Brian Curvis

Brian Nancurvis, known in the boxing world as Brian Curvis, was a Welsh welterweight from Swansea who made a notable mark on the sport between 1959 and 1966. Born on August 14, 1937, Curvis came from a fighting family, with his father Dai Nancurvis having been a bantamweight in the British Army and his brother Cliff Curvis holding the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles. Boxing was in his blood, and Brian's path to the professional ring started during his National Service, where he boxed as an amateur for the army. He made an impression early, winning the A.B.A. welterweight title and earning a bronze medal at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, held in Cardiff. Fighting under his birth name, he was beaten in the semi-finals but already showed the promise to define his professional career.

Curvis turned professional in 1959, debuting with a technical knockout victory over Harry Haydock at Wembley's Empire Pool. This was the beginning of a successful run that saw him win his first thirteen bouts, leading up to a Commonwealth title fight against Australian champion George Barnes at Vetch Field in Swansea. In front of a hometown crowd, Curvis claimed the Commonwealth welterweight title by decision after a tough fifteen-round contest. He followed that up by challenging Wally Swift for the British welterweight title in 1960. In a tightly contested match in Nottingham, Curvis emerged victorious, capturing the title on points. A rematch the following year saw the same outcome, with Curvis defeating Swift on points again, solidifying his grip on the British and Commonwealth crowns.

Over the next few years, Curvis built a reputation for his ring intelligence, durability, and southpaw stance. He was not a knockout artist, but his technical skill and strategic approach allowed him to overcome challengers like Mick Leahy and Tony Mancini. Curvis's only early career loss came against American Guy Sumlin, who stopped him in the eighth round in 1962. Curvis quickly avenged the loss with a points decision two fights later, demonstrating his resilience and ability to learn from setbacks. He defended his British and Commonwealth titles with successful bouts against Tony Smith in 1963 and Johnny Cook in 1964.

The pinnacle of Curvis's career was a shot at the world welterweight title in September 1964, facing Emile Griffith at Wembley's Empire Pool. Griffith, a formidable champion, knocked Curvis down three times with powerful body shots, but the Welshman showed grit and determination, taking the fight the full fifteen rounds. Although he lost on points, Curvis's performance was a testament to his heart, even as Griffith's power ultimately proved too much.

Following the world title attempt, Curvis continued to defend his British and Commonwealth titles. He experienced a difficult loss against Willie Ludick in South Africa but rebounded to stop Sammy McSpadden in 1965, defending his titles for a sixth time. In 1966, Curvis made an ambitious attempt to win the European welterweight title, fighting Frenchman Jean Josselin in Paris. It was a gruelling affair, and Curvis was forced to retire in the fourteenth round, a rare stoppage in his career. He returned to the ring again in September 1966, defeating Des Rea, before retiring from boxing.

Curvis's legacy is marked by his accomplishments in the British and Commonwealth scene. He retired as the undefeated British and Commonwealth welterweight champion, having defended the titles six times. His achievement of winning two Lonsdale Belts outright—a feat unmatched by any other welterweight—solidified his place in British boxing history. Throughout his career, he remained undefeated against British opponents, with his only professional losses coming from international competition. In 1960, he was honoured as the B.B.C. Wales Sports Personality of the Year, recognizing his influence and popularity in Welsh sports.

Curvis passed away on January 9, 2012, at the age of 74, after battling leukaemia. He left behind a legacy as one of Swansea's greatest fighters, remembered for his technical skills, courage in the ring, and the pride he brought to Welsh boxing. His career, marked by determination and dedication to his craft, remains a standout chapter in the history of British welterweight boxing.