Boxer. British and Empire Heavyweight Champion. He learned to fight in the boxing booths of the fairgrounds whilst working as a delivery man for local shopkeepers having quit a job in the coal mines. Known as the 'Tonypandy Terror', after his home town, he became British and Empire champion in 1937 by defeating Ben Foord. Following further victories over former world champions Tommy Loughran and Max Baer he earned his shot at the World Heavyweight title against the new champion, Joe Louis. It was to be Louis's first defence and he would be an overwhelming favourite having disposed of seven of his last eight opponents by knock out. At the Yankee Stadium on 30th August 1937, watched by a crowd of 32,000 Farr surprised his bigger opponent by taking the fight to him. During fifteen grueling rounds he hurt Louis several times but was also cut badly. The referee raised Farr's arm at the end to salute his gallantry however this confused many of the crowd who thought he had won. When the verdict was announced many in the crowd booed the decision, although the judges' scores were unanimous. Ring Magazine named the contest its 'Fight of The Year'. Farr was the first of only three men to ever go the full distance of 15 rounds with Louis. He fought several more times in New York including a controversial defeat against former world champion James J. Braddock. Having retired whilst still a relatively young man he returned to the ring after a ten year gap to fight again. His final fight in 1953 was a defeat against Don Cockell the future British Heavyweight Champion. Farr retired to the south coast of England where he turned to writing a regular column for a national newspaper. A proud Welshman he died on St David's Day 1986. He was cremated and his ashes interred in his parents grave on the hillside overlooking his home town in the Rhondda Valley. Career summary: 179 fights; 95 wins; 43 defeats; 22 draws; 19 no decisions.