When John Conteh won the middleweight gold medal at the 1970 Commonwealth Games, you didn’t have to be Angelo Dundee to realize you were looking at a towering talent.
But when I watched him brilliantly outbox a Tanzanian player in the final in Edinburgh I had no idea that the 19-year-old from Kirkby was going to become a JC superstar in a few years.
2
Due to his outstanding ability, knockout-handsome movie star looks and charming Merseyside charisma, it was no surprise that he was made financial offers to turn professional, but he could not refuse.
Four years later he was set to challenge Argentina’s Jorge Ahumada for his WBC world light-heavyweight title at Wembley’s Empire Pool.
Conteh won with flying colors – the highest performance of his life.
Everything was on display, his remarkable skill, speed of thought and movement, brutal punching, as well as heart and a desire to bring Britain the title.
It was only Ahumada’s teak-hard chin that carried him through to round 15.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the most important moment of Conteh’s nine-year career, he is being honored at a star-studded tribute luncheon hosted by the London Ex-Boxers Association at the Connaught Rooms in Holborn on 20 October.
When LEBA Secretary Ray Caulfield announced the event in June, there were those who wondered whether it would attract a large enough crowd.
But when £125 tickets went on sale, all 400 tickets were sold within days. And Conteh, at age 73, was involved in another selloff.
Casino Specials – Best Casino Welcome Offer
Jake Paul hits out at Mike Tyson, 58, for demanding boxing rule changes ahead of controversial Netflix fightFrank Bruno, Michael Watson and David Haye will join football and showbiz celebrities to pay tribute to one of our greatest fighters of all time.
In the 1970s John was one of this country’s most famous sporting figures – the David Beckham of his era.
Shortly after beating Ahumada, it was the beginning of a celebrity lifestyle that ultimately led to his downfall.
Conteh’s marketability led to his face appearing on the covers of magazines and on advertising hoardings.
He was a guest on Parkinson and every other TV chat show and appeared at festivals across the country.
As you walked down the escalator at every London underground station, there were pictures of a nearly naked John modeling men’s underwear.
He was also a regular at Mayfair’s most fashionable nightclub, the Tramp.
Unfortunately, excessive drinking led to him becoming an alcoholic – which is why, sadly, he only realized 50 percent of his potential.
Arguably, John’s greatest battle to overcome was overcoming his drinking disorder.
He never hid from his problems and has not touched alcohol for almost 40 years, which should be an inspiration to fellow sufferers.
Read more about The Scottish Sun
What I love about my favorite Scouser is that he always has time for the young and old who want to take selfies or just chat.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are current darlings of boxing fans – it will be interesting to know whether they will still be in demand in 50 years.
