‘Coalminer, son of a coalminer, outstanding welterweight champion in his time, he is a giant in the working-class mythology of Merthyr, and it was natural that he should have been found using the skills learned underground to extricate with tender patience, many of the small bodies buried by the avalanche of slurry in the Aberfan school disaster.’
Hugh McIlvanney

‘This biography of Eddie Thomas is a thoroughly deserved tribute to a very special man.’
John H. Stracey, World welterweight champion

‘A man of his word which isn’t common in the world of boxing. He was well respected in all walks of life and had an enormous aura about him which would light up a room.’
Colin Jones, British, European and Commonwealth welterweight champion

'Any man who can steer two men to World Championships, must have something special.’
Sir Henry Cooper British, Empire and European heavyweight champion

‘Eddie Thomas was respected across the boxing world. A great manager, who trained us to perfection. He was a one off, a great guy, and I miss him dearly.’
Eddie Avoth, British and European light-heavyweight champion