Arthur Goom

When he lost to Archie Rule in the ABA bantamweight semi-final in 1924, Arthur Goom was just 17-years-of-age. He took part in the Olympic trial at Holborn shortly afterwards and, despite losing to Alf Barber, was still chosen as reserve to Barber and first choice Les Tarrant for the Games. The following year, Goom captured the ABA title at just 18. He beat H. Johnson of Columbia BC in the final, and in the quarter-final beat the future British featherweight champion, Nel Tarleton of Liverpool.

Goom started boxing at an early age and joined the Rugby Boxing Club near his Kensington home when he was aged 10. He went on to win two London Federation of Working Boys titles and was also twice the West London Divisional champion. He was a member of the Rugby Club for well over 30 years and after ending his career turned to helping develop the talents of young boxers. A motor body builder by trade, he also became an official boxing timekeeper and represented Rugby on the ABA.