Nel Tarleton

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Nel Tarleton (14 February 1906 – 12 January 1956) was a British boxer who fought in the featherweight division. He was the British and Commonwealth featherweight champion and the first boxer to win the Lonsdale Belt outright twice. He challenged for the world featherweight title twice, but lost both times to Freddie Miller in 1934 and 1935. Tarleton was known for his skill rather than punching power, winning many important fights on points. He was tall and very thin, and he had only one lung from age two, yet he boxed successfully into his 40s.

Born in Liverpool, Tarleton began his professional career on 14 January 1926, beating George Sankey in Liverpool. He built a strong domestic record, mainly fighting in Liverpool. In 1929 he went to the United States and fought several times in New York, finishing with five wins, two losses, and one draw.

In 1930 he challenged Johnny Cuthbert for the British featherweight title; their first fight was a 15-round draw in Liverpool. In 1931 Tarleton beat Cuthbert on points at Anfield to win the title. He lost the title to Tommy Watson on points in 1932 but regained it in 1934 after defeating Watson at Anfield.

In September 1934 he fought Freddie Miller for the world title in Liverpool and lost on points. In December 1934 he defended his British title against Dave Crowley and won, also taking the Lonsdale Belt outright. The rematch with Miller in 1935 for the world title also ended in a points defeat. He defended the British title in 1936, beating Johnny King, and later that year lost the title to Johnny McGrory at Anfield.

In 1940 he again won the British and Commonwealth titles by defeating Johnny Cusick at Liverpool, and defended them later that year against Tom Smith. He continued fighting until 1945, defeating Al Phillips at age 39 to defend the titles. Tarleton relinquished his titles in 1947, at age 41.

He passed away in 1956 at the age of 49. He left behind his wife Barbara and their twin son and daughter. His professional record includes 144 fights, 116 wins (41 by knockout), 20 losses and 8 draws.