Tommy Farr: The Tonypandy Terror Who Took Joe Louis the Distance

Thomas George Farr (March 12, 1913 – March 1, 1986), known as “The Tonypandy Terror,” was a Welsh boxer from Clydach Vale, Rhondda. Before moving up in weight, Farr captured the Welsh light heavyweight championship, and on March 15, 1937, he became the British and Empire heavyweight champion. Widely regarded as one of the greatest British heavyweights, Farr was inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.

Across the Atlantic, Farr is remembered for his unforgettable 1937 world title challenge against Joe Louis. Entering the ring as a heavy underdog, he pushed the champion to the limit across 15 grueling rounds, hurting Louis at times and refusing to fall. The decision—scored unanimously for Louis—was met with controversy. While the referee awarded Louis thirteen rounds to one, the two judges saw the fight much closer, at 8–5 and 9–6. The crowd responded with loud boos, convinced Farr had done enough to at least deserve a draw.

The fight went down in history as one of Joe Louis’s toughest tests and was named The Ring magazine’s Fight of the Year for 1937. For Farr, it cemented his reputation not just as a tough challenger, but as a fighter of heart, grit, and remarkable skill who stood toe-to-toe with one of boxing’s greatest champions.