GONE TOO SOON

@thealexdaley

Historian & author

THE South Yorkshire town of Mexborough, perhaps best known for its coal-mining roots, was once a hotbed of boxing. Before World War II, fights were held there regularly and the town produced some top fistic talent, not least British heavyweight champion Iron Hague and British light-heavyweight titlist Harry Crossley. But arguably the most gifted boxer to emerge from Mexborough was one whose career ended tragically early. He was Harry’s elder brother, Herbert.

The third of four brothers, Herbert Crossley was