Jim Driscoll: Meistr y Sgwâr

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

Jim Driscoll: Meistr y Sgwâr

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