British boxing award originated in 1909 by Lord Lonsdale, president of the National Sporting Club. The first belt went to a lightweight, Freddie Welsh. A belt was originally given to the champion in each division and was passed on as the title changed hands. From 1929 the belts were awarded by the British Boxing Board of Control, becoming the property of a champion who won three title fights in a division, not necessarily in succession. Perennial European, British, and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Henry Cooper won three Lonsdale belts.