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Boxing at Wembley Stadium 1924 EPW011412
The first ever boxing match at Wembley Stadium, London on 9th August 1924. This was a light heavyweight contest between " Basking" Jack Bloomfield and Tommy Gibbons. The undercard included a heavyweight contest between Phil Scott and Andre Anderson (won by Scott). Bloomfield, from Islington had been British Light Heavyweight champion since 1922, shortly after moving up from Middleweight. Gibbons, from Minnesota, had recently lost the World Heavyweight title to Jack Dempsey in 1923. Although he was coming towards the end of his career he was still a formidable opponent, losing only four times in over a hundred bouts. Gibbons won by a knockout in the third round and Bloomfield never fought again. Gibbons retired the following year after his fourth defeat. The promoter was bankrupted after struggling to meet Gibbons financial demands. Aerofilms Collection (see Links). Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 1477839
Filename: afl03_aerofilms_11412.jpg
Size: 4880 x 3876 (9.6MB)
Date: 9th August 1924
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive Aerofilms C
Source: English Heritage Images
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> More features > Festivals and Exhibitions > British Empire Exhibition 1924
> Historic Images > Aerofilms Collection (1919-2006)
> Historic Images > Historic Images 1920s to 1940s > Photos of the 1920s
> Historic Images > Historic Images 1920s to 1940s
> Sports > Football grounds from the air > Wembley Stadium
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historic moment of the first-ever boxing match at Wembley Stadium in London on 9th August 1924. The atmosphere is electric as spectators eagerly await the light heavyweight contest between "Basking". Jack Bloomfield and Tommy Gibbons. Both fighters exude confidence and determination, ready to leave their mark in boxing history. The undercard adds an extra layer of excitement, featuring a heavyweight bout between Phil Scott and Andre Anderson, which was won by Scott. As the crowd anticipates these thrilling matches, they are unaware of the dramatic turn of events that will unfold. Bloomfield, hailing from Islington and holding the British Light Heavyweight champion title since 1922, faces off against Gibbons from Minnesota. Despite being towards the end of his career, Gibbons remains a formidable opponent with only four losses out of over a hundred fights. In a shocking twist, Gibbons delivers a knockout blow in the third round, leaving Bloomfield unable to continue his boxing career ever again. This defeat marks an abrupt end for both fighters as Gibbons retires just one year later after suffering his fourth loss. Behind this iconic event lies tales of financial struggle as the promoter faced bankruptcy due to difficulties meeting Gibbon's financial demands. Nevertheless, this photograph immortalizes not only an extraordinary sporting moment but also showcases Wembley Stadium's rich history as a venue for legendary athletic encounters. (Photo credit: Aerofilms Collection - Historic England).
