Boxing historian
BIG-PUNCHING Eddie Neilson of Swindon was a fan favourite back in the 1970s. I remember him well as a very exciting heavyweight who was usually involved in explosive contests that ended early, one way or the other.
He had 37 professional contests between 1972 and 1983 and only five of them went the distance. A decent amateur career ended in 1972 when he was beaten report tells you all you need to know about Eddie and his approach to the game: “Belgrave heavyweight Tim Wood covered himself in glory with a tremendous fightback to edge a well-deserved majority decision over rugged Eddie Neilson (Swindon). The bruising, all-action punch-up was the highlight of a splendid evening’s boxing. Few people expected Wood to survive the opening session. The big Swindon southpaw shook off an opening barrage to hand back some stick. With a minute of the round left, Wood was looking distressed and was trapped on the ropes and under heavy fire.” The Midland team that night included, as well as Wood, Pat Cowdell, Kirkland Laing and Larry Paul. All four of them are Midland legends.
