The boxing trunks and boots worn by Freddie Mills in his last contest with Joey Maxim for the retention of his Light Heavyweight Championship of the W

The boxing trunks and boots worn by Freddie Mills in his last contest with Joey Maxim for the retention of his Light Heavyweight Championship of the World in Earls Court, London on 24th January 1950, comprising a pair of black and red Ampro of London boxing trunks and a signed pair of black leather Ampro boxing boots, both maker's labels signed in ink by Freddie Mills and additionally signed to the sole lining of the boots, lacking original lacing Provenance: Christies 23rd November 2004 Lot 239 (part) Frederick (Freddie) Percival Mills (1919-1965) the English world light heavyweight champion from 1948 to 1950. Started boxing in 1936 with three fights in a 11 stone novices' competition all of which he won by knockout, subsequently signing with Bob Turner on professional terms with fights in fairground booths and at venues on the south coast, mostly as a middleweight and by 1939 was the Western Area middleweight champion, defeating Ginger Sadd the Eastern Area champion in April 1940. He fought Jock McAvoy the British and Commonwealth middleweight champion in Liverpool in August 1940, winning over ten rounds. 1941 saw a new manager Ted Broadribb on board and in September saw his 1st defeat against Jack Hyams, going on to defeat Jim Wilde, Jack London, Tom Reddington and Jock McAvoy. On 20th June 1942 at White Hart Lane for the British and Empire light-heavyweight titles fight he beat Len Harvey on knockout. With the retirement of Len Harvey in 1943, the British and Empire heavyweight titles were vacant and Mills and London were nominated to fight for the titles by the BBBofC, which took place in September 1944 at Kings Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester with Mills awarded the decision after 15 rounds. In 1946 he was given a shot at Gus Lesnevich's world light-heavyweight title at Harringay Arena, London but was defeated with the referee stopping the contest. 1947 saw the focus on the light-heavyweight division with three wins against Enrico Bertola and Nick Wolmarans and one loss to Lloyd Marshall. September 1947 saw a win over Pol Goffaux for the vacant European light-heavyweight title and defended the title in February 1948 against Paco Bueno, then going on to defeat Ken Shaw in a final eliminator for the British title. Then defeating Lesnevich for his 2nd attempt at the world light-heavyweight title at White City Stadium on 28th July 1948. Mills beat Johnny Ralph in Johannesburg in November 1948 in an eliminator for the Empire heavyweight title. In June 1949 Mills challenged Bruce Woodcock for his British, Empire and European heavyweight titles, which was recognized as an eliminator for the British version of the World Heavyweight Championship, fought at White City Stadium but was knocked out in the 14th round. On the 24th January 1950 at Earls Court London Mills took on Joey Maxim but was defeated and his reign as world champion was over and he retired on the 15th February 1950 relinquished his British, European and Empire Light-heavyweight titles.