Eddie Thomas

Edward Thomas MBE (27 July 1925 – 2 June 1997) was a Welsh professional boxer and boxing manager. He was born in Merthyr Tydfil. After a highly successful amateur boxing career, he turned professional in 1946. He won the Welsh welterweight title in 1948 and the British welterweight title in 1949, becoming the first Welsh fighter to hold the belt for more than 30 years. He won the European welterweight title in 1951, retaining it for only four months. He held the British Empire title for a period in the same year.

Retiring in 1954, he became the manager of two of Britain's most successful boxing champions, Howard Winstone and Ken Buchanan, both of whom won world titles in their weight classes. He later served as mayor of Merthyr Tydfil. Thomas was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1984 Birthday Honours for services to boxing.

Early life Thomas was born in 11 Upper Colliers' Row, Heolgerrig, Merthyr Tydfil to Urias Thomas and his wife Mary (née Miles). Eddie was one of six sons born to the couple, his brothers were Idris, Evan John, Urias (Hugh), Ronald and Cyril. Thomas attended Heolgerrig Primary School as a child and became interested in numerous sporting activities, including boxing and football. He also joined the choir at Cyfarthfa Anglican Church.

Boxing career Thomas became increasingly focused on boxing as he grew up and joined Merthyr Ex-Servicemen's Amateur Boxing Club under the tutelage of Ephraim Hamer. After the end of the Second World War, Thomas won the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association lightweight title and the 1946 Amateur Boxing Association British lightweight title. He represented Wales and Great Britain on three occasions winning his bouts. Thomas boxed in 135 bouts as an amateur, losing only five. He turned professional with Jack Solomons and Sam Burns. Seven further victories, including a victory over American Billy Graham, led to Thomas being selected to fight Henry Hall for the British welterweight title in 1949. and Ken Buchanan, who won the world lightweight championship. He later also managed Colin Jones who drew a world title bout with Milton McCrory.

Thomas was a noted member of the community in Merthyr Tydfil and was named Mayor of the town in 1994. He also served as president of Merthyr Tydfil F.C. and Georgetown Boys' Club. He married twice during his life and had five children, Edward, Lynne, Rhysian, Geraint and Delyth. He died of cancer in June 1997.