Cultureshock

You need Adobe Flash installed to watch this movie.
Get Adobe Flash

Video transcript

I joined Lambton Street Boys Club at the age of 12. My father took me there to learn the noble art of boxing as I was being bullied at school and my first time in the ring was a frightening experience.

Little was I to know that I would be still boxing 10 years later and actually enjoying it, my first amateur fight was in 1950 and I lost. I actually was awarded a medal for being the best loser but it did not console me much. I also lost my second bout and was ready to pack it in but my father encouraged me to keep going.

I went from strength to strength afterwards winning the North East Boys Club championship and the senior North East ABA Championship. I did not stay at Lambton Street and boxed for numerous clubs including Gray Boys club, Silksworth Boys and even joining the Parachute Battalion Territorial Army.

I fought in the final of their Championship at Chelsea barracks but was disqualified in the second round. After doing my 2 years national service in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps I turned professional but thats another story.