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By Miles Templeton
I had the pleasure of meeting promoter Mo Prior at a recent event, where he shared with me an intriguing tidbit about his wife being related to Joe Beckett, the British heavyweight champion from 1919 to 1923. In a previous article from January 2023, I delved into Beckett’s memorable bout with Tommy Burns in 1919. Though Beckett is often remembered for his quick defeat against Georges Carpentier, he was a talented heavyweight who consistently delivered thrilling performances throughout his career.
Outside the ring, Beckett was known for his love of horse-racing and gambling. After retiring from boxing, he lived comfortably thanks to wise investments from his ring earnings. During World War I, Beckett served as an air mechanic with the Royal Flying Corps. Despite being considered a potential opponent for Jack Dempsey, losses to Carpentier and Frank Moran dashed those hopes.
In a fascinating conversation with Mo, I uncovered another hidden gem about Joe: his boxing brother, George Beckett. George was a skilled middleweight boxer from Southampton, who had to make his mark in London due to limited fighting opportunities in his hometown. His career kickstarted at the National Sporting Club, a renowned boxing venue.
George’s career saw highs and lows, including wins against notable opponents like Jim Maher and rematch victories over Seaman Kelly. Despite facing setbacks against British middleweight champions like Pat O’Keefe and Jack Harrison, George remained a respected figure in the boxing scene.
Although his career was interrupted by World War I, George continued to showcase his talent both on and off the battlefield. As the war ended, he competed for the Hampshire heavyweight title, retiring as the champion after a victory in the rematch against Albert Croucher. While his career may not have reached the same heights as his famous brother, George Beckett left a lasting impact on the sport.
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