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0:00:06 > 0:00:11- Hidden in a graveyard lies - one of Wales's greatest sportsmen...
0:00:11 > 0:00:13- ..who died almost 100 years ago.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20- A boy from grinding poverty - who forged his career...
0:00:20 > 0:00:24- ..in the fairground boxing booths - of the South Wales Valleys.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- His talent would take him - across the Atlantic.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31- He would be crowned - World Champion...
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- ..one of the first - sporting superstars.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41- His funeral, - attended by over 100,000 mourners...
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- ..would be the largest - Wales had ever seen.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- An Irish immigrant - who became a Welsh hero.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- A devout Catholic...
0:00:56 > 0:00:58- ..a gambler...
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- ..a man of great generosity - who would become a legend.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09- Through his ducking and diving...
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- ..he would bridge the religious - and cultural divides...
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- ..of the industrial communities - of South Wales.
0:01:17 > 0:01:22- The first in a long line of - world class fighters from Wales...
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- ..Jim Driscoll - was master of the ring.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43- The 19th century...
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- ..is the most dramatic - in Welsh history.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- Rhondda's population was less than - 1,000 in the middle of the century.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57- By the end of the century - it was 160,000.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- People flocked to the Rhondda - to work in the pits and railways.
0:02:02 > 0:02:08- They exported the best coal in the - world to every corner of the world.
0:02:12 > 0:02:18- Jim Driscoll was raised in a town in - the 1880s that was rapidly growing.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- Cardiff was flourishing...
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- ..but he was raised in - a very special area of the city...
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- ..an area called Little Ireland.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38- Here, over 200 houses - were jammed back to back.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40- It was home to a 1,000 immigrants...
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- ..who had fled - the Irish Potato Famine...
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- ..where a million people - had died of starvation.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- Those that survived emigrated and - carved out new lives for themselves.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- In South Wales, - the Irish settlers...
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- ..helped transform Cardiff - into a Coal metropolis.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02- They helped build the railways that - transported coal to Cardiff Docks.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- And yet, - the Irish were forced to live...
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- ..in some of the most - impoverished areas of the city.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- Little Ireland - was a working class area...
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- ..with long streets - of terraced houses.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- The place had specific boundaries...
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- ..with the railway on one side, for - instance, the docks to the south...
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- ..and this gave a kind of identity - to the place...
0:03:30 > 0:03:35- ..a feeling where people - looked in at their own community...
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- ..and felt like they belonged - to this special area...
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- ..maybe more than - to the whole of Cardiff.
0:03:43 > 0:03:49- From the 1850s, Little Ireland - was plagued by disease and poverty.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- The area was considered - a cesspit of poor sanitation...
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- ..with even poorer immorality.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- With the roar of the steelworks - and clatter of the trains...
0:04:02 > 0:04:04- ..life was never silent.
0:04:04 > 0:04:09- The Newtown area, - Little Ireland as it was known...
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- ..was a close-knit community.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- Warm and neighbourly, - it was also very poor.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21- Their living conditions were hard, - an inadequate water supply...
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- ..health was poor, - a high death rate...
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- ..and large families - were very dirty.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- This is how they were seen by the - respectable communities of Cardiff.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37- Jim Driscoll would relate himself - to that society and never left it...
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- ..when other boxers had left, - left the Valleys like Freddie Welsh.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- He went over to live in America - and even the famous Jimmy Wilde...
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- ..left Tylorstown, Rhondda - to live down in the Barry.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- Jim Driscoll was born in Newtown...
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- ..and died in the same street - - Ellen Street.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- During the 1960s - Newtown was completely demolished...
0:05:02 > 0:05:07- ..and today, nothing remains of - this once bustling Irish community.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- Jim was born in 1880 - and when he was seven months old...
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- ..his father, Cornelius...
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- ..was killed in an accident - in a goods yard...
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- ..plunging the family - deeper into poverty.
0:05:23 > 0:05:30- The family had to move to a house - they could afford...
0:05:30 > 0:05:36- ..but his mother, Elizabeth, - had to work in the docks...
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- ..unloading potatoes from the ships.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- It was particularly hard work - for anyone in that period.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53- During the 19th Century, resentment - towards the Irish immigrants...
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- ..had been brewing - across South Wales.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- The Irish were prepared to work - for lower pay than the Welsh.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- Catholic churches and homes - were often attacked.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- The Irish fiercely protected - their culture and heritage.
0:06:11 > 0:06:17- The society that has developed in - the South Wales industrial areas...
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- ..is a society of a new type...
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- ..on a scale - Wales hasn't experienced before.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- There are new communities - that want to develop...
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- ..an awareness - of belonging to identity.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- They want to express this identity.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- How do you do that?
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- Through institutions - that represent them.
0:06:39 > 0:06:45- They could be choirs, they could - be bands, they could be teams...
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- ..football, rugby, - they could even be boxers.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59- The Roman Catholic Church of - St Paul's dominated life in Newtown.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- It played a major role - in developing boxing.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- Priests established boxing clubs - for youngsters...
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- ..as a way of instilling - self-discipline and respect...
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- ..and to keep them out of trouble.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- Piety and sport would become - an important part of Jim's life...
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- ..and would instil in him a deep - love and care for his community.
0:07:27 > 0:07:32- Sport was a big part of the leisure - time for everyone during this time.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- Especially for poor people.
0:07:37 > 0:07:43- Sport offered an escape - from day-to-day life...
0:07:43 > 0:07:50- ..and boxing was an integral part - of this leisure culture.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- The Welsh and the Irish have had - a big influence on the sport...
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- ..especially amongst - the little men...
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- ..the flyweights - and featherweights and so on.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- When I grew up in Cefn Coed - by Merthyr...
0:08:09 > 0:08:15- ..boxing was a very important - part of the family's life.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- My father and grandfather - always talked about...
0:08:21 > 0:08:23- ..the champions of the past.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- Jim Driscoll, - Freddie Welsh and Tom Thomas...
0:08:27 > 0:08:32- ..were part of this golden period - in boxing history.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38- As a nation, - we respect our champions hugely...
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- ..and I believe that this - is in young people's minds...
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- ..and they see, - like Jim Driscoll saw...
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- ..the ring can offer a way - out of poverty..
0:08:51 > 0:08:56- ..and it brings something much - bigger than that in the end.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01- Not only a way out of poverty - but respect from the community.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- The young Jim was just old enough - to have seen at first hand...
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- ..the crowds thronging the streets - of Cardiff in January 1888...
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- ..to greet the Irish American boxer - John L Sullivan.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- The heavyweight champion - of the world...
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- ..he was one of sport's - first superstars.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- He was an icon of Irish communities - on both sides of the Atlantic...
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- ..as Jim Driscoll - would become in time.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- Jim Driscoll - started to practise his boxing...
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- ..when he had his first job...
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- ..working with the printers - in the Evening Express.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- He wasn't in a situation - to be able to afford gloves...
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- ..so he and his co-workers - would wrap their knuckles...
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- ..in old newspapers to practise.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- He soon set his sights - beyond the printing presses...
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- ..and was attracted to the lights - of the travelling fairgrounds...
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- ..which offered the perfect - apprenticeship for a young boxer.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- Boxing booths - toured South and West Wales...
0:10:13 > 0:10:14- ..with small teams of boxers...
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- ..who would accept challenges - from the audience.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27- These boxers had to face opponents - three, four, five times a day...
0:10:28 > 0:10:29- ..sometimes more.
0:10:29 > 0:10:35- A member of the audience - took on the boxer...
0:10:35 > 0:10:40- ..and there would - be three, four or six rounds.
0:10:40 > 0:10:46- The one left standing when the final - round was over would win the prize.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52- Jim and the boxers had to learn how - to knock someone out very quickly.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- This experience gave him - a good foundation for his career.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- As well as that, he had money - to bring home to his mother.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- Jim was learning his craft in an - era of transition within the sport.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- Previously, boxers would have - fought bare-knuckle in the open air.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- Now a new set of rules - were being drafted...
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- ..by the Marques of Queensbury...
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- ..that would completely - transform the sport.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29- In reality, a gentleman called - John G Chambers from Llanelli...
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- ..invented these rules, - but it helped that a gentleman...
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- ..a lord like Queensberry, - had given them a name.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- These would now formalize - aspects of the fighting...
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- ..length of a round, how many rounds - would be in a contest.
0:11:46 > 0:11:52- The sport was arranged by weights - and there were booths...
0:11:53 > 0:11:59- ..across the Valleys run by men - like Jack Scarrott and Frank Jess.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- This would offer the audience, young - coal miners, full of themselves...
0:12:04 > 0:12:09- ..and happy to face the champion - by Jess's side on the stage...
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- ..or by Scarrott's, - "Come up and beat my champion."
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- The tough miners would reply, - "I'll beat him easily".
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- One story grew about him - in this period.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- His hands were tied - behind his back...
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- ..and a sovereign - was offered to anyone...
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- ..who could hit Jim within a minute.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- The story is that there was never - a need to pay the sovereign...
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- ..because of Jim's ability - as a boxer.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45- By the age of 17...
0:12:45 > 0:12:50- ..he was earning a sovereign a month - for his efforts in the ring.
0:12:50 > 0:12:56- In the booths, he gained valuable - experience and built up his stamina.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- He had to become very fit...
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- ..agile on his feet and very good - at defending himself...
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- ..qualities that stood him - in good stead...
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- ..for long bouts - later in his career...
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- ..as this - rare archive footage shows.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- When you watch Driscoll in a boxing - ring, I've watched clips of him...
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- ..you can tell - by his body movement...
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- ..and how he holds himself, - how he stands to his opponent...
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- ..that he's got an air of confidence - about him and a sense of belief.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- My skill is better than your skill. - I'm going to show that to you.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- Driscoll got a lot of negative talk - for being so defensive...
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- ..but the name of the game - is to hit and not get hit.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- He excelled at that, - absolutely excelled, and that's key.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- Look at Driscoll after some fights - and he was fresh as a daisy.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- That's what boxing's about, hitting, - and not getting hit yourself.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- He wasn't a big man, - he was five foot and a half...
0:14:02 > 0:14:03- ..less than nine stone.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- He would never be able - to punch his opponents to the floor.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- But he would win by being swift, - by being intelligent...
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- ..by avoiding, and finding - a way to protect himself...
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- ..making opponents - look silly with his own skills.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- That was a novelty of - Jim Driscoll's method of fighting.
0:14:26 > 0:14:32- Gradually, people involved in boxing - management noticed this young man.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- He honed his skills quickly...
0:14:36 > 0:14:42- ..and would beat boxers - far heavier than him.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- One of the most important things - for a boxer...
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- ..is to have a clever manager...
0:14:50 > 0:14:56- ..who plans wisely - for the long term.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- It's crucial not put him in...
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- ..with boxers - who are too good at the start.
0:15:03 > 0:15:09- Little by little, - they put him in against opponents...
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- ..he was able to beat.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- His victories in the boxing booths - numbered over 600...
0:15:16 > 0:15:21- ..but his first big win - came on Christmas Eve, 1901...
0:15:21 > 0:15:26- ..when he beat Joe Ross to become - the Welsh Featherweight Champion.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- His first major title propelled him - on to the professional stage.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36- His reputation and the newspaper - reports were increasing gradually.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41- His management came up - with a long-term plan for Jim.
0:15:41 > 0:15:47- When they were sure he was capable - of reaching the next level...
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- ..they brought him to London.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- It proved - to the urban boxing scene...
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- ..that Jim Driscoll was a man - who was on the way up the ladder.
0:16:00 > 0:16:00- .
0:16:06 > 0:16:06- Subtitles
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0:16:11 > 0:16:14- Jim Driscoll moved from - the boxing booths in South Wales...
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- ..where young miners - watched him and challenged him...
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- ..to a different world in the - National Sporting Club in London.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- This was a totally - different circle...
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- ..to what he had experienced - in South Wales.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- This is where two worlds met...
0:16:32 > 0:16:38- ..where the working class boxer - was seen and applauded...
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- ..by a totally different - social class.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- The National Sporting Club - in the heart of Covent Garden...
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- ..was governed by strict rules, - for boxers and members.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- Bouts would take place - in a smoke-filled arena...
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- ..after a formal dinner - with anything up to 1,300 men.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- The fights were fought in silence.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- Shouting, applauding and talking - during rounds was forbidden.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13- This private club gradually - built up a great tradition...
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- ..of sportsmanship and fair play.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- Boys from the working class - fought in the ring...
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- ..but their supporters - and those who sponsored them...
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- ..were landed gentry - from the upper class.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- They were lords - and owners of grand titles.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- They bet on them, - they promote their careers...
0:17:37 > 0:17:42- ..because they will also - make money out of their careers.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- The contact between the - landed gentry and working class...
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- ..doesn't get broken - - it gets stronger.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- Jim Driscoll becomes a favourite - with what they'd call the NSC...
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- ..the National Sporting Club, - "the temple of the fancy".
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- These were posh and rich men...
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- ..in their black suits, - dicky bows and white shirts.
0:18:05 > 0:18:11- No women, just men, looking at men - from the working class...
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- ..fighting for titles - - British or World.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20- Jim Driscoll would enjoy, like - anyone from his poor background...
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- ..he would enjoy the attention - and the bright lights...
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- ..connected to this kind of world.
0:18:30 > 0:18:36- However, beyond the bright lights - was a darker existence - gambling.
0:18:37 > 0:18:43- In the travelling fairgrounds, - he had his first taste of betting.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- This would stay with him - throughout his life...
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- ..and he had a particular weakness - for betting on the horses.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- Jim won hundreds of pounds...
0:18:57 > 0:19:02- ..and sometimes thousands of pounds - in a contest...
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- ..but he never became a rich man...
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- ..and that was because - of his gambling.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14- Gambling was an integral - part of boxing during this period.
0:19:14 > 0:19:20- Gambling was also an integral part - of the leisure time of working men.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- When Driscoll married - Edith Wiltshire in 1907...
0:19:25 > 0:19:29- ..the connection with the world of - horse racing was cemented further.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- His father-in-law, Bob, was - landlord of numerous Cardiff pubs...
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- ..and owned some of the best - trotting horses in the country.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44- Jim Driscoll - had risen from poverty to riches...
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- ..but always stayed true - to his roots.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- Stories of his generosity - are numerous.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57- He used much of his winnings to ease - the poverty of those around him.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- The nuns and orphaned children - of Nazareth House in Cardiff...
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- ..were regular recipients.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- It was important for him - as a person...
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- ..to help the people - in his community.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- There are numerous stories that - he had bought shoes for children...
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- ..and bought meat for people - at Christmas
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- He used the money - he won in the ring...
0:20:26 > 0:20:31- ..to help change the lives - these people had.
0:20:31 > 0:20:37- The community was close to his heart - right throughout his life.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- The best description - I can think of...
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- ..was that Jim Driscoll - was king of his own square mile.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- He was also fast becoming - king of the ring.
0:20:50 > 0:20:51- In May 1906...
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- ..Driscoll faced the world - bantamweight champion Joe Bowker...
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- ..considered the most - skilful boxer of his time.
0:21:00 > 0:21:01- Driscoll won on points.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- In a rematch the following June...
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- ..Driscoll triumphed - after 17 rounds.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12- Driscoll was crowned - British Featherweight Champion.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18- Jim fought the big names and - gradually, he collected the titles.
0:21:19 > 0:21:25- The British, Commonwealth - and European titles.
0:21:25 > 0:21:31- He owned the ring - and he was highly respected.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- By now, he was Britain's - best featherweight.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- Naturally, - he set his sights on America.
0:21:40 > 0:21:45- After victories against - all his opponents at the NSC...
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- ..he sailed to America...
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- ..where many Welsh boxers, before - and after Driscoll, triumphed.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- Welsh boxers were highly regarded...
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- ..especially boxers - from the Valleys.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- Two Welsh boxers went down - with the Titanic in 1912...
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- ..on their way to America...
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- ..to hone their skills.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- American scouts would come over...
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- ..to look for men who would - make their mark in America.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- After he arrived and started - fighting some contests...
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- ..they were astonished by the level - of his skill and talents.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- In late 1908, - he embarked on his US tour.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- Stories of his ring craft - had gone before him.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- Jim Driscoll was one of the best - proponents of the British style.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- He set about to beat - the best America had to offer.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- They could hardly lay - a glove on him.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- Jim Driscoll - developed a style of fighting...
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- ..that was described at the time - as scientific fighting...
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- ..or scientific boxing.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12- This emphasises the fact - that he moved quickly...
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- ..stayed away from being hit...
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- ..and a reputation - grew around him...
0:23:19 > 0:23:24- ..that he was a cool man, - nearly cold when he was fighting.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- Technically he was superb, - his left jab was phenomenal.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- For me, the left jab - is the best punch in the box.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36- Best punch in the box, you know, - it's probably undervalued...
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- ..but when it's done - in the way Driscoll did it...
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- ..with the power he did it...
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- ..and the damage he achieved - to inflict on his opponent...
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- ..just with a left jab, - it was incredible.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53- Driscoll was a boxer - before his time.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- He changed the image of the game.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59- He put a lot of thought into it, - he used his feet well.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01- He wasn't a head-on boxer.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- I'm sure if he wanted to, - he could do that.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06- He was an intelligent man...
0:24:07 > 0:24:09- ..a thinking man's fighter...
0:24:09 > 0:24:13- ..and it's important you keep - your cool, don't get flustered.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- That's something that's bred - into you over all the years.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22- Stay calm in a difficult situation - when you're at the wrong end of it.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28- If one style or strategy wasn't - working, he was able to change it...
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- ..because his head was working - as well as his hands.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- So he was at ease in the ring.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39- That was a big advantage because - when someone is stressed...
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- ..he throws wild punches and - leaves himself wide open to injury.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- The fights he'd had - in Wales early in his career...
0:24:48 > 0:24:53- ..were now paying dividends.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58- From New York - to Boston and Philadelphia.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- The Americans - soon took Jim to their hearts.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- He even impressed - the American press...
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- ..who rarely praised British boxers.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12- Driscoll breezed - through his bouts...
0:25:12 > 0:25:16- ..before reaching the climax - of his American tour in early 1909.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18- He earned the right to fight...
0:25:18 > 0:25:22- ..against the World Featherweight - Champion Abe Attell...
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- ..who had defended the title - numerous times.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- Attell was a boxer linked to - the dark world of organized crime...
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- ..and who would - later be implicated...
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- ..in some of the biggest - gambling scandals in history.
0:25:35 > 0:25:40- The match was to be fought - under American rules...
0:25:40 > 0:25:44- ..rules that favoured - the bigger hitter.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49- They were fighting under conditions, - what they would call "no ruling".
0:25:49 > 0:25:51- If you didn't hit your opponent...
0:25:52 > 0:25:58- ..knock them out or stop the contest - because of an injury to the eye...
0:25:58 > 0:26:02- ..the title would stay - with the defender.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07- Attell would fight Driscoll - under these conditions.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- Driscoll wasn't a big puncher...
0:26:10 > 0:26:15- ..but he obviously beats Attell - but not enough to knock him out.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18- So the title stayed with Attell.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28- Despite the title - officially staying with Attell...
0:26:28 > 0:26:33- ..Driscoll had won seven of - the ten rounds and drew another two.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37- In the "no decision" era - of American boxing...
0:26:37 > 0:26:41- ..ringside reporters - would decide who had won the fight.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46- They unanimously declared Driscoll - the winner.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- The sheriff-turned-journalist - Bat Masterson...
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- ..Marshall of Dodge City - and once deputy to Wyatt Earp...
0:26:54 > 0:26:59- ..declared to the crowd, "If I was - asked to name this performance...
0:26:59 > 0:27:00- "..I would call it...
0:27:01 > 0:27:03- "..peerless.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07- "So I give you - Peerless Jim Driscoll."
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- And the place went wild.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- The name stuck - and a legend was born.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15- Jim became renowned across America.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19- He had created a big impression - on Nat Fleischer...
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- ..The Ring magazine's first editor.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- Fleischer had seen a lot - of Welsh boxers over the years...
0:27:31 > 0:27:35- ..and respected them very much - and respected their skills.
0:27:35 > 0:27:40- He was known for making lists of the - top 10 in all the weight divisions.
0:27:40 > 0:27:46- In the flyweights, - Jim Driscoll was in second place.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- We can be sure Driscoll - was extremely good...
0:27:50 > 0:27:53- ..to reach that position - in Nat Fleischer's view.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- Following the no score...
0:27:56 > 0:28:02- ..Jim was offered another fight - against Abe Attell...
0:28:02 > 0:28:04- ..for the world title.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10- He rejected it so he could return - to fight in a charity contest...
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- ..for the orphaned children - of Nazareth House...
0:28:13 > 0:28:15- ..a catholic organization - in Cardiff.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22- This contributed - to the mythology around Jim.
0:28:23 > 0:28:31- He put his catholic faith and his - city before his success in boxing.
0:28:35 > 0:28:40- That was one of the reasons - why the people of Wales loved him.
0:28:42 > 0:28:47- The event was a huge success and - a staggering 6,000 was raised...
0:28:47 > 0:28:51- ..three quarters of a million pounds - in today's money.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55- By refusing Abe Attell's call - for a re-match...
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- ..Jim turned his back - on a career-defining fight...
0:28:59 > 0:29:01- ..and a shot at the world title.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05- It could have brought - untold riches and fame.
0:29:07 > 0:29:07- .
0:29:12 > 0:29:12- Subtitles
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:29:17 > 0:29:20- As he arrived back - from his US tour...
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- ..Driscoll was greeted - by thousands of fans in Cardiff.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27- He was dubbed the Prince of Wales.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33- He was carried shoulder high through - the cheering throng to his home.
0:29:36 > 0:29:41- His rise to stardom - coincided with the birth of cinema.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45- Jim's exploits have been captured - on rare fragments of film.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48- His generation - was the first to be filmed...
0:29:48 > 0:29:53- ..and shown to a wider audience, - turning them into superstars.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02- There was one other special aspect - to Jim Driscoll.
0:30:02 > 0:30:08- When he was in a contest, - he was wearing gloves, shoes...
0:30:08 > 0:30:10- ..and very, very short trousers.
0:30:10 > 0:30:15- That meant his body - was visible in society...
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- ..where bodies weren't seen about.
0:30:19 > 0:30:25- Rugby players hid almost every part - of their skin when they played...
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- ..so Driscoll's appearance - on the screen...
0:30:29 > 0:30:34- ..with a lot of skin on show, - was shocking.
0:30:34 > 0:30:39- As a result, no-one saw a body - as naked as Jim Driscoll's...
0:30:39 > 0:30:41- ..ever before in history.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45- 1909 saw the introduction...
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- ..of the National Sporting Club - Challenge Belt...
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- ..later renamed the Lonsdale Belt.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56- Jim Driscoll was the first winner - of the featherweight division...
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- ..beating Seamen Hayes in 1910.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- Tom Thomas - won the middleweight belt...
0:31:03 > 0:31:06- ..and Freddie Welsh the lightweight.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09- This was undoubtedly - a golden era in Welsh boxing...
0:31:09 > 0:31:12- ..and the press - basked in their glory.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19- Freddie Welsh from Pontypridd had - spent most of his fighting career...
0:31:19 > 0:31:23- ..in America with his un-gentlemanly - physical style of American boxing.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29- In 1910, Driscoll agreed - to challenge his fellow Welshman.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33- In a long-awaited fight, - the bout became a clash...
0:31:33 > 0:31:39- ..between the two best exponents - of different fighting cultures.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41- It made for an explosive mix.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- In the period - running up to the contest...
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- ..the media hyped the event...
0:31:52 > 0:31:56- ..and emphasised the enmity - between two boxers...
0:31:56 > 0:31:59- ..who were, - at the start at least, friends.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05- The two were about the same weight - and were quite friendly.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09- There are photographs of them - enjoying each other's company.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- But the media churn and scrape...
0:32:15 > 0:32:20- ..and find a reason - to create bad blood between them.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- Instead of producing - a feast of boxing...
0:32:26 > 0:32:31- ..the contrasting styles frustrated - both fighters and spectators.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37- Driscoll was prevented from - displaying his superb style...
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- ..by Freddie Welsh' - roughhouse illegal tactics.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42- He would punch the kidneys...
0:32:42 > 0:32:46- ..he would rub his head - into the face of the opponent...
0:32:46 > 0:32:50- ..he would hold on, - he would use his elbow.
0:32:50 > 0:32:55- Jim Driscoll was annoyed at the - referee for not warning Welsh...
0:32:56 > 0:33:01- ..that he was not behaving fair, but - the referee did nothing about this.
0:33:01 > 0:33:07- After ten rounds Jim Driscoll - just totally loses the plot.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11- Driscoll exploded, - butting Welsh under the chin.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16- Referee Peggy Bettinson - had no choice...
0:33:16 > 0:33:20- ..but to disqualify Driscoll - and declare Welsh the winner.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- What followed into the night - was a brawl...
0:33:23 > 0:33:26- ..between the Irish and the Welsh.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30- There's fighting in the ring, the - supporters fight amongst themselves.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- The ones that were members - of the seconds...
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- ..fight on the streets - the next day...
0:33:36 > 0:33:38- ..when they come across each other.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42- So it developed to be - an explosion...
0:33:42 > 0:33:47- ..between the boxers - and the supporters...
0:33:47 > 0:33:53- ..and the Christmas spirit wasn't - to be seen on December 20th...
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- ..the date of the fight in 1910.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00- Driscoll pleaded for a rematch...
0:34:00 > 0:34:06- ..but Welsh returned to America to - claim the World Lightweight title.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11- For the next few years, he fought - three more professional fights...
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- ..and concentrated - on writing a series of books.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16- His manuals were so popular...
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- ..they continued to be published - decades after he died.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- One of the features - of Jim Driscoll...
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- ..was that he was - a great British patriot.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- In 1914, when the war broke out...
0:34:32 > 0:34:39- ..he decided to join the army - like a lot of other young men.
0:34:39 > 0:34:45- His contribution to the war - was quite different...
0:34:46 > 0:34:50- ..because his job during the war...
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- ..was manager of the army - boxing team...
0:34:53 > 0:34:59- ..going around the North of France - entertaining the soldiers.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04- He used his experience and knowledge - to train his fellow soldiers.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- The Welsh Horse Regiment, - under Sergeant Driscoll...
0:35:08 > 0:35:12- ..quickly built up a reputation - for boxing...
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- ..winning a number - of titles and medals.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- But the pressure on him - to train soldiers...
0:35:18 > 0:35:22- ..and perform exhibition bouts - along the Western Front...
0:35:23 > 0:35:26- ..gradually told on his health.
0:35:26 > 0:35:32- By the end of the war, he was - past his best as a sportsman.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34- Despite his success in the ring...
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- ..he had gambled away - most of his prize money.
0:35:37 > 0:35:45- Now nearly 40, could he prove - once more to be master of the ring?
0:35:45 > 0:35:45- .
0:35:49 > 0:35:49- Subtitles
0:35:49 > 0:35:51- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:35:58 > 0:36:00- During the first quarter - of the 20th Century...
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- ..South Wales produced - more boxing champions...
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- ..than anywhere else - of comparable size in the world.
0:36:08 > 0:36:15- Many worked their way up from - the pits to the boxing booths...
0:36:15 > 0:36:17- ..before becoming champions.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22- Driscoll was the first in that long - line of world class fighters...
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- ..hewn from the industrial - landscape of South Wales.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27- The once swift boxer...
0:36:28 > 0:36:33- ..entertaining everyone from - coal miners to wealthy gentry...
0:36:33 > 0:36:38- ..was now 39 years old - and suffering from ill health.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42- But he could still draw in - the crowds.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47- I can understand why boxers - who retire eventually come back...
0:36:48 > 0:36:50- ..even after their sell-by-date.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53- Six months later - you get the urge to get back in.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55- You can't replace that feeling.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58- When you're standing - behind the curtain...
0:36:58 > 0:37:00- ..about to walk out...
0:37:00 > 0:37:06- ..and do battle, in front of ten, - twelve, fifteen thousand people...
0:37:07 > 0:37:11- ..that moment you think about - what you're about to do...
0:37:11 > 0:37:13- ..nothing beats that, nothing.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20- After six years out of the ring...
0:37:20 > 0:37:25- ..Driscoll was pitted against - an opponent also past his prime.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- Pedlar Palmer, - a Londoner from the East End...
0:37:28 > 0:37:30- ..was four years older - than Driscoll...
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- ..and had spent the last five years - in prison for manslaughter.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37- The contest proved to be - a sad spectacle...
0:37:38 > 0:37:41- ..with Palmer knocked out - in the fourth round.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46- Two months later, - Jim faced a much stronger opponent.
0:37:47 > 0:37:52- Half Driscoll's age, Francis Rossi, - was the son of an Italian harpist...
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- ..and a tough collier's boy - from Pontypridd.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- The fight was hyped up - in the local press.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- After a gruelling 20 rounds, - the fight ended in a draw.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05- Driscoll pocketed prize money - worth 100,000 in today's money.
0:38:06 > 0:38:11- With his health deteriorating, - on October 20, 1919...
0:38:11 > 0:38:14- ..Jim Driscoll was once more - tempted back to the ring.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18- His French opponent, - Charles Ledoux...
0:38:18 > 0:38:22- ..was considered the best - featherweight in the world...
0:38:22 > 0:38:26- ..but Jim couldn't resist - one last big payday.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29- In that contest...
0:38:30 > 0:38:35- ..Jim, towards the end - of his professional career...
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- ..faced a young man, a man - who was much fitter than him.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- When Jim showed up that day...
0:38:44 > 0:38:49- ..people were shocked - because he looked pale...
0:38:50 > 0:38:53- ..he looked weak and he - didn't look like a fit man at all.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- Jim was beginning to show - the signs of TB...
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- ..a disease that was rife - during this period.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03- Known as the Irish disease...
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- ..it was especially prevalent - amongst poor urban communities.
0:39:07 > 0:39:12- Fighting against someone - who was younger and fitter...
0:39:12 > 0:39:17- ..whilst suffering from this disease - was unwise to say the least...
0:39:17 > 0:39:21- ..but Jim was driven on - by the desire to win money.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29- Ledoux's team refused Driscoll's - request for a 15-round bout...
0:39:29 > 0:39:31- ..pushing instead for 20 rounds.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35- The Frenchmen deliberately - pushed for a longer match...
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- ..believing that Ledoux's youth - would ultimately prevail.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- Charles Ledoux was six inches - shorter than Driscoll...
0:39:47 > 0:39:53- ..but he was 12 years younger and - that was the most important factor.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01- They fought for 14 rounds...
0:40:01 > 0:40:04- ..and Ledoux couldn't do - anything against Driscoll.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06- Driscoll showed all of his armoury.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12- He displayed all his skills - and completely bossed the fight.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17- Driscoll gave a display considered - to be the finest exhibition...
0:40:17 > 0:40:19- ..of classical boxing - ever witnessed.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23- He hit Ledoux at will, - dancing around the ring...
0:40:23 > 0:40:25- ..bobbing and weaving...
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- ..displaying all his old ring craft.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36- At the end of the eighth round...
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- ..such was Driscoll's command - of the fight...
0:40:39 > 0:40:41- ..the audience applaud him...
0:40:41 > 0:40:44- ..and even Charles Ledoux, - his opponent...
0:40:44 > 0:40:48- ..joins in with the applause while - Driscoll returns to his corner.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52- It was a totally one-sided fight.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- The Frenchman could not land - a telling punch on Driscoll.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00- Driscoll floored his younger - opponent in the 14th round.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- For one last time, - the master was at work.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15- If the fight had been for 15 rounds, - Driscoll would have won...
0:41:15 > 0:41:21- ..but Ledoux was very smart - and secured a 20-round fight.
0:41:22 > 0:41:28- He hoped that his comparative youth - would pay dividends and it did.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35- Driscoll was now - hopelessly exhausted.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40- In desperation, - Ledoux drops an explosive shot...
0:41:40 > 0:41:45- ..against Driscoll's body - which doesn't knock him out...
0:41:45 > 0:41:49- ..but totally winds him and - he struggles back to his corner.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59- He was holding on, but by - the start of the 16th round...
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- ..he wasn't stable on his feet.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07- Ledoux didn't touch him because - of his admiration of Driscoll...
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- ..and that was the end of the fight.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- But people were stunned - by Driscoll's appearance.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- The way he looked.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18- They remembered him - from a time before the war...
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- ..clean and tall - and full of dignity.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- Now he was fragile, old, - he'd faded...
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- ..he had no teeth - and his hair had gone grey.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32- Before he returned to France...
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- ..Ledoux sent a five-pound note - with the message...
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- .."To you, marvellous Driscoll...
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- "..who lost - because he was 40 years of age.
0:42:42 > 0:42:47- To the end of his days, Ledoux would - speak affectionately of Driscoll.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53- Driscoll stepped out of the ring - that evening for the last time...
0:42:53 > 0:42:58- ..having secured his place in - the hall of fame of boxing legends.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00- He returned to Newtown...
0:43:00 > 0:43:03- ..to run the Duke of Edinburgh pub - with his wife Edith...
0:43:04 > 0:43:06- ..and continued - his charitable works...
0:43:06 > 0:43:09- ..as well as his gambling, - to the very end.
0:43:12 > 0:43:17- On January 30, 1925, - Jim Driscoll died of pneumonia...
0:43:17 > 0:43:20- ..in the pub on the corner - of Ellen Street...
0:43:20 > 0:43:23- ..the street - where he was born and raised.
0:43:24 > 0:43:30- The headline in a national - boxing magazine proclaimed...
0:43:30 > 0:43:31- ..The King is Dead.
0:43:32 > 0:43:38- He died, as he'd begun, - in relative poverty aged just 44.
0:43:39 > 0:43:44- The circumstances surrounding - Jim Driscoll's funeral in 1925...
0:43:44 > 0:43:50- ..show how things - had changed quite dramatically...
0:43:50 > 0:43:53- ..in the 45 years he had lived.
0:43:54 > 0:43:55- When he was born...
0:43:55 > 0:44:00- ..people had very suspicious views - of boxing as a sport.
0:44:01 > 0:44:06- By the time Driscoll died, - boxing had come out of the shadows.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09- There was also the idea - that the Irish...
0:44:09 > 0:44:12- ..could be accepted into society.
0:44:15 > 0:44:19- 100,000 people lined - the streets to bid him farewell.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22- The procession wound its way...
0:44:22 > 0:44:26- ..over two miles - through the streets of Cardiff.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29- His coffin was draped - with the Union flag.
0:44:30 > 0:44:34- It was carried by the Second - Battalion of the Welsh Regiment.
0:44:34 > 0:44:38- This was the largest funeral - that Wales had ever seen.
0:44:38 > 0:44:42- It was a mark of respect for the - achievement of an Irish immigrant...
0:44:42 > 0:44:45- ..who had been embraced - by all of Wales
0:44:45 > 0:44:48- A man who had started life - in poverty...
0:44:48 > 0:44:52- ..but had scaled the heights - of the professional boxing world.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57- Again it's a strange one, - myself and Driscoll were so alike.
0:44:57 > 0:45:01- We're generations apart, - the style and support...
0:45:01 > 0:45:04- ..and how we relate - to the people of our country.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08- Driscoll had the same feeling - and the same pride in what he did.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12- It's pride to do what you do, - but to do it for somebody back home.
0:45:13 > 0:45:19- To see the people support me and - it's never just you, it's always we.
0:45:19 > 0:45:23- They're as big a part of it - as anybody...
0:45:23 > 0:45:27- ..because without them - or without people supporting you...
0:45:28 > 0:45:30- ..nothing is possible, nothing.
0:45:32 > 0:45:36- During his life, Jim Driscoll - bridged many different worlds.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39- From the orphans - of Nazareth House...
0:45:39 > 0:45:43- ..to the wealthy gentlemen - of the National Sporting Club.
0:45:43 > 0:45:49- Jim was a worldwide superstar - but never forgot his roots.
0:45:50 > 0:45:53- His gravestone was donated - by the Sisters of Nazareth House...
0:45:54 > 0:45:56- ..who never forgot Jim's generosity.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00- His picture still hangs - in the reception hall.
0:46:03 > 0:46:06- Kitty Flynn - was one of Jim's great nieces.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09- She ran the Royal Oak pub - in Cardiff...
0:46:09 > 0:46:13- ..which became a shrine - to Driscoll's memory.
0:46:13 > 0:46:17- Kitty's grandfather - helped raise Jim...
0:46:17 > 0:46:21- ..and she recalls - his fond memories of him.
0:46:21 > 0:46:26- Lovely hair, all of it - like black curls, yeah, he did.
0:46:26 > 0:46:27- His hair was lovely.
0:46:27 > 0:46:32- Seeing it from pictures - but he was handsome...
0:46:32 > 0:46:35- ..and he had a lovely way - about him always.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41- He hadn't forgotten his roots, - no, he was brilliant...
0:46:42 > 0:46:45- ..and they loved him - and he loved them.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48- Of course to us, - he was like a god.
0:46:52 > 0:46:56- I'm sure the tradition - will continue.
0:46:56 > 0:47:00- For example, there are gyms - all over the Valleys...
0:47:01 > 0:47:07- ..and these young people - are influenced by our champions...
0:47:07 > 0:47:11- ..people like Lee Selby, - the newly-crowned World Champion...
0:47:11 > 0:47:14- ..some years ago, - Nathan Cleverly, Joe Calzaghe...
0:47:14 > 0:47:18- ..these people - have contributed hugely.
0:47:18 > 0:47:22- When young people - see this happening...
0:47:22 > 0:47:25- ..they think the chance is - there for them to succeed as well.
0:47:32 > 0:47:34- Sport, whether you're a supporter - or watch it on TV...
0:47:35 > 0:47:38- ..it's a massive part - of our lives and we need leaders.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40- If you want to use Driscoll - as a leader...
0:47:40 > 0:47:42- ..you couldn't get a finer person.
0:47:44 > 0:47:49- Jim Driscoll, he wasn't a World - Champion, he never won the title...
0:47:49 > 0:47:52- ..but he was known like one - in Wales.
0:47:52 > 0:47:59- His legacy is completely safe, - even for generations to come.
0:48:23 > 0:48:25- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:48:25 > 0:48:26- .