Tommy Walker

Biographical information

RolesReferee
SexMale
Full nameThomas G. "Tommy"•Walker
Used nameTommy•Walker
NOC Great Britain

Biography

Tommy Walker had a long association with the Amateur Boxing Association (ABA), starting in 1881 when he was a competitor in the inaugural championships, until 1926, when he resigned as its president.

At the 1881 championships, Walker was a bantamweight but, as the lowest weight at that time was lightweight, he had to concede weight advantage. He did well to reach the semi-final, however, before losing to the eventual champion, Birmingham’s Tom Hill. Walker had the honour of fighting on the inaugural bill at the new National Sporting Club on 5 March 1891 when he engaged in an exhibition bout with the professional George Walker (no relation).

Tommy Walker turned to refereeing around the end of the 19th century. He was elected onto the committee of the ABA in 1904 and officiated at many championships over the years. Having been appointed an ABA vice-president in 1922, he led a party of English boxers to Copenhagen for a match against their Danish counterparts the following year. Sadly, the trip was marred by the unfortunate death of welterweight William Evans of the Port of London ABC, who died after being floored by Harald Nielsen. Evans never regained consciousness.

Walker was one of the referees and judges at the Paris Olympics in 1924. After the Games there was a Boxing Board of Control investigation into the gross abuse, intimidation and threatening behaviour he received from a group of Italian fans in Paris. Also in 1924, Walker was elected ABA president following the resignation, after 18 years, of John H. Douglas. Walker only held the post until 1926, having to retire through ill-health. He ran The Cock Tavern in Smithfield Market at the time.

Referee

Games Sport (Discipline) / Event NOC / Team Phase Unit Role As
1924 Summer Olympics Boxing GBR Tommy Walker
Flyweight, Men (Olympic) Final Standings Judge / Referee
Bantamweight, Men (Olympic) Final Standings Judge / Referee
Featherweight, Men (Olympic) Final Standings Judge / Referee
Lightweight, Men (Olympic) Final Standings Judge / Referee
Welterweight, Men (Olympic) Final Standings Judge / Referee
Middleweight, Men (Olympic) Final Standings Judge / Referee
Light-Heavyweight, Men (Olympic) Final Standings Judge / Referee
Heavyweight, Men (Olympic) Final Standings Judge / Referee