View source for Freddie Mills

{{Short description|British boxer (1919–1965)}}
{{Other people|Freddie or Frederick Mills|Frederick Mills (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2015}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2015}}
{{Infobox boxer
| name = Freddie Mills
| image = Freddie Mills in The Hundred Hour Hunt.jpg
| caption = Freddie Mills in the 1952 film ''The Hundred Hour Hunt''
| nationality = British
| realname = Frederick Percival Mills
| nickname = {{Plainlist|
*The Bournemouth Bombshell
*Fearless Freddie}}
| weight = {{Plainlist|
*[[Middleweight]]
*[[Light-heavyweight]]
*[[Heavyweight]]
}}
| height = 5 ft 10+1/2 in
| reach = 72 in
| birth_date = {{birth date|1919|06|26|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Bournemouth]], [[Hampshire]],<ref name="auto">before 1 April 1974 Bournemouth was in Hampshire</ref> England
| death_date = {{death date and age|1965|07|25|1919|06|26|df=y}}
| death_place = [[London]], England
| style = Orthodox
| total = 101
| wins = 77
| losses = 18
| draws = 6
| KO = 55
| no contests = 0
}}
'''Frederick Percival Mills''' (26 June 1919 – 25 July 1965) was an English [[boxing|boxer]], and the world light heavyweight champion from 1948 to 1950. Mills was {{convert|5|ft|10+1/2|in|cm|sigfig=3}} tall and did not have a sophisticated boxing style; he relied on two-fisted aggression, relentless pressure, and the ability to take punishment to carry him through, and in more cases than not these attributes were sufficient.

Mills excelled first as a [[middleweight]], and most successfully as a light-heavyweight boxer, but also fought as a [[heavyweight]]. He was described as Britain's biggest boxing idol in the [[Post-war|post-war period]] and remained a popular media personality after his retirement from the ring.<ref name="google4671">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=e1BjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MG8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=4671,4261955&dq=freddie-mills+six-five-special&hl=en |title=Former Boxer is Show Business Hit |publisher=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix |date=29 April 1958 |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref>

Once he had retired from boxing, Mills moved into boxing management and promotion, and pursued a career in entertainment, working in radio, television (notably as co-presenter of  the early [[BBC Television|BBC TV]] music show, ''[[Six-Five Special]]'' between 1957 and 1958), and on the stage, as well as playing roles in a number of films between 1952 and 1965. He opened a Chinese restaurant in Soho before there was an established [[Chinatown]] in the area and also ran his own London nightclub until his mysterious death.

== Early life ==
He was born Frederick Percival Mills in [[Bournemouth]], [[Hampshire]],<ref name="auto"/><ref name=Mills>{{cite web | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/features/snapshotsofthepast/9044403.Boxing_champ_was_not_run_of_the_Mills/ | title = Boxing Champ was not run of the Mills| work=Snapshots | author=Michael Horsfield |date= May 2011| publisher =Bournemouth Echo | access-date = 9 September 2012}}</ref><ref name=citybid>{{cite web| url = http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/NewsEvents/SpotlightFeatures/SupportingContent/BournemouthBrouchure08.pdf| title = Bournemouth, Garden by the Sea| work = Diamond Jubilee Civic Honours Bid| date = May 2011| publisher = Bournemouth County Council| access-date = 9 September 2012| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130620195158/http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/NewsEvents/SpotlightFeatures/SupportingContent/BournemouthBrouchure08.pdf| archive-date = 20 June 2013| df = dmy-all}}</ref> the youngest of the four children of Thomas James Mills, a [[Rag-and-bone man|totter]] and marine store dealer, and his wife Lottie Hilda Gray. He received a pair of boxing gloves when he was eleven, and he used to spar with his brother Charlie. He attended St Michael's School in Bournemouth until the age of fourteen, and then became an apprentice gardener and later a [[milkman]]'s assistant.<ref name=Mills/> The milkman in question was Percy Cook, brother of former Welsh lightweight champion Gordon Cook, and Percy helped Mills develop his boxing skills.<ref>Bavin, p. 32</ref>

== Professional career ==

===Early career===
Mills had three bouts in 1936 in a 11 stone novices’ competition, all of which he won by knockout.<ref name="auto1">Bavin, p. 33</ref> He subsequently signed professional terms with manager Bob Turner.<ref name="auto1"/> He began fighting in fairground booths and at venues on the south coast.<ref name="google4201">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SaBZAAAAIBAJ&sjid=20gNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4201,5034997&dq=freddie-mills&hl=en |title=Freddie Mills May Win Heavy Crown for Britain |publisher=[[Painesville Telegraph]] |date=8 December 1942 |access-date=2012-05-21}}</ref> His first 64 fights, in 3½ years, most fighting as a [[middleweight]], though often against heavier opponents, resulted in 48 wins, 9 losses and 7 draws. By late 1939 he was the Western Area middleweight champion, and in April 1940 he beat Eastern Area champion [[Ginger Sadd]] on points.<ref>{{cite news |title=First-Rate Boxing "Bill" |work=Eastbourne Gazette |date=27 March 1940 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001928/19400327/065/0007| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> At the time, Mills was ranked 9th best middleweight in Britain, and Sadd 2nd.<ref>{{cite news |title=N.B.A. Ratings |work=Evening Despatch |date=12 April 1940 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000671/19400412/278/0012| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In January 1940 he joined the [[Royal Air Force]] and went on to become first a corporal physical training instructor and, by the following year, a sergeant, while continuing to box professionally.<ref name="auto1"/> He fought [[Jock McAvoy]], the [[Commonwealth of Nations|British and Commonwealth]] [[middleweight]] champion, the fight made at 12st 9lbs, McAvoy having the previous year unsuccessfully fought [[Len Harvey]] for the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles. The fight against McAvoy took place in [[Liverpool]] in August 1940 and Mills won a clear decision over ten rounds.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=W5pTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WDgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3776,4037960&dq=freddie-mills+jock-mcavoy&hl=en |title=Mills Beats British Champ |publisher=Leader-Post |date=9 August 1940 |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref> Mills subsequent fought mainly at light heavyweight.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}

In 1941 he was taken on by new manager Ted Broadribb, and began an affair with Broadribb's daughter Chrissie, who was at the time married to South African boxer [[Don McCorkindale]].<ref name="auto1"/> In September 1941 he was disqualified for a low blow in the third round against [[Jack Hyams]], suffering his first defeat in almost two years.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sensational Victory by Roderick |work=Nottingham Journal |date=2 September 1941 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001898/19410902/068/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In November 1941 he stopped heavyweight Jim Wilde in the third round, despite conceding almost two and a half stones to the Welshman.<ref>{{cite news |title=Welshmen Beaten |work=Western Mail |date=4 November 1941 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000104/19411104/051/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In December 1941, he fought [[Jack London (boxer)|Jack London]], a [[heavyweight]] who later (in 1944) won the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, Mills won on points over ten rounds despite conceding over three stones in weight to London.<ref>{{cite news |title=Boxers Weigh-In for To-Day's Fights |work=Dundee Evening Telegraph |date=8 December 1941 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19411208/041/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mills Outpoints London |work=Liverpool Daily Post |date=9 December 1941 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000650/19411209/099/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> At this time Mills was nicknamed 'The Bournemouth Bombshell'.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pilot's Sports Log |work=Liverpool Evening Express |date=10 December 1941 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000771/19411210/090/0003| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

===British light-heavyweight title===
Mills was due to fight McAvoy in January 1942 in a final eliminator for the British and Empire (later 'Commonwealth') light-heavyweight title, but withdrew from the fight, stating that wanted to concentrate on fighting at heavyweight and challenge for Len Harvey's title.<ref>{{cite news |title=Boxing |work=Lincolnshire Echo |date=7 January 1942 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000332/19420107/080/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> He beat Tom Reddington at heavyweight later that month, but evidently had a change of heart, and in February 1942 fought McAvoy in a final eliminator for the light-heavyweight titles. The fight, in the [[Royal Albert Hall]], ended after one round when McAvoy was forced to retire with an injured back.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-ysaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ziQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5112,3076848&dq=freddie-mills+jock-mcavoy&hl=en |title=Jock McAvoy Hurt: Mills Wins Match |publisher=Milwaukee Journal |date=23 February 1942 |access-date=2012-05-20 |archive-date=27 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527033551/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-ysaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ziQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5112,3076848&dq=freddie-mills+jock-mcavoy&hl=en |url-status=dead }}</ref> The way was open for Mills to challenge Len Harvey for the British and Empire light-heavyweight titles (Harvey at the time also holding the British heavyweight title).{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}

The title fight took place on 20 June 1942, at [[White Hart Lane]], [[Tottenham]], in front of a crowd of 30,000. In the second round Mills caught Harvey with a powerful left hook and put him down for a count of nine. When Harvey got up Mills hit him with a left uppercut, knocking him through the ropes and off the ring canvas, and in doing so he won via a knockout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishpathe.com/video/boxing-freddie-mills-knocks-out-len-harvey |title=Boxing - Freddie Mills Knocks Out Len Harvey - British Pathé |publisher=Britishpathe.com |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=K.O Sends Harvey Out of Ring |work=Sunday Post |date=21 June 1942 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000566/19420621/056/0011| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The fight created a sensation and Mills was talked of as a future challenger for [[Joe Louis]].<ref name="google4201"/> Mills now had the light-heavyweight titles. Harvey had also been considered world champion by the [[British Boxing Board of Control]] (BBBofC), but Mills decided not to accept the title, instead wishing to fight for American [[Gus Lesnevich]]'s more recognised world title.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills After Lesnevich |work=Evening Despatch |date=22 June 1942 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000671/19420622/095/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Mills only fought competitively four times in the next two years, all of them wins inside the distance, although he fought several exhibition fights, including several bouts with McCorkindale.<ref>{{cite news |title=Boxing Champion in Bristol |work=Western Daily Press |date=8 December 1942 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000513/19421208/028/0002| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Difficulty in making fights led him to consider relinquishing his titles in 1943, expressing a desire to switch to [[all-in wrestling]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Mills and Title |work=Western Daily Press |date=22 March 1943 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000329/19430322/043/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Len Harvey's retirement in early 1943 left the British and Empire heavyweight titles vacant. Mills and London were nominated to fight for the titles by the BBBofC in April that year, but after the fight was postponed three times, twice due to injuries sustained by London, they eventually met in September 1944. The fight took place at the [[Belle Vue Zoological Gardens|Kings Hall, Belle Vue]], [[Manchester]], with Mills conceding just over three [[stone (unit)|stone]] (19 kilos) in weight.<ref>{{cite news |title=Big Fight Weights |work=Liverpool Echo |date=15 September 1944 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000271/19440915/209/0006| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Both men were at the time serving in the Royal Air Force. Mills showed speed and aggression, but London's superior strength and power were evident in the closing stages and the heavier man was awarded the decision after fifteen rounds.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0MU6AAAAIBAJ&sjid=SyoMAAAAIBAJ&pg=991,4928331&dq=freddie-mills+jack-london&hl=en |title=Jack London Wins |publisher=The Maple Leaf |date=16 September 1944 |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref>

Mills and London were set to fight again in February 1945, but London's RAF duties made it impossible for him to train.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills-London Fight Hitch |work=Dundee Evening Telegraph |date=15 January 1945 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19450115/028/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Instead, Mills fought former Scottish amateur heavyweight champion Ken Shaw, stopping him in the seventh round.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shaw's Cut Lip Stops Fight with Mills |work=Aberdeen Press and Journal |date=8 February 1945 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000578/19450208/056/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

===World title fight===
In March 1945, Mills was posted to [[British India|India]] and [[Burma]] as part of a touring party that also included [[Denis Compton]], giving lectures and boxing demonstrations and taking part in exhibition bouts.<ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Mills |work=Coventry Evening Telegraph |date=16 July 1945 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000769/19450716/082/0006| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="auto2">Bavin, p. 34</ref>

Mills returned to the UK and was [[Demobilization|demobilised]] in March 1946,<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills Coming Home |work=Lincolnshire Echo |date=2 March 1946 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000332/19460302/086/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="auto2"/> and in May 1946 he was given a shot at Lesnevich's world light-heavyweight title.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills to Fight for World Title |work=Coventry Evening Telegraph |date=22 March 1946 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000769/19460322/101/0008| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Mills' preparation was interrupted in April when his father died at his home in Bournemouth.<ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Mills' Father Dead |work=Dundee Evening Telegraph |date=24 April 1946 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19460424/059/0006| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The fight took place at [[Harringay Arena]] in front of 11,000 fans. Mills was not considered a serious threat to Lesnevich but performed better than many expected in what was described as a "slam-bang, punishing contest". Mills was floored heavily in the second round but recovered strongly and was cheered on by the British crowd. In the ninth round, Mills's aggression appeared to be turning the fight in his favour, and Lesnevich was troubled by cuts above his eyes. In the tenth, however, Lesnevich "exploded" to score two knockdowns and the referee stopped the contest.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZDlkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=l3sNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2033,1388960&dq=freddie-mills+carry+on&hl=en |title=Mills Much Tougher than Champ Expected |publisher=Calgary Herald |date=15 May 1946 |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref>

Three weeks after losing his fight against Lesnevich, Mills fought British heavyweight [[Bruce Woodcock (boxer)|Bruce Woodcock]], losing a twelve-round fight on points after being knocked down in the fourth.<ref>{{cite news |title=Great Points Victory for Woodcock |work=Birmingham Daily Gazette |date=5 June 1946 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000669/19460605/012/0001| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Mills returned in August 1946 with a first-round knockout of the Swedish heavyweight John Nilsson.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills Wins in First Round |work=Birmingham Daily Gazette |date=14 August 1946 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000669/19460814/060/0003| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In November 1946, Mills fought another heavyweight, American [[Joe Baksi]]. Mills suffered two badly cut eyes and retired after six rounds of what was described as a "disappointingly one-sided contest".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1Gk-AAAAIBAJ&sjid=4EsMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6989,2499881&dq=freddie-mills+joe-baksi&hl=en |title=Joe Baksi Beats Freddie Mills |publisher=Indian Express |date=7 November 1946 |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref>

===European title===
In 1947, Mills again focused on the light-heavyweight division, and had three wins by knockout in the first half of the year (one against Italian champion [[Enrico Bertola]] and the third against South African champion Nick Wolmarans in [[Johannesburg]]) before losing in June by KO to American [[Lloyd Marshall]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills K.O.'D in Fifth |work=Dundee Courier |date=4 June 1947 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000564/19470604/016/0002| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In September 1947, Mills fought for the vacant European light-heavyweight title against the [[Belgium|Belgian]], [[Pol Goffaux]], winning after Goffaux retired towards the end of the fourth round.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jdpXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=n_UDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3476,2322071&dq=freddie-mills+pol-goffaux&hl=en |title=Mills Wins European Title |publisher=Spokane Daily Chronicle |date=8 September 1947 |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref> Mills ended the year with a points win over French heavyweight Stephane Olek.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills Rallies to Win Points Victory Over Olek |work=The Scotsman |date=29 November 1947 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000540/19471129/162/0006| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Mills defended the European title in February 1948, against the [[Spain|Spanish]] champion [[Paco Bueno]], who was subjected to "terrific punishment" before being knocked out in the second round.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8cU-AAAAIBAJ&sjid=nkwMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4863,4354063&dq=freddie-mills+paco-bueno&hl=en |title=Two Rounds Suffice for Mills to Win |publisher=Indian Express |date=9 February 1948 |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref>

In April 1948 he beat the heavyweight Ken Shaw for a second time, in a final eliminator for the British title.<ref>Bavin, p. 12</ref>

===World title===
On 26 July 1948, Mills was matched against Lesnevich for his second attempt at the world light heavyweight title. Mills was in much better shape for this fight, held at the [[White City Stadium]], London in front of a 46,000 crowd. Lesnevich reportedly struggled to make the 175 pound limit, weighing in at 174¾ pounds, whereas Mills came in at 170½.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lesnevich is 1/4-lb. Inside Weight |work=Derby Daily Telegraph |date=26 July 1948 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000521/19480726/034/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Lesnevich, who was a [[Fractional odds|1/3]] betting favourite, suffered from cuts over the eyes from the opening round as Mills started strongly. The fight then settled down into a "remarkably dull" affair, which drew boos from the crowd and saw both men warned by the referee Teddy Waltham for the lack of action.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jeers turn to cheers as Mills wins title |work=Daily Mirror |date=27 July 1948 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000560/19480727/003/0001| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In the tenth round, Mills rallied and floored Lesnevich heavily on two occasions. Lesnevich launched a "savage attack" in the twelfth and thirteenth rounds, but Mills responded in the last two sessions and at the end of fifteen rounds, the British boxer was awarded the decision by the referee.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Vi1WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=buUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6760,4715058&dq=freddie-mills&hl=en |title=Freddie Mills decisions Gus Lesnevich in Sensational Ring Upset |publisher=The Spokesman-Review |date=27 July 1948 |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref>

Mills was set to defend his title against Lesnevich in September in New York, but the fight was cancelled due to Mills suffering severe headaches and bouts of dizziness since the July fight.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills to Fight Lesnevich in America |work=Aberdeen Press and Journal |date=31 July 1948 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000578/19480731/038/0003| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Mills Is Ill |work=Sports Argus |date=7 August 1948 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000653/19480807/012/0001| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In August medical opinion was sought and he was diagnosed with misaligned vertebrae at the base of the skull; It was decided that after two months rest and spinal treatment he could return to boxing.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills to rest for two months: title fight off |work=Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer |date=10 August 1948 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000687/19480810/066/0003| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In September 1948, Mills was challenged to a fight at light-heavyweight by [[Sugar Ray Robinson]], but it was dismissed as "ridiculous" by promoter [[Jack Solomons]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Jack Solomons... |work=Yorkshire Evening Post |date=20 September 1948 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000273/19480920/089/0008| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Mills beat another heavyweight, Johnny Ralph, in Johannesburg in November 1948 in an eliminator for the Empire heavyweight title.<ref>Bavin, p. 28</ref> Mills broke a [[metacarpal]] in his right hand during the fight.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills Injured Hand |work=Yorkshire Evening Post |date=8 November 1948 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000273/19481108/095/0008| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In early 1949, after a well-received appearance with [[Arthur Askey]] on the radio show ''How Do You Do?'', Mills expressed a desire to work in radio after his boxing career ended, stating "I am not going on fighting for ever. I've got some money now. I reckon that being on the radio would just about suit me."<ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Was Funny |work=Daily Herald |date=24 February 1949 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000681/19490224/083/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In March 1949, Mills signed a promotional contract with Solomons, which made any return fight with Lesnevich more likely to take place in Britain.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills Signs |work=Belfast News-Letter |date=8 March 1949 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000038/19490308/154/0006| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In June 1949, Mills challenged Bruce Woodcock for his British, Empire, and European heavyweight titles. The fight was also recognised as an eliminator for the British version of the World Heavyweight Championship. They fought at the White City Stadium, with Mills conceding twenty pounds in weight to his opponent. Mills bloodied the heavyweight's nose but was floored four times before being knocked out in the fourteenth round.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=c3YuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=loEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=824,493996&dq=freddie-mills&hl=en |title=Bruce Woodcock Score 14-round Kayo over Freddie Mills |publisher=Schenectady Gazette |date=3 June 1949 |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref>

Shortly after the Woodcock fight, Mills expressed a willingness to defend his light-heavyweight title later that year, although he wanted the purse money to be spread over five years, for tax reasons, and to guarantee him an income for several years after retiring from the ring, Mills clearly not intending to keep fighting for much longer.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills Wants £20,000 Spread Over 5 Years |work=Hull Daily Mail |date=7 June 1949 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000324/19490607/046/0005| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In September 1949, a contract was signed for Mills to defend his world title against American [[Joey Maxim]]. After several dates and venues were proposed, the fight was finally set for 24 January 1950 at [[Earls Court]], London.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills To Defend World Title |work=Sunday Post |date=6 November 1949 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000566/19491106/113/0016| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Mills decided to leave long-time trainer Nat Sellers and train himself for the fight.<ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Mills to Train Himself |work=Yorkshire Evening Post |date=22 November 1949 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000273/19491122/117/0012| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Mills began strongly but Maxim, who "boxed beautifully", began to overhaul him. Mills, according to press reports, looked for a knockout win, but in the tenth round he was floored by a left right combination. Mills took the count in a sitting position before falling sideways and being counted out. Mills was assisted to his corner and was checked by a doctor before leaving the ring.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YltIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=H04DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3935,3541466&dq=freddie-mills&hl=en |title=Maxim Kayoes Freddie Mills |publisher=St Petersburg Times |date=25 January 1950 |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref> He had fought the last four rounds with three of his teeth knocked out and one embedded in the gum of his upper jaw.<ref>Bavin. p. 30</ref> Mills' reign as world champion was over, and the next day Broadribb announced that he had decided to retire, a decision made formal on 15 February when Mills wrote to BBBofC to confirm his retirement and to relinquish his British, European, and Empire light-heavyweight titles, aged 30.<ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Mills Decides to Give Up Boxing |work=Western Morning News |date=16 February 1950 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000329/19500216/101/0008| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Mills Decodes 'No More Competitive Boxing' |work=Leicester Daily Mercury |date=25 January 1950 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000760/19500125/142/0016| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=A.A.P|title=Freddie Mills retires|newspaper=The Mercury|date=17 February 1950|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26685206?searchTerm=freddie%20mills&searchLimits=|access-date=20 May 2012}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
On 30 September 1948, Mills married Christine Marie McCorkindale ("Chrissie") (25 December 1913 – 4 November 1994){{citation needed|date=April 2021}} at [[Herne Hill]] Methodist Church.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills Marries His Manager's Daughter |work=Coventry Evening Telegraph |date=30 September 1948 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000769/19480930/154/0011| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> She had a son, Donnie, by former husband Don McCorkindale.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1946&dat=19481001&id=6m4rAAAAIBAJ&sjid=kJkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3679,21861 |title=Freddie Mills Marries |publisher=Montreal Gazette |date=1 October 1948 |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref> They honeymooned in South Africa, where they stayed with McCorkindale, with whom Mills was good friends.<ref>{{cite news |title=Home to Prepare |work=Dundee Evening Telegraph |date=22 April 1949 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19490422/094/0012| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Mills and his wife went on to have two daughters, Susan Marhea (born 17 June 1952) and Amanda Christine Elizabeth (born 12 June 1958).<ref>{{cite news |title=Her Dad's a Champ |work=Daily Herald |date=17 June 1958 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000681/19580617/063/0005| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> They lived, with Donnie, at Joggi Villa in [[Denmark Hill]] in South London from June 1947.<ref>Bavin, p. 35</ref>

== Retirement and other business interests ==

===Boxing management and promotion===
A month after confirming his retirement, Mills was granted a manager's licence by the BBBofC, taking on Brixton heavyweight Terry O'Connor as his first boxer.<ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Gets His Licence |work=Hull Daily Mail |date=15 March 1950 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000324/19500315/072/0006| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mills to Manage O'Connor |work=Gloucestershire Echo |date=17 March 1950 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000320/19500317/074/0006| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In June 1950, Mills' autobiography, ''Twenty Years'', was published.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills as Author |work=Birmingham Daily Gazette |date=3 June 1950 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000669/19500603/151/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In 1951 he gained a promoter's licence and put on many successful events until the mid-1950s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Champion's Visit to Portsmouth |work=Portsmouth Evening News |date=11 July 1951 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000290/19510711/101/0008| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

During the latter stages of his boxing career, Mills suffered from frequent headaches,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ci8aAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3CQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5813,3268714&dq=freddie-mills+headaches&hl=en |title=Mills-Lesnevich Title Fight Is Off |publisher=Milwaukee Journal |date=7 August 1948 |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref> which continued after his retirement. Mills taught boxing classes at the Streatham Youth Centre in the early 1960s.<ref>{{cite news|last=AP|title=The old ring game (for better or worse)|newspaper=Binghamton Press|date=11 April 1962|url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%204/Binghamton%20NY%20Press%20Grayscale/Binghamton%20NY%20Press%20Grayscale%201962.pdf/Binghamton%20NY%20Press%20Grayscale%201962%20-%206095.pdf#xml=http://fultonhistory.com/dtSearch/dtisapi6.dll?cmd=getpdfhits&u=51bfa455&DocId=5947663&Index=Z%3a%2fFulton%20Historical&HitCount=2&hits=d+e+&SearchForm=C%3a%5cinetpub%5cwwwroot%5cFulton%5fNew%5fform%2ehtml&.pdf|access-date= 20 May 2012}}</ref>

In October 1962 his world championship belt was stolen from his car, but it was returned three days later with a note from the thief apologising for stealing it.<ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Mills' Championship Belt Stolen |work=Coventry Evening Telegraph |date=16 October 1962 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000769/19621016/332/0042| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Mills' Belt Returned |work=Coventry Evening Telegraph |date=19 October 1962 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000769/19621016/332/0042| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

===Entertainment===
Mills made an appearance on the television show ''Rooftop Rendezvous'' in February 1950, earning praise for his comedy skills.<ref>{{cite news |title=That man Freddie Mills... |work=Daily Mirror |date=14 February 1950 |access-date=13 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000560/19500214/103/0010| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In May 1950 he did his first television commentary on the Dennis Powell v. Mel Brown card at Birmingham, broadcast by the BBC, which saw him described as "discovery of the week" by the ''Daily Herald''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Midland 'TV' Broadcast |work=Coventry Evening Telegraph |date=2 May 1950 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000769/19500502/057/0005| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mills Wins Again |work=Daily Herald |date=12 May 1950 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000681/19500512/088/0006| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In late 1950 he again appeared on radio as a presenter of the programme ''Calling All Forces''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Was Radio Hit |work=Daily Herald |date=12 May 1950 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000681/19501204/045/0003| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In March 1952 he was given a 12-week Saturday radio show by the BBC.<ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Mills Takes on the BBC |work=Daily Herald |date=15 March 1952 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000681/19520315/023/0002| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In 1952 he made his first film appearance in ''Emergency Call'', going on to take small rôles in a dozen films.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stage & Screen |work=Uxbridge and West Drayton Gazette |date=20 June 1952 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002286/19520620/017/0002| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In September 1954 he was knocked unconscious during a TV sketch after being hit over the head with a real stool rather than the prop that should have been used.<ref>{{cite news |title=TV knock-out for Freddie Mills |work=Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer |date=6 September 1954 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000687/19540906/125/0005| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> He made appearances on several other television and radio shows, and became a presenter on the [[BBC]] [[Pop music|pop-music]] programme ''[[Six-Five Special]]'' from February 1957 until being dropped from the show in March 1958, although he returned for the final show at the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Accent Is on Music in New '6.5 Special' |work=The Stage |date=31 January 1957 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001179/19570131/124/0012| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title="6-5" Mills, Murray Shock |work=Aberdeen Evening Express |date=25 March 1958 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000445/19580325/009/0001| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> He went on to perform on stage as part of ''The Dickie Henderson Show'' later that year, staying with Henderson until the early 1960s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Mills Goes Into Variety |work=The Stage |date=18 September 1958 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001179/19580918/030/0003| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In 1959 he performed in ''[[Dick Whittington]]'' in Hulme, playing Idle Jack.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hulme Hippodrome |work=The Stage |date=24 December 1959 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001180/19591224/021/0002| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In 1961 he appeared in a Summer stage show in Brighton with [[Alfred Marks]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Marked! |work=Daily Mirror |date=20 September 1961 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000560/19610920/053/0009| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

He was the subject of ''[[This Is Your Life (British TV series)|This Is Your Life]]'', when he was surprised by [[Eamonn Andrews]], having been led into the foyer of London's [[Earls Court Exhibition Centre]] by sports journalist [[Derrick Collier]]. The episode was broadcast on 2 January 1961.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bigredbook.info/freddie_mills.html|title=Freddie Mills (1919-1965)}}</ref>

By 1963, television appearances had become less frequent, although he appeared on variety show ''Big Night Out'' in January 1964.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ready for return of variety series from ABC |work=The Stage |date=9 January 1964 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001180/19640109/075/0009| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

===Property, restaurant and night club===
Mills began investing in property in the late 1940s, acquiring several houses and flats.<ref>Bavin, p. 19</ref> In 1946 he opened the Freddie Mills Chinese Restaurant at 143 [[Charing Cross Road]] as a joint venture with Charles Luck and actor [[Andy Ho]].<ref>Bavin, p. 22</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/jul/11/books.crimebooks|title=How boxing champion was driven to suicide by threat from Krays|first=Tony|last=Thompson|date=11 July 2004|website=The Guardian}}</ref> He also briefly jointly owned a café in [[Peckham]] with his friend and investment adviser Bill Bavin.<ref>Bavin, p. 24</ref> By 1963 the Chinese restaurant was no longer profitable, and Mills and Ho converted it to a nightclub ('The Freddie Mills Nite Spot') at a cost of around £12,000, re-opening in May that year.<ref name="google4671"/><ref>Bavin, p. 36</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=New Nite Spot Deserves Success |work=The Stage |date=16 May 1963 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001180/19630516/060/0009| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> After initially hoping to make the club a family venue, they were pressured into allowing 'hostesses' to work there, unknown to Mills a euphemism for prostitutes.<ref>Bavin, p. 41</ref> He became friends with the [[Kray twins|Kray Twins]], notorious criminals who frequented his club.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportinglife.com/boxing/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=boxing/09/07/08/BOXING_Column.html |title=ARGUELLO DEATH ANOTHER TRAGEDY |publisher=Sporting Life |access-date=2012-05-20 }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In August 1963 Mills and Ho started the Freddie Mills Theatrical Agency, based at the club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Employment Agency Licences |work=The Stage |date=22 August 1963 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001180/19630822/055/0008| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

After its initial success his nightclub began to fail and he tried to sell it, without success. He sold off what property he had but was in serious financial difficulty.<ref>{{cite news|author=Tony Thompson|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/jul/11/books.crimebooks |title=How boxing champion was driven to suicide by threat from Krays |publisher=Guardian |date= 2004-07-12|access-date=2012-05-21 |location=London}}</ref>

== Death ==
On 24 July 1965, Mills was found dead in his car, parked in Goslett Yard, off an alleyway behind his nightclub.<ref>Bavin, p. 9</ref> A fairground rifle was found in the car with Mills, who had been shot through his right eye.
He had told the nightclub staff that he was going for a nap in his car, something that he often did.<ref>Bavin, p. 38</ref> His body was found at approximately 11:45&nbsp;p.m. by doorman Robert Deacon.
An ambulance was not called until Mills's wife arrived over an hour later.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Fight That Freddie Mills Faced Alone |work=Daily Mirror |date=3 August 1965 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000560/19650803/034/0006| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> A week or two previously, he had borrowed a 0.22 calibre rifle from May Ronaldson, whom he knew from his boxing booth days, and who ran a shooting gallery.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mills killed himself with a borrowed gun |work=Aberdeen Evening Express |date=2 August 1965 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000445/19650802/041/0003| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Although the rifle was not in working order when borrowed, it had apparently been repaired and was found in the car alongside him.<ref>Bavin, p. 67</ref>
For whatever reason, still unknown and with no police in attendance, ambulance personnel removed Mills from his car, disturbing a possible crime scene, and transported his body to the Middlesex Hospital where he was pronounced dead.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}

The investigation into his death initially assumed murder, but within a couple of days, the police had decided not to investigate it as such.<ref name="shock">{{cite news |title=Killer Hunt Off - Freddie Mills Shock |work=Daily Mirror |date=26 July 1965 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000560/19650726/004/0001| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The [[Coroner|coroner's inquest]] heard that the angle of the bullet was consistent with a self-inflicted wound, and it ruled his death a [[suicide]].<ref name="Observer">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/observer/osm/story/0,,1140732,00.html|title=The ten strangest sporting deaths|publisher=The Observer|date=8 February 2004|access-date=1 June 2009|location=London}}</ref>

Mills's funeral took place at St. Giles’ Parish Church, Camberwell, and he was buried in [[Camberwell Cemeteries|Camberwell New Cemetery]], [[South London]]. The pallbearers included boxing promoter [[Jack Solomons]], British Heavyweight Champion [[Henry Cooper]], the Secretary of the [[British Boxing Board of Control|BBBofC]], Teddy Waltham, and entertainer [[Bruce Forsyth]] (who also gave the funeral address).<ref>{{cite news |title=1,000 attend funeral of ex-champion |work=Coventry Evening Telegraph |date=30 July 1965 |access-date=12 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000769/19650730/582/0056| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> His grave has a marble boxing glove on it, beneath which is an urn containing a real boxing glove.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.findagrave.com/php/famous.php?page=cem&FScemeteryid=2249609 |title=Freddie Mills, Camberwell New Cemetery and Crematorium, Find a grave |publisher=Findagrave.com |date=1919-06-26 |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref>

Despite the wealth that Mills had gained from his boxing career (estimated at £100,000), and his property investments that earned him around £3,000 per year, Mills died with a net figure of only £387 to his name.<ref>Bavin, p. 56</ref> His club had been up for sale since June 1963, but he had been unable to find a buyer.<ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie's club was up for sale - but no takers |work=Daily Mirror |date=27 July 1965 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000560/19650727/023/0004| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> At the time of his death, he was heavily in debt to a [[Organized crime|crime syndicate]], which led him to be both depressed and in fear of his life.<ref>{{Citation|last=King|first=Ray|title=Hands, Feet & Balls|page=246|year=1998|publisher=Southgate Publishers |isbn=0953446700}}</ref> He was rumoured to be making a stand against protection racketeers shortly before his death, a theory backed up by gangland enforcer Johnny Bradbury, who gave the name of the man he believed was responsible for killing Mills to the police, but they were unable to find evidence to pursue the matter.<ref name="Hart2">{{cite news |author=Hart, Ted |title=Was it Freddie's last big stand? |work=Liverpool Echo |date=29 December 1979 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000271/19791229/357/0018| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Two weeks before his death, Mills and Ho had been fined for liquor and gaming offences committed at the club, and Mills had asked for a catering job at a pub near his home.<ref name="shock" />

A star-studded benefit show, ''The Freddie Mills Night'', was staged in February 1966 to raise money to support his widow and children.<ref>{{cite news |title=A Freddie Mills Show Tribute |work=Aberdeen Evening Express |date=7 January 1966 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000445/19660107/146/0009| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Following his death, several lurid theories sprang up, such as that Mills, married with children, had been arrested in a public toilet and charged with indecency,<ref name="Thompson">{{cite news|author=Tony Thompson|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/nov/04/sport.tonythompson |title=Boxing hero Freddie Mills 'murdered eight women' |publisher=Guardian |date= 2001-11-04|access-date=2012-05-20 |location=London}}</ref> and that his suicide had been staged by [[Chinese gangster]]s who were seeking to take over his club.<ref name="Observer"/> In 2002, a book about Mills by former journalist Michael Litchfield contained allegations that at the time of his death he was about to be exposed as the serial killer known as "Jack the Stripper", the unidentified person responsible for the eight [[Hammersmith nude murders]] in 1964–65.<ref name="Thompson" /> Litchfield also claimed that Mills had had a [[homosexual]] relationship with singer [[Michael Holliday]], and possibly also was sexually involved with notorious gangster [[Ronnie Kray]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/nov/04/sport.tonythompson | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Tony | last=Thompson | title=Boxing hero Freddie Mills 'murdered eight women' | date=2001-11-04}}</ref>

Mills's family and friends did not accept the suicide verdict,<ref name="Hart2" /> and according to Bavin, his widow received a phone call some time after his death from a woman who told her who was responsible for killing him.<ref name="auto3">Bavin, p. 58</ref> In 1968, [[Nipper Read|Leonard "Nipper" Read]] began investigating the case again at Chrissie's behest.<ref name="auto3"/> There were some inconsistencies regarding the death: two shots had been fired in the car, one from a front seat which hit the nearside front door, and the one that had killed Mills while he was sitting on the car's back seat,<ref>Bavin, p. 95</ref> Mills's body was found with its hands resting on his knees and the gun in a position out of Mills's reach, and there were no fingerprints found on it.<ref>Bavin, p. 97</ref>

In November 1970, police began investigating again after a constituent had told MP [[Michael O'Halloran (British politician)|Michael O'Halloran]] that a man had admitted killing Mills, although the investigation was soon ended.<ref>{{cite news |title=Freddie Mills: police get murder report |work=Liverpool Echo |date=20 November 1970 |access-date=14 August 2018 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000271/19701120/010/0001| via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Phoenix Television produced a documentary about the death of Mills, ''Murder in Soho: Who Killed Freddie Mills?'' Directed by Simon Dales, it was first broadcast by the BBC on 1 August 2018. The film explored the possibility that American mobster, [[Meyer Lansky]], colluded in the killing of Mills; Roger Huntman, said his father, Benny Huntman, a boxing manager was involved in the murder.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/tv-review-murder-in-soho-who-killed-freddie-mills-697frkcs9|title=TV review: Murder in Soho: Who Killed Freddie Mills?|last=Tate|first=Gabriel|date=2 August 2018|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=29 October 2019|language=en|issn=0140-0460}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2018/31/murder-in-soho |title=BBC - Murder In Soho: Who Killed Freddie Mills? - Media Centre|date=2018|website=www.bbc.co.uk|access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/28/boxer-freddie-mills-murdered-mob-bbc-documentary-claims/|title = Boxer Freddie Mills 'was murdered by the Mob', BBC documentary claims|newspaper = The Telegraph|date = 28 July 2018|last1 = Singh|first1 = Anita |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180728052222/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/28/boxer-freddie-mills-murdered-mob-bbc-documentary-claims/ |archive-date=28 July 2018}}</ref>

== Evaluation as a boxer ==
The boxing statistics site [[BoxRec]] rates Mills as the fourteenth-best British boxer of all time, the second-best British boxer of all time in the light-heavyweight division (behind [[John Conteh]]), and the thirty-sixth-best light-heavyweight in the history of boxing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxrec.com/ratings.php?country=UK&sex=m&division=Light+Heavyweight&status=E&SUBMIT=Go |title=BoxRec Boxing Records |publisher=Boxrec.com |access-date=2012-05-20}}</ref>

==Selected filmography==
* ''[[Emergency Call (1952 film)|Emergency Call]]'' (1952) - Tim Mahoney
* ''[[One Jump Ahead (film)|One Jump Ahead]]'' (1955) - Bert Tarrant
* ''[[Fun at St. Fanny's]]'' (1955) - Harry The Scar
* ''[[Breakaway (1955 film)|Breakaway]]'' (1955) - Pat
* ''[[Kill Me Tomorrow]]'' (1957) - Waxy Lister
* ''[[Six-Five Special]]'' (1958) - Studio Commissionaire / Lighting Man
* ''[[Chain of Events]]'' (1958) - Tiny
* ''[[Carry On Constable]]'' (1960) - Jewel Thief
* ''[[Carry On Regardless]]'' (1961) - Lefty
* ''[[This Is Your Life (British TV series)|This Is Your Life]]'' (1961) S.6 Ed.16
* ''[[Saturday Night Out]]'' (1964) - Joe
* ''[[The Comedy Man]]'' (1964) - Indian Chief (uncredited)
* ''[[Joey Boy (film)|Joey Boy]]'' (1965) - Sergeant (uncredited) (final film role)

==Professional boxing record==
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|ko-wins=55
|ko-losses=7
|dec-wins=22
|dec-losses=10
|dq-losses=1
|draws=6
}}
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" style="text-align:center"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|101
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{nowrap|77–18–6}}
|align=left| [[Joey Maxim]]
|KO
|10 (15)
|24 Jan 1950
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Earls Court Empress Hall, Kensington, London, England}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost NYSAC, NBA, and ''The Ring'' light heavyweight titles}}
|-
|100
|{{no2}}Loss
|77–17–6
|align=left| [[Bruce Woodcock (boxer)|Bruce Woodcock]]
|KO
|14 (15)
|2 Jun 1949
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|White City Stadium, White City, London, England}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For European, Commonwealth, and British heavyweight titles}}
|-
|99
|{{yes2}}Win
|77–16–6
|align=left| Johnny Ralph
|KO
|8 (10)
|6 Nov 1948
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Wembley Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa}}
|
|-
|98
|{{yes2}}Win
|76–16–6
|align=left| [[Gus Lesnevich]]
|PTS
|15
|26 Jul 1948
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|White City Stadium, White City, London, England}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won NYSAC, NBA, and ''The Ring'' light heavyweight titles}}
|-
|97
|{{yes2}}Win
|75–16–6
|align=left| Ken Shaw
|RTD
|1 (12)
|20 Apr 1948
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England}}
|
|-
|96
|{{yes2}}Win
|74–16–6
|align=left| Pacho Bueno
|KO
|2 (15)
|17 Feb 1948
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained European light heavyweight title}}
|-
|95
|{{yes2}}Win
|73–16–6
|align=left| Stephane Olek
|PTS
|10
|28 Nov 1947
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|King's Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester, Lancashire, England}}
|
|-
|94
|{{yes2}}Win
|72–16–6
|align=left| [[Pol Goffaux]]
|RTD
|4 (15)
|8 Sep 1947
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant [[List of European Boxing Union champions#Light-heavyweight|European light heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|93
|{{no2}}Loss
|71–16–6
|align=left| [[Lloyd Marshall]]
|KO
|5 (10)
|3 Jun 1947
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England}}
|
|-
|92
|{{yes2}}Win
|71–15–6
|align=left| [[Nick Wolmarans]]
|KO
|5 (10)
|29 Apr 1947
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Wembley Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa}}
|
|-
|91
|{{yes2}}Win
|70–15–6
|align=left| Enrico Bertola
|KO
|5 (10)
|17 Feb 1947
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England}}
|
|-
|90
|{{yes2}}Win
|69–15–6
|align=left| Willie Quentemeijer
|KO
|2 (10)
|20 Jan 1947
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England}}
|
|-
|89
|{{no2}}Loss
|68–15–6
|align=left| [[Joe Baksi]]
|RTD
|6 (10)
|5 Nov 1946
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England}}
|
|-
|88
|{{yes2}}Win
|68–14–6
|align=left| John Nilsson
|KO
|1 (10)
|13 Aug 1946
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Withdean Stadium, Brighton, Sussex, England}}
|
|-
|87
|{{no2}}Loss
|67–14–6
|align=left| [[Bruce Woodcock (boxer)|Bruce Woodcock]]
|PTS
|12
|4 Jun 1946
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England}}
|
|-
|86
|{{no2}}Loss
|67–13–6
|align=left| [[Gus Lesnevich]]
|TKO
|10 (15)
|14 May 1946
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For [[New York State Athletic Commission|NYSAC]], [[list of WBA world champions#Light heavyweight|NBA]], and [[list of The Ring world champions#Light heavyweight|''The Ring'' light heavyweight titles]]}}
|-
|85
|{{yes2}}Win
|67–12–6
|align=left| Ken Shaw
|TKO
|7 (8)
|7 Feb 1945
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Queensberry Club, Soho, London, England}}
|
|-
|84
|{{no2}}Loss
|66–12–6
|align=left| [[Jack London (boxer)|Jack London]]
|PTS
|15
|15 Sep 1944
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|King's Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester, Lancashire, England}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant Commonwealth and British heavyweight titles}}
|-
|83
|{{yes2}}Win
|66–11–6
|align=left| Al Delaney
|KO
|5 (10)
|25 May 1944
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England}}
|
|-
|82
|{{yes2}}Win
|65–11–6
|align=left| Bert Gilroy
|TKO
|8 (10)
|16 Feb 1944
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Queensberry Club, Soho, London, England}}
|
|-
|81
|{{yes2}}Win
|64–11–6
|align=left| Al Robinson
|KO
|2 (10)
|22 May 1943
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Elland Road Football Ground, Leeds, Yorkshire, England}}
|
|-
|80
|{{yes2}}Win
|63–11–6
|align=left| Al Robinson
|RTD
|6 (10)
|23 Oct 1942
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|King's Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester, Lancashire, England}}
|
|-
|79
|{{yes2}}Win
|62–11–6
|align=left| [[Len Harvey]]
|KO
|2 (15)
|20 Jun 1942
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|White Hart Lane (Tottenham FC), Tottenham, London, England}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[Commonwealth Boxing Council#History|Commonwealth]] and [[list of British light-heavyweight boxing champions|British light heavyweight]] titles}}
|-
|78
|{{yes2}}Win
|61–11–6
|align=left| [[Jock McAvoy]]
|RTD
|1 (12)
|23 Feb 1942
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England}}
|
|-
|77
|{{yes2}}Win
|60–11–6
|align=left| Tom Reddington
|TKO
|9 (10)
|26 Jan 1942
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England}}
|
|-
|76
|{{yes2}}Win
|59–11–6
|align=left| [[Jack London (boxer)|Jack London]]
|PTS
|10
|8 Dec 1941
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England}}
|
|-
|75
|{{no2}}Loss
|58–11–6
|align=left| Tom Reddington
|PTS
|10
|28 Nov 1941
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|King's Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester, Lancashire, England}}
|
|-
|74
|{{yes2}}Win
|58–10–6
|align=left| Jim Wilde
|KO
|3 (8)
|3 Nov 1941
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England}}
|
|-
|73
|{{yes2}}Win
|57–10–6
|align=left| Tommy Martin
|TKO
|5 (?)
|29 Sep 1941
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England}}
|
|-
|72
|{{no2}}Loss
|56–10–6
|align=left| Jack Hyams
|DQ
|3 (8)
|1 Sep 1941
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Granby Halls, Leicester, Leicestershire, England}}
|
|-
|71
|{{yes2}}Win
|56–9–6
|align=left| Tom Reddington
|PTS
|10
|4 Aug 1941
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Filbert Street Football Ground, Leicester, Leicestershire, England}}
|
|-
|70
|{{yes2}}Win
|55–9–6
|align=left| Jack Powell
|TKO
|1 (10)
|30 Jun 1941
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Greyhound Stadium, Reading, Berkshire, England}}
|
|-
|69
|{{yes2}}Win
|54–9–6
|align=left| Jack Hyams
|TKO
|4 (10)
|8 Jun 1941
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|The Stadium, Liverpool, Merseyside, England}}
|
|-
|68
|{{yes2}}Win
|53–9–6
|align=left| Trevor Burt
|TKO
|2 (10)
|31 May 1941
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Gess Pavilion, Pontypool, Wales}}
|
|-
|67
|{{yes2}}Win
|52–9–6
|align=left| Arthur Sadd
|TKO
|9 (10)
|26 May 1941
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Granby Halls, Leicester, Leicestershire, England}}
|
|-
|66
|{{yes2}}Win
|51–9–6
|align=left| Ernie Simmons
|RTD
|6 (10)
|26 Dec 1940
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|New St James Hall, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England}}
|
|-
|65
|{{yes2}}Win
|50–9–6
|align=left| [[Jock McAvoy]]
|PTS
|12
|8 Aug 1940
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|The Stadium, Liverpool, Merseyside, England}}
|
|-
|64
|{{yes2}}Win
|49–9–6
|align=left| Ben Valentine
|TKO
|3 (10)
|22 May 1940
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Winter Gardens, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|63
|{{yes2}}Win
|48–9–6
|align=left| Stafford Barton
|TKO
|7 (10)
|18 Apr 1940
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Sports Centre, Walthamstow, London, England}}
|
|-
|62
|{{yes2}}Win
|47–9–6
|align=left| Arthur Sadd
|PTS
|10
|10 Apr 1940
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Winter Gardens, Eastbourne, Sussex, England}}
|
|-
|61
|{{yes2}}Win
|46–9–6
|align=left| Jim Berry
|PTS
|10
|17 Mar 1940
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Arena, Coventry, West Midlands, England}}
|
|-
|60
|{{yes2}}Win
|45–9–6
|align=left| Elfryn Morris
|KO
|4 (10)
|27 Dec 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|59
|{{draw}}Draw
|44–9–6
|align=left| Eddie Maguire
|PTS
|10
|27 Nov 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Sportsdrome, Southampton, Hampshire, England}}
|
|-
|58
|{{yes2}}Win
|44–9–5
|align=left| [[Dave McCleave]]
|KO
|5 (10)
|28 Oct 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Sportsdrome, Southampton, Hampshire, England}}
|
|-
|57
|{{no2}}Loss
|43–9–5
|align=left| Eddie Maguire
|PTS
|10
|23 Oct 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Ice Rink, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England}}
|
|-
|56
|{{yes2}}Win
|43–8–5
|align=left| Charlie Parkin
|KO
|1 (10)
|21 Jul 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Millbay Rinkeries, Plymouth, Devon, England}}
|
|-
|55
|{{no2}}Loss
|42–8–5
|align=left| Arthur Sadd
|PTS
|10
|14 Jun 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Winter Gardens, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|54
|{{yes2}}Win
|42–7–5
|align=left| [[Dave McCleave]]
|KO
|1 (10)
|3 May 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|53
|{{yes2}}Win
|41–7–5
|align=left| Charlie Parkin
|PTS
|10
|26 Apr 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|52
|{{no2}}Loss
|40–7–5
|align=left| Elfryn Morris
|PTS
|10
|12 Apr 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|51
|{{draw}}Draw
|40–6–5
|align=left| Nat Franks
|PTS
|12
|13 Mar 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Millbay Rinkeries, Plymouth, Devon, England}}
|
|-
|50
|{{yes2}}Win
|40–6–4
|align=left| Eddie Maguire
|PTS
|10
|1 Mar 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|49
|{{no2}}Loss
|39–6–4
|align=left| Ernie Butcher Gascoigne
|PTS
|12
|20 Feb 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England}}
|
|-
|48
|{{yes2}}Win
|39–5–4
|align=left| Johnny Blake
|TKO
|6 (12)
|1 Feb 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|47
|{{yes2}}Win
|38–5–4
|align=left| Paul Schaeffer
|PTS
|10
|18 Jan 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|46
|{{yes2}}Win
|37–5–4
|align=left| Yorkey Bentley
|TKO
|7 (12)
|4 Jan 1939
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|45
|{{no2}}Loss
|36–5–4
|align=left| [[Dave McCleave]]
|PTS
|12
|14 Dec 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|44
|{{yes2}}Win
|36–4–4
|align=left| Ernie Butcher Gascoigne
|PTS
|12
|7 Dec 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|43
|{{yes2}}Win
|35–4–4
|align=left| Yorkey Bentley
|KO
|6 (12)
|23 Nov 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|42
|{{yes2}}Win
|34–4–4
|align=left| Tom Curran
|PTS
|10
|14 Nov 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Aquarium, Brighton, Sussex, England}}
|
|-
|41
|{{yes2}}Win
|33–4–4
|align=left| Seaman Tommy Long
|KO
|3 (12)
|9 Nov 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|40
|{{yes2}}Win
|32–4–4
|align=left| Fred Clements
|TKO
|6 (10)
|27 Oct 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Connaught Drill Hall, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England}}
|
|-
|39
|{{yes2}}Win
|31–4–4
|align=left| Moe Moss
|KO
|5 (10)
|1 Aug 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Dean Court Football Ground, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|38
|{{yes2}}Win
|30–4–4
|align=left| Charlie Parkin
|PTS
|12
|27 Apr 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|37
|{{yes2}}Win
|29–4–4
|align=left| Charlie Parkin
|TKO
|3 (12)
|13 Apr 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|36
|{{yes2}}Win
|28–4–4
|align=left| Jack Lewis
|PTS
|12
|30 Mar 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|35
|{{yes2}}Win
|27–4–4
|align=left| Tommy Taylor
|PTS
|12
|16 Mar 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|34
|{{yes2}}Win
|26–4–4
|align=left| Harry Vine
|TKO
|9 (12)
|2 Mar 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|33
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–4–4
|align=left| Ted Barter
|TKO
|6 (12)
|16 Feb 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|32
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–4–4
|align=left| Billy James
|TKO
|3 (12)
|2 Feb 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|31
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–4–4
|align=left| Jim Greaves
|PTS
|12
|19 Jan 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|30
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–4–4
|align=left| Ginger Dawkins
|TKO
|8 (12)
|5 Jan 1938
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|29
|{{draw}}Draw
|21–4–4
|align=left| Ginger Dawkins
|PTS
|12
|17 Dec 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Adelphi Gardens Pavilion, Paignton, Devon, England}}
|
|-
|28
|{{no2}}Loss
|21–4–3
|align=left| Jack Lewis
|PTS
|10
|15 Dec 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|27
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–3–3
|align=left| Fred Clements
|TKO
|6 (12)
|1 Dec 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|26
|{{draw}}Draw
|20–3–3
|align=left| Jim Greaves
|PTS
|12
|17 Nov 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|25
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–3–2
|align=left| Billy Fuller
|KO
|7 (12)
|3 Nov 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|24
|{{no2}}Loss
|19–3–2
|align=left| George Davis
|PTS
|12
|20 Oct 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|23
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–2–2
|align=left| Harold Anthony
|KO
|1 (12)
|8 Oct 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Adelphi Gardens Pavilion, Paignton, Devon, England}}
|
|-
|22
|{{no2}}Loss
|18–2–2
|align=left| George Davis
|KO
|10 (10)
|14 Aug 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Poole Sports Arena, Poole, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|21
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–1–2
|align=left| Albert Johnson
|PTS
|12
|5 May 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|20
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–1–2
|align=left| Harry Lister
|PTS
|12
|28 Apr 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|19
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–1–2
|align=left| Jack Alder
|PTS
|12
|14 Apr 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|18
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–1–2
|align=left| Jack McKnight
|PTS
|12
|17 Mar 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|17
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–1–2
|align=left| Ernie Red Pullen
|PTS
|12
|3 Mar 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|16
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–1–2
|align=left| Jack McKnight
|PTS
|12
|17 Feb 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|15
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–1–2
|align=left| Harry Frolick
|TKO
|7 (10)
|3 Feb 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|14
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–1–2
|align=left| Terry Warren
|KO
|2 (8)
|20 Jan 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|13
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–1–2
|align=left| Billy Brown
|KO
|1 (10)
|6 Jan 1937
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|12
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–1–2
|align=left| Georges Bradby
|KO
|1 (10)
|9 Dec 1936
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|11
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–1–2
|align=left| Fred Linnington
|KO
|4 (8)
|25 Nov 1936
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|10
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–1–2
|align=left| Slogger Wilson
|KO
|7 (8)
|11 Nov 1936
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|9
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–1–2
|align=left| Stan Nelson
|TKO
|2 (6)
|28 Oct 1936
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|8
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–1–2
|align=left| Jack Scott
|KO
|1 (6)
|14 Oct 1936
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mills had knocked out Scott earlier on this card, leaving the crowd dissatisfied.<br>So, after a couple of other fights were concluded, they met again, with the same result}}
|-
|7
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–1–2
|align=left| Jack Scott
|KO
|1 (6)
|14 Oct 1936
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|6
|{{draw}}Draw
|3–1–2
|align=left| George Hesketh
|PTS
|6
|21 May 1936
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Weymouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|5
|{{draw}}Draw
|3–1–1
|align=left| Eddie Gill
|PTS
|6
|20 Apr 1936
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|4
|{{no2}}Loss
|3–1
|align=left| Eddie Gill
|KO
|3 (8)
|6 Apr 1936
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Pannier Market, Barnstaple, Devon, England}}
|
|-
|3
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0
|align=left| Reg Davis
|KO
|4 (6)
|25 Mar 1936
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|2
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|align=left| Young Barfoot
|KO
|2 (4)
|11 Mar 1936
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|align=left| Jim Riley
|KO
|1 (3)
|26 Feb 1936
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Westover Ice Rink, Bournemouth, Dorset, England}}
|
|-
|}

==Titles in boxing==
===Major world titles===
* [[New York State Athletic Commission|NYSAC]] [[light heavyweight]] champion (175&nbsp;lbs)
* [[list of WBA world champions#Light heavyweight|NBA (WBA) light heavyweight champion]] (175&nbsp;lbs)

===''The Ring'' magazine titles===
* [[list of The Ring world champions#Light heavyweight|''The Ring'' light heavyweight champion]] (175&nbsp;lbs)

===Regional/International titles===
* [[Commonwealth Boxing Council#History|Commonwealth]] [[light heavyweight]] champion (175&nbsp;lbs)
* [[list of British light-heavyweight boxing champions|British light heavyweight champion]] (175&nbsp;lbs)
* [[list of European Boxing Union champions#Light-heavyweight|European light heavyweight champion]] (175&nbsp;lbs)

===Undisputed titles===
* [[list of undisputed world boxing champions#Light heavyweight|Undisputed light heavyweight champion]]

== See also ==
*[[List of light heavyweight boxing champions]]
*[[List of British light-heavyweight boxing champions]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
*Bavin, Bill (1975) ''The Strange Death of Freddie Mills'', Howard Baker Press, {{ISBN|0-7030-0078-0}}

== External links ==
* {{Boxrec|id=17916}}
*[http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/mills-f.htm Freddie Mills - CBZ Profile]

{{s-start}}
{{s-ach|ach}}
{{Succession box|
 before=[[Gus Lesnevich]]|
 title=World Light Heavyweight Champion| 
 after=[[Joey Maxim]]|
 years=26 July 1948 – 24 January 1950}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Light heavyweight status}}
{{s-bef|before=Gus Lesnevich}}
{{s-ttl|title=Latest born world champion to die | years=22 July 1965 &ndash; 15 December 1971}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Dick Tiger]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mills, Freddie}}
[[Category:1919 births]]
[[Category:1965 suicides]]
[[Category:English male boxers]]
[[Category:History of mental health in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Light-heavyweight boxers]]
[[Category:People from Parkstone]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Dorset]]
[[Category:Suicides by firearm in England]]
[[Category:Deaths by firearm in London]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Bournemouth]]
[[Category:1965 deaths]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:BBC television presenters]]
[[Category:20th-century English male actors]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force airmen]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force Physical Training instructors]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Bournemouth]]
[[Category:20th-century English sportsmen]]