Wigan Album

To me. It always seemed a regular contest between Peter Kane, and Benny Lynch.

Albert, out of over 100 professional fights, Peter Kane fought Benny Lynch twice. That's hardly a regular contest.

I always thought it was far more than that James.

James. It seems that you know quite a bit about boxing history. Many years ago, I have a vague memory of going to a stadium in Springfield. I vaguely remember, it was either a contest, or an exhibition match, the main attraction was Ronnie Clayton. I believe he hailed from Blackpool.

I only know about fighters I was connected to through my dad, Albert. His manager was in Blackpool, the same one as Peter Kane.
Clayton might have had the same one.
As far as I know, fights were held in the the Drill Hall in Wigan. Apparently, it was near Central Park somewhere.

I don't know if you're on Box Rec? If you're not, give it a try, it's full of info on local fighters.
Names linked to my dad, as well as Peter, were Frank Fallon, Emmett Kenny, Eric Billington, Dickie Davies ...... and Chris Rafferty.

Thank you for your information James. I would have only been in my early teens when I went to see Ronnie Clayton. Very late forties, early fifties. The stadium may have been a greyhound racing one. I know it was somewhere towards Beech Hill Lane.

James. Looked at the Box Rec site. Fully informative. I see my brother in law is mentioned under Wigan boxers. Billy Ashcroft. Thank you for advising me.

I didn't know BoxRec listed fighters under individual towns, I thought they were listed under first and surnames.

James. I just asked for a list of Wigan boxers, and they obliged.

This man was not from Wigan.

Bruce. I was referring to Billy Ashcroft, my brother in law.

Peter Kane worked for my sons Great Grandfather who was the Blacksmith at Lane Head Lowton.The story the old man used to tell was that he left Peter in the smithy one day and some Gypsies came in to have a horse shod then wouldn't pay when the old man came back two of them where flat out on the floor, and the old man paid for him to start taking boxing lessons.I know himself and my sons grandfather attended most of his fights.

My comment wasn't aimed at you, Albert. Wigan council have been known to claim him as 'Wigan's World Boxing Champion', which he never was.

Bruce. As James states.
Box Rec. is very informative relating to the boxing world.

Bruce. As James states.
Box Rec. is very informative relating to the boxing world.

Dave, no disrespect to the memory of Peter and his achievement intended, but you must remember, before he turned professional at 16 years old he was a very slight chap. Indeed, a boy, just over 5 foot tall and less than eight stone in weight. He was no Mike Tyson.
This makes it hard to believe that he flattened two gypsies by himself, unless, of course, they were very small gypsies. But, stories are always told and I've heard many.

I remember going to Woodhouse lane early fifties I think to watch boxing.It definitely took place but I don't think it was a regular venue for boxing.

Beleve me peter kane could of knocked any 15 or 16 stone man no problem speed and power to a normal mans chin would not stand a chance he used to swimming in carr mill dam all though winter to be world champion in them days was amazing