Difficult one. For me its one of Ryan Giggs and Joe Calzaghe. For me, Calzaghe shades Giggsy being an undisputed and undefeated two weight world champion for 10 years, not to mention his incredible ABA success at three different weights.
Difficult to look passed Sir Gareth Edwards. That said, John Charles must come into consideration. If he hadn't have been literally kicked out of the 1958 World Cup, we might have won it........ (Or so my grandfather told me)
I'm not into boxing,so am unable to comment on Calzaghe. But your list looks impressive. I seem to remember seeing a TV programme about him,also some post fight interviews. He came across as a decent guy,with "no side". So,I can see why you have mentioned him. Giggs,on the hand .... ,well,I'll pass on him.
I thought Giggsy would prove popular on here @Matthew Bound Still Lurks I'd mention Giggsy as whether or not you agree with his decisions to not play football as often as he could have done for Wales, he is still the most succesful sportsman Wales has ever produced. His titles/achievements are unrivalled imo (excluding Calzaghe of course)
When it comes to choosing the greatest ever sportsman,it's not only about their titles/achievements. Other things come into play,viz,character;general behaviour;how the world sees you;etc.,etc. You know what I mean. As a consequence,Giggs is a no no,and it has nothing to do with him missing games for Wales.I couldn't care less about that.That's my take,anyway.
Just done some exploring,and the film,"Mr.Calzaghe", has only recently been released,to very good reviews. But I'm sure you already knew that. Amazon has it for £10.00. S**t , I'm sending messages to myself now. It's all that Gary Monk's fault.
Giggs did nothing for Wales so no thanks Jimmy Wilde though is not only one of the greatest Wales’ boxers but he is also considered by many as being the greatest flyweight ever. Out of the 152 fights he had , he only lost 5 of them and out of 138 wins, 100 were knock-outs but in fairness that record does vary by fine margins depending on where you source the information but still a terrific achievement.
First sign of madness. Second sign hairs on the Palm of your hand. Third sign........looking for them!
This is a really difficult question with lots of factors especially the sport they played or took part in. In football I would go for John Charles. In boxing i agree with Joe Calzaghe although we have gasd some great Welsh fighters such as Tommy Farr and Howard Winstone. In athletics there is Lyn Davies with his Tokyo gold. In Rugby there is Gareth Edwards and many more who could lay claim. Spanning two sports is always difficult so maybe Ken Jones is in with a shout as he was an accomplished sprinter and rugby player.
Tony Lewis played Cricket (Captain of Glamorgan & England) and played first class rugby (Pontypool) - and was a Cambridge Blue in both sports. Born in Swansea, refined in Neath
John Charles for me then Ivor Allchurch, then Gareth Edwards, maybe bale will some time In the future progress to the top.
There's also the King Barry John and Jonathan Davies who was arguably the first to conquer both Union and league. In rugby league itself, there's Iestyn Harris.
