Biography
Born: 6 May 1930
Died: 17 August 2015
Grave Location: Lawn G, Row 06, Grave 29
Achievements
Born in Golden Point, ‘Bobby’ Greville pursued his passion for boxing as his older brother had before him and enjoyed success as an amateur before enjoying a five-year professional career in the sport which started in 1949.
In 33 professional bouts, he recorded 27 wins, including 11 knockout wins. The greatest highlight of his career came in 1951, when he defeated Frank Clarke to win the Victorian Welterweight title by technical knockout. The bout left Greville “so dazed he did not know he had won”.
He also trained many Ballarat boxers who went on to have successful careers, including 1956 Olympian Bobby Bath and several more state champions.
In 2023, Greville was posthumously inducted into the Victorian Boxing Hall of Fame.
Did you Know?
Robert James Greville (6 May 1930 – 17 August 2015), best known as Bobby, worked as a gardener at the Botanical Gardens and a greenkeeper at Ballarat East Bowling Club. He followed in the footsteps of older brother Bill and became a boxer, which was his true passion.
As his amateur career flourished, Bobby turned professional and enjoyed a successful journey that included a Victorian welterweight title. He ended with a record of 23 wins, seven defeats and one draw from 31 fights. A long stint as a trainer followed, overseeing many top fighters, including Ballarat Olympian Bob Bath.
Bobby died aged 85, and was buried in the beautiful, elevated Lawn G location with his wife Alma (Kneeshaw) Greville. Both are commemorated with a simple bronze plaque and a flower vase.
