Timsbury Champ!

Boxing in Timsbury was at its peak in the 1950s and in Cliff Purnell the village could boast of a heavyweight who reached the top ten in the country. Mr Purnell is now a resident at Cholwell House Nursing Home in Temple Cloud and his lifelong friend Colin Packham who lives at nearby Farmborough feels that many in Timsbury have no idea what a class performer he really was.

Mr Packham ran a gym at Hobbs Wall Farmborough and South Road Timsbury and Purnell would train there and spar with him.

Training also took place above the stables in Church Lane Timsbury and in 1951 there was great excitement when it was announced that local boy Purnell had signed a five year professional contract with the Freddie Mills’ camp. Purnell who had been working at Pensford Colliery and was the 1951 National Coal Board champion became attached to Jack Solomon’s stable and was managed by Nat Seller. Like many others at Timsbury boxing club Purnell’s progress owed much to trainer Bill Miles who had himself won numerous awards.

Known as the “Bath bombshell” Purnell went on to win 20 professional bouts which included 11 knockouts. Mr Packham said that anyone who tried to mix it in the ring with Purnell found themselves in trouble. He fought many of the top boxers of his day including such eminent figures as Henry Cooper and Joe Erskine. According to a press report of the day “ the Timsbury lad, smaller built, moved like a tiger and punched with terrific power”.

Mr Packham recalls that Purnell also had a soft centre and many grown ups now will remember that at Christmas he would dress up as Santa Claus each year and entertain the children at both Timsbury and Farmborough.

Mr Packham said, “ Cliff was a gentle giant and the children loved him. He doesn’t enjoy the best of health these days but I try to visit him each week. He has been a very special friend and I think it is time his contribution to Timsbury sport was truly recognised”.

Report by Malcolm Tucker


Page published on: 28th January, 2010
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