boxing Club.[10]

### Tom Stalker

[Tom Stalker](/source/Tom_Stalker), from [Huyton](/source/Huyton), captained [GB Boxing](/source/GB_Boxing)'s Olympic team at the [2012 London Olympics](/source/2012_London_Olympics).[11] He won a bronze medal at the [2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships](/source/2011_World_Amateur_Boxing_Championships) in [Baku](/source/Baku) at 64 kg, and he twice won a silver medal (60 kg & 64 kg) at the [2010 European Amateur Boxing Championships](/source/2010_European_Amateur_Boxing_Championships) and the [2011 European Amateur Boxing Championships](/source/2011_European_Amateur_Boxing_Championships) in [Moscow](/source/Moscow) and [Ankara](/source/Ankara) respectively. He represented St. Aloysius and Salisbury amateur boxing clubs.[12]

### Tony Willis

[Tony Willis](/source/Tony_Willis) won a bronze medal at the [1980 Moscow Olympics](/source/1980_Moscow_Olympics) in the [63.5 kg division](/source/Boxing_at_the_1980_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Light_welterweight).

## Notable professional boxers from Liverpool

### George Turpin

[George Turpin](/source/George_Turpin) won a bronze medal at the [1972 Munich Olympics](/source/1972_Munich_Olympics) in the 56 kg division.[13]

### Tony Bellew

[Tony Bellew](/source/Tony_Bellew) (30-3-1), from [Wavertree](/source/Wavertree), is a former WBC [cruiserweight](/source/Cruiserweight_(boxing)) champion and former [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British [light heavyweight](/source/Light_heavyweight) champion, a former commonwealth light heavyweight champion and a [heavyweight](/source/Heavyweight) contender. He is a former two-time light heavyweight world title challenger. He has fought [Nathan Cleverly](/source/Nathan_Cleverly), [Edison Miranda](/source/Edison_Miranda), and [Isaac Chilemba](/source/Isaac_Chilemba), [Adonis Stevenson](/source/Adonis_Stevenson), [Ilunga Makabu](/source/Ilunga_Makabu), [David Haye](/source/David_Haye) and [Oleksandr Usyk](/source/Oleksandr_Usyk).

### Johnny Cooke

[Johnny Cooke](/source/Johnny_Cooke) (52-34-7), from [Bootle](/source/Bootle), was a [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British and Commonwealth [welterweight](/source/Welterweight) champion.[14]

### John Conteh

[John Conteh](/source/John_Conteh) (34-4-1), from [Kirkby](/source/Kirkby), a former [WBC](/source/World_Boxing_Council) [light heavyweight](/source/Light_heavyweight) world champion, as well as the former [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British and Commonwealth [light heavyweight](/source/Light_heavyweight) champion. He is considered Liverpool's greatest boxer.[citation needed]

### Tony Dodson

[Tony Dodson](/source/Tony_Dodson) (29-8-1), from [Garston](/source/Garston,_Merseyside), is a former [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British [super middleweight](/source/Super_middleweight) champion. He fought [Carl Froch](/source/Carl_Froch), [Paul Smith](/source/Paul_Smith_(boxer)), and [Tony Quigley](/source/Tony_Quigley).[15]

### Rocky Fielding

[Michael 'Rocky from Stocky' Fielding](/source/Rocky_Fielding) (30-2-0), from [Stockbridge Village](/source/Stockbridge_Village), was a [WBA](/source/World_Boxing_Association) Inter-Continental super middleweight champion, and WBA regular world champion. He fought Mohammed Akrong, Tobias Webb and [Canelo Alvarez](/source/Canelo_Alvarez).[16]

### Paul Hodkinson

[Paul Hodkinson](/source/Paul_Hodkinson) (22-3-1), from [Kirkby](/source/Kirkby), is a former [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British [featherweight](/source/Featherweight) champion and [WBC](/source/World_Boxing_Council) [featherweight](/source/Featherweight) world champion, a title which he defended successfully on four occasions.[17] Hodkinson also was a challenger for the [WBO](/source/WBO) [featherweight](/source/Featherweight) title. He fought [Marcos Villasana](/source/Marcos_Villasana), [Steve Cruz](/source/Steve_Cruz_(boxer)), and [Gregorio Vargas](/source/Gregorio_Vargas).[18]

### Andy Holligan

[Andy Holligan](/source/Andy_Holligan) (27-3-0) is the former [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British and Commonwealth [light welterweight](/source/Light_welterweight) champion and former [WBC](/source/World_Boxing_Council) [light welterweight](/source/Light_welterweight) world title challenger. His most notable opponents were [Julio César Chávez](/source/Julio_C%C3%A9sar_Ch%C3%A1vez) and [Shea Neary](/source/Shea_Neary).

### Derry Mathews

[Derry Mathews](/source/Derry_Mathews) (34-8-2), from [Anfield](/source/Anfield), was a Commonwealth [lightweight](/source/Lightweight) champion and former [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British [lightweight](/source/Lightweight) champion. He fought [Gavin Rees](/source/Gavin_Rees), [Anthony Crolla](/source/Anthony_Crolla), and [Gary Buckland](/source/Gary_Buckland).[19]

### Shea Neary

[Shea Neary](/source/Shea_Neary) (23-2-0) is a former [WBU](/source/WBU) [light welterweight](/source/Light_welterweight) champion. He fought [Micky Ward](/source/Micky_Ward), Andy Holligan, and [Eamonn Magee](/source/Eamonn_Magee).

### Liam Smith

[Liam Smith](/source/Liam_Smith_(boxer)) (15-0-1) from [Kirkdale](/source/Kirkdale,_Merseyside) is the reigning WBO light middleweight world champion. He is one of the four famous Smith brothers. His most notable opponents to date are [Eric Ochieng](/source/Erick_Ochieng) and Max Maxwell.

### Paul Smith Jr

[Paul Smith](/source/Paul_Smith_(boxer)) (33-3-0) from [Kirkdale](/source/Kirkdale,_Merseyside) was [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British [super middleweight](/source/Super_middleweight) champion, a title he held on at least two separate occasions. He is one of the four famous Smith brothers. He fought [James DeGale](/source/James_DeGale), [George Groves](/source/George_Groves_(boxer)), and [Tony Dodson](/source/Tony_Dodson).

### Stephen Smith

[Stephen Smith](/source/Stephen_Smith_(boxer)) (18-1-0), from [Kirkdale](/source/Kirkdale,_Merseyside), was [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British [super featherweight](/source/Super_featherweight) champion and the former [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British and Commonwealth [featherweight](/source/Featherweight) champion. He is one of the four famous Smith brothers. He fought [Gary Buckland](/source/Gary_Buckland), [Lee Selby](/source/Lee_Selby), and [John Simpson](/source/John_Simpson_(boxer)).[20]

### Callum Smith

[Callum Smith](/source/Callum_Smith) (28-1-0), from [Kirkdale](/source/Kirkdale,_Merseyside) is the most decorated of the four Smith brothers. He was [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British [Super Middleweight](/source/Super_Middleweight) champion and the former unified super middleweight champion of the world. He beat [George Groves](/source/George_Groves_(boxer)) to win the Muhammad Ali trophy in the [World Boxing Super Series](/source/World_Boxing_Super_Series) final and his only loss was to [Canelo Álvarez](/source/Canelo_%C3%81lvarez) where he suffered a bicep injury. Callum now competes at light heavyweight.

### David Price

[David Price](/source/David_Price_(boxer)) (15-2-0), from [West Derby](/source/West_Derby), was a [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British and Commonwealth [heavyweight](/source/Heavyweight) champion. He fought [Tony Thomson](/source/Anthony_Thompson_(boxer)) and [Audley Harrison](/source/Audley_Harrison).

### Joey Singleton

Joey Singleton (27-11-2) from [Kirkby](/source/Kirkby) was a [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British [light-welterweight](/source/Light-welterweight) champion 1974-1976. He won the title from [Pat McCormick](/source/Pat_McCormick_(boxer)) (15 rounds - points) at the [Liverpool Stadium](/source/Liverpool_Stadium), and lost it two years later on a cut eye stoppage in round 6 to [Dave Boy Green](/source/Dave_Boy_Green) at the [Royal Albert Hall](/source/Royal_Albert_Hall) on June 1, 1976. Singleton defended his title 3 times, winning the [Lonsdale Belt](/source/Lonsdale_Belt) outright in a record eight professional fights. He fought and lost to [Jorgen Hansen](/source/J%C3%B8rgen_Hansen_(boxer)) for the European Welterweight Title on April 17, 1980.

### Alan Rudkin

[Alan Rudkin](/source/Alan_Rudkin) (42-8-0) from [Dingle](/source/Dingle) was a former [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British and Commonwealth [bantamweight](/source/Bantamweight) champion. He also challenged for the [WBC](/source/World_Boxing_Council) and [WBA](/source/World_Boxing_Association) [bantamweight](/source/Bantamweight) world titles on several occasions. He fought [Fighting Harada](/source/Fighting_Harada), [Lionel Rose](/source/Lionel_Rose), and [Rubén Olivares](/source/Rub%C3%A9n_Olivares).[21]

### Kevin Satchell

[Kevin Satchell](/source/Kevin_Satchell) (11-0-0) from [Kirkdale](/source/Kirkdale,_Merseyside) was a [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British and Commonwealth [flyweight](/source/Flyweight) champion. He fought Iain Butcher, Luke Wilton, and [Paul Edwards](/source/Paul_Edwards_(boxer)).[22]

### Nel Tarleton

[Nel Tarleton](/source/Nel_Tarleton) (119-21-8) was a former [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British and Commonwealth [featherweight](/source/Featherweight) champion, a title he has held on several separate occasions.[23]

### Tony Willis

[Tony Willis](/source/Tony_Willis) (25-4-0) is a former [BBBofC](/source/BBBofC) British [lightweight](/source/Lightweight) champion, a title he defended three times. He fought [Steve Boyle](/source/Steve_Boyle_(boxer)), [George Feeney](/source/George_Feeney_(boxer)), and [Alex Dickson](/source/Alex_Dickson_(boxer)).[24]

## References

1. [*Graveyard of Champions : The Fascinating Story of Liverpool's Legendary Boxing Stadium*](https://www.tgjonesonline.co.uk/Product/Stephen-Barr/Graveyard-of-Champions--The-Fascinating-Story-of-Liverpools-Legendary-Boxing-Stadium/15876474). 2026-04-20. ISBN 978-1-83680-256-3.

1. Moffitt, Dominic (2021-10-26). ["Rise and fall of the Liverpool Stadium as UK's first boxing arena"](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/nostalgia/liverpool-stadium-uks-first-purpose-21899780). *Liverpool Echo*. Retrieved 2026-04-07.

1. Jay@TheGuide (2021-09-30). ["Why Liverpool should be proud of the Rotunda ABC, the home of champions"](https://theguideliverpool.com/why-liverpool-should-be-proud-of-the-rotunda-abc-the-home-of-champions/). *The Guide Liverpool*. Retrieved 2026-04-07.

1. Echo, Liverpool (2011-10-11). ["Fighting Talk: Salisbury ABC head coach Jim Carroll planning continued success"](http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/boxing/fighting-talk-salisbury-abc-head-3362419). *Liverpool Echo*. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. ["Natasha Jonas makes history by becoming first Black female boxing manager"](https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12985480/natasha-jonas-makes-history-by-becoming-first-black-female-boxing-manager). *Sky Sports*. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. ["Commonwealth Games Profile - Natasha Jonas"](http://g2014results.thecgf.com/athlete/boxing/1027891/n_jonas.html)

1. Echo, Liverpool (2012-07-27). ["Seconds Out: Kirkdale boxer Neil Perkins turns pro"](http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/boxing/seconds-out-kirkdale-boxer-neil-3340955). *Liverpool Echo*. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. Mitchell, Kevin (2008-08-12). ["Boxing: Price control vital as British team suffer mixed fortunes"](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/aug/13/olympics2008.olympicsboxing). *The Guardian*. [ISSN 0261-3077](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0261-3077). Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. ["NWR ABA 91kg final 2006 Tyson Fury (Jimmy Egan's BA) v David Price (Salisbury ABC)"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2QKjer_nrI), retrieved 2023-11-20

1. McKenna, Micheal (2016-05-30). ["Two world champions hailing from the Rotunda as club's stock rises"](http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/boxing/two-world-champions-hailing-rotunda-11403478). *Liverpool Echo*. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. ["GB Olympian Stalker to turn pro"](https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/20956945). *BBC Sport*. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. ["Tom Stalker - Profile"](https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/122659). *[Olympedia](/source/Olympedia)*

1. ["Merseyside's 100 Olympians: No. 22 George Turpin"](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/other-sport/merseysides-100-olympians-no-22-3339009). *Liverpool Echo*. 7 May 2013. Retrieved 9 April 2019.

1. ["Johnny Cooke - Boxer"](http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=22960&cat=boxer). 2014-12-04. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141204221202/http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=22960&cat=boxer) 4 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. ["Smith beats Dodson to keep title"](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/8556592.stm). 2010-03-12. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. ["Fielding wins Prizefighter tourney"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140201233102/http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/fielding-wins-prizefighter-tourney-79311). *Boxing News*. Archived from [the original](http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/fielding-wins-prizefighter-tourney-79311) on 2014-02-01. Retrieved 2014-02-01.

1. ["Paul Hodkinson: Record & Stats"](https://www.martialbot.com/boxing/p/paul-hodkinson.html). *www.martialbot.com*. 2023-11-14. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. ["Vargas beats Hodkinson for WBC featherweight title - UPI Archives"](https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/04/28/Vargas-beats-Hodkinson-for-WBC-featherweight-title/3110735969600/). *UPI*. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. ["Derry Mathews"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080905042137/http://www.britishboxing.net/boxers_40-Derry-Mathews.html). 2008-09-05. Archived from [the original](http://www.britishboxing.net/boxers_40-Derry-Mathews.html) on 5 September 2008. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. ["Stephen Smith - News, Record & Stats, Next Fight & Tickets"](https://box.live/boxers/stephen-smith/). *Box.Live*. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. Rawling, John (2010-09-28). ["Alan Rudkin obituary"](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/sep/28/alan-rudkin-obituary). *The Guardian*. [ISSN 0261-3077](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0261-3077). Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. Jay, Phil (2018-01-12). ["Kevin Satchell retires"](http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/boxing/kevin-satchell-retires-14141194). *Liverpool Echo*. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. ["The champion who fought with one lung"](https://supersport.com/golf/european-tour/news/201227_The_champion_who_fought_with_one_lung/the-champion-who-fought-with-one-lung). *SuperSport*. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

1. ["Tony Willis"](https://www.teamgb.com/athlete/tony-willis/7GYDCYMDT6hhNKjiSkkH5j). *www.teamgb.com*. Retrieved 2023-11-20.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Boxing in Liverpool](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_in_Liverpool) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_in_Liverpool?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.