A white glazed pottery jug commemorating the Welsh heavyweight boxer Dai St. John circa 1900, colour printed portrait with hand painted naming, the r

A white glazed pottery jug commemorating the Welsh heavyweight boxer Dai St. John circa 1900, colour printed portrait with hand painted naming, the reverse with gilded inscription DAI ST. JOHN, WHO FELL AT THE BATTLE OF BELMONT, moulded scrolling, overall good, originally with gilt detailing to rim, now virtually all rubbed David Jones was born at Resolven, Neath, 1st April 1871. He fought under the name of Dai St. John and in an era before regulated championship titles was the self-proclaimed Heavyweight Champion of Wales after beating Cardiff boxer John O'Brien. He was very tall for the time standing 6ft 3in. and was a coal miner who got into boxing by supplementing his income in illegal fights and at fairgrounds. When fight opportunities dried up St John joined the British Army and was tragically killed in the 2nd Boer War at the Battle of Belmont, 23rd November 1899.