Georges Carpentier is a legend in France. He was born in Lens in the Pas de Calais. He became a professional boxer when he was just 14 years old, starting out as a welterweight and then moving up as he grew and put on more weight.
He first won the Welterweight Championship of France and Europe in 1911, followed by the Middleweight Championship of Europe in 1912 and the Light Heavyweight Championship of Europe in 1913. On 16th July of that same year he beat Ed “Gunboat” Smith in London for the “White Heavyweight Championship of the World.”
A year later he joined the French Air Corps, became a famous fighter pilot and was awarded France’s highest medals, the Croix de Guerre and Médaille Militaire for bravery.
After the war he continued his career and made many celebrity appearances such as at this football match, where he kissed both captains and obtained all the autographs of the Dick, Kerr Ladies team.
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