1920 - W.E. 'Billy' Tingle - Challenger for Flyweight Champion of Australia.jpg

On April 24, 1920, 19 year old Billy Tingle comprehensively defeated Australian Flyweight titleholder, "pale" Al White, in 10 rounds at Brisbane Stadium. Unfortunately, Tingle was half a pound over at the weigh in, and the fight was therefore not, as had been billed, classed as a championship bout. However, in the course of his stellar boxing career, Tingle would go on to win championships in higher weight divisions. This 1920 image of Billy Tingle, inscribed to famous boxing trainer, Tom Maguire, was sent to me by Australian boxing historian and author, Michael J. Clarke. Michael wrote in an accompanying note: The quality of Billy Tingle’s ability can easily be gauged by the standard of the boxers he was opposing – he was in the ring with the best. A great little fighter of the highest rank.