CLIFF CURVISCliff Curvis, a Welsh boxing legend who went from working in Swansea docks to winning the British and Empire welterweight titles, died aged 81 on 22 April, 2009.
Swansea-born Curvis turned professional in 1944 and during his career fought 55 times, winning 42 bouts - including a famous victory over fellow Swansea boxer Ronnie James in 1947.
One of four brothers from Waun Wen, he worked during the Second World War on tugboats in bustling Swansea docks before turning professional.
He won his first professional bout - held in Brynaman - and went on to enjoy a glittering career in the ring, winning 12 of his fights by knock-out.
Former professional boxer Jeff Burn, who had been researching a book on Swansea fighters over the years, said: “There is no doubt that Cliff is up there with the greats of Welsh boxing. He was a real gent and had a great boxing brain.
“The whole boxing fraternity will be sad at his passing. He will be fondly remembered by everyone.”
Curvis fought for the British title twice, first losing a close encounter with great Merthyr fighter Eddie Thomas at St Helen’s rugby ground in 1950, and then winning both the British and Empire welterweight crown in 1952 with a knock-out victory against Wally Thom.
He became the first British boxer ever to fly abroad for a contest when he jetted off to Johannesburg in South Africain 1952, losing on points over 15 rounds against Gerald Dreyer and fighting for nine of those rounds with a broken hand.
He retired in 1953, aged just 25, after controversially losing a European title fight. He went on to train his younger brother, Brian, who won what was by then the British and Commonwealth title, a belt he held between 1960 to 1965.
Curvis also served for many years with the British Boxing Board of Control. After leaving the ring he ran his own building company, and later went on to be landlord of the Villiers pub in Hafod with his wife Adele.
He died suddenly and was survived by Adele. The former champ’s cousin, June Davies from Penclawdd, paid tribute to him, saying: “We were very close—he was more like a brother to me. Cliff was always full of beans, full of fun. He was a very gentle, caring man, and a real family man.”
Keep me informed of updates
