Description: Eric Grainger was a miner from Codnor who became a professional boxer between the wars. As was typical of many boxers at this time, he would work during the day as a miner then take part in a ten round boxing match (with the opportunity to earn £5) in the evening. Grainger took up boxing at the age of 15 and was trained by the Mellor brothers and Bill Gordon of Codnor. His first fight was at the Ripley Fair in Stewart's boxing booth. There he fought Sam Minto, earning £1 after six rounds. After that he registered as a professional boxer with Charlie Coates of Sutton in Ashfield. In 1936 he gained the Midlands Counties Lightweight and Welterweight titles after knocking out Gunner Thomson and Kid Haycox. During his career he lost only eight of his sixty fights in halls, and fought a further eight seasons in boxing booths around the country. He continued to work in the mines during the winter. See also DCAV000504