Dave Smith (boxer)

Dave Smith (1886 – 29 May 1945) was a champion New Zealand-born boxer.

Smith had success as an amateur boxer in New Zealand, winning Otago and Dunedin titles, and moved to Australia in 1907 to pursue a professional career.^[1]

He became the heavyweight champion of Australia, and travelled to the United States looking for a shot at the world title.^[1] On his return to Australia he beat Bill Lang to win the Commonwealth heavyweight title.

He appeared in the films From Bondage to Freedom (1911) and In the Last Stride (1916).^[2][3][4] He was also announced to play the lead in a film called An Australian Hero and the Red Spiders which may not have been made.^[5][6][7]

Dave Smith died on 29 May 1945 in Sydney.^[1]

Dave was the 2009 Inductee for the Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame Old Timers category.

References

1. "Dave Smith—A Great Australian Heavyweight", Toodyay Herald, 25 October 1946, p. 9. Retrieved 13 October 2014
2. "Death of Boxing Champion". Kalgoorlie Miner. WA: National Library of Australia. 5 June 1945. p. 4. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
3. "DAVE SMITH'S DEATH". The Sydney Morning Herald. National Library of Australia. 30 May 1945. p. 8. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
4. Vagg, Stephen (18 August 2019). "Australian Movie Stars". Filmink.
5. "Among the Boxers". Referee. No. 1417. New South Wales, Australia. 24 December 1913. p. 6. Retrieved 25 August 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
6. "DAVE SMITH AS ACTOR". The Herald. No. 11, 901. Victoria, Australia. 27 December 1913. p. 2. Retrieved 25 August 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
7. "BOXING". Warwick Examiner And Times. No. 4525. Queensland, Australia. 7 January 1914. p. 4. Retrieved 25 August 2024 – via National Library of Australia.

External links

• Dave Smith boxing record at Boxrec
• Article on Dave Smith at Sydney stadium