George Biddles and Leicester's Boxing Heritage

Boxing has had a longstanding and significant presence in Leicester's culture with many local boxers gaining national and international recognition
Boxing probably took place in Leicester in Roman times to encourage military fitness
In 1972, the Leicester Ex-Boxers Association was established to unite former local boxers and provide a platform on which to share their experiences

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George Biddles and Leicester's Boxing Heritage

George Biddles

Leicester-born boxing manager and trainer George Harry Biddles brought showmanship to the boxing world for over half a century and established a lasting boxing heritage for Leicester. He was born on 22 October 1904.

His father, Ernest, was a professional middleweight boxer who fought whilst serving in the 3rd and 4th battalions of the Leicestershire Regiment during the Boer War and the First World War. George briefly took up boxing and fought several bouts in 1924. By 1927 he was established as a manager, his first signing being Siki Coulton of Mansfield.

Leicester referee Arthur Morton counts out Charlie Hazell, of Wales, Granby Halls, 1933

The Ring

For some years, Biddles ran his boxing empire from his snack bar at 154 Belgrave Gate. Appropriately, it was called “The Ring”, and was conveniently situated next door to the Bowlturners Arms where negotiations with boxers took place.

The cafe continued trading until 2008. Biddles managed many fighters including world champion in the form of Nigerian Hogan ‘Kid’ Bassey, who won the WBA world featherweight title. Len Wickwar was discovered by Biddles at a gym above the Friar Tuck public house on Woodgate. Wickwar fought more verified professional fights than any other boxer in history at 473 with 4,020 rounds.

Another discovery was Jack Bodell who won the 1961 ABA championships, and a bronze medal at the European amateur championships in the same year.

Leicester Ex-Boxers Association

In 1972, the Leicester Ex-Boxers Association was established to unite former local boxers and provide a platform on which to share their experiences.

George Biddles was a founder member, attending the inaugural meeting held at the Jolly Angler pub in Wharf Street. This was the same location where Larry Gains, Tim Wood (British light heavyweight champion between 1976 and 1977) and other boxers had trained. George died on 19 September 1980 leaving a great boxing legacy in the city.

Timeline

Edwardian Leicester

Gallery

Granby Halls, Leicester
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Wartime Poster

Granby Hall 1915
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Granby Halls, Leicester
Leicester's Granby Halls - taken from the Aylestone Road. (Dated 20 March 1974)

Leicester referee Arthur Morton counts out Charlie Hazell, of Wales, Granby Halls, 1933

Roman Leicester

(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.

Medieval Leicester

(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.

Tudor & Stuart Leicester

(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.

Georgian Leicester

(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.

Victorian Leicester

(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.

Edwardian Leicester

(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.

Early 20th Century Leicester

(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.

Modern Leicester

(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.

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Roman Leicester
Medieval Leicester
Tudor & Stuart Leicester
Georgian Leicester
Victorian Leicester
Edwardian Leicester
Early 20th Century Leicester
Modern Leicester

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