King's Kung-Fu& Tai Chi

Bombardier Billy Wells

British boxer (1889–1967)

Born
31 August 1887, Stepney
Died
12 June 1967, Ealing
Citizenship
United Kingdom, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Sport
boxing
Discipline
heavyweight
Occupation
boxer

William Thomas Wells (31 August 1887 – 11 June 1967), known as Bombardier Billy Wells, was a British heavyweight boxer who competed professionally from 1910 to 1925. The National Sporting Club (NSC) recognised him as British heavyweight champion from 1911 to 1919. He became the first holder of the heavyweight Lonsdale Belt and made fourteen defences of the NSC title.

Wells's proposed contest with the world heavyweight champion Jack Johnson in 1911 was prohibited after a public campaign and government intervention. In 1913, he was twice knocked out by Georges Carpentier. During the First World War, he returned to the army and served in France as a physical-training and bayonet instructor. After demobilisation, he resumed his professional career, losing to Joe Beckett in 1919. He continued boxing until 1925.

External links

Facts from Wikidata Q4940476 (CC0); quoted introduction from English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22.

Data: Wikidata (CC0 1.0); Wikipedia (English) (CC BY-SA 4.0). Retrieved 2026-10-22.

Last posts

  1. Best Wooden Naginata for Practice and How to Choose Yours
  2. Choosing a Keikogi for Hakama Compatibility and Performance
  3. What Size Hakama Should I Order for Proper Fit
  4. Best Aikido Hakama for Beginners Choosing Your First Pair
  5. Kendo Bogu Costs and Timing Your First Purchase
  6. Best Kendo Starter Sets for Beginners and How to Choose
  7. Best Sword Oil and Cloth Kits for Wooden Training Weapons
  8. Is Hickory a Good Wood for a Practice Sword
  9. Best Bokken for Tall Practitioners Choosing the Right Fit
  10. How Heavy Should a Practice Bokken Be for Training