- After Dinner Speakers
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Topics:
- Sport
John Conteh
Former World Boxing Champion, John Conteh is one of Britain’s most popular and best loved sportsmen. His sharp Scouser wit has won the hearts and praise from numerous audiences he has entertained over the years.
Early Promise
As an amateur boxer, John remarkably notched up wins against the world’s best at the 1970 Commonwealth Games. He won a record three Gold Medals at the Commonwealth Games and quickly followed up by winning ABA titles at middleweight in 1970 and light-heavyweight in 1971.
The early promise shown by John as an amateur soon blossomed and developed into a prolific career at a professional level. Once again taking on the world’s best, he defeated at light heavyweight, British, European and Commonwealth champions before becoming the World Boxing Councils (WBC) World Crown Holder in 1973 after defeating Jorge Ahumada of Argentina.
Defending World Title
After successfully defending his world title three times he eventually lost his title in 1977. John tried in vain to regain his title three times, his final attempt made in 1980.
There is no question in the minds of boxing fans, critics or journalists, who recognised John’s talents, that he was rightly hailed as the most talented British boxer for many years, however, persistent hand injuries and unsettling relationships with various managers unfortunately shortened John’s boxing career.
As his all round ability showed by winning the all sport British Superstars TV competition in 1974, John is no slouch when it comes to playing other sports. Playing off a handicap of eight, he is a serious golfer with a grin like a Cheshire cat. Asked regularly to play on celebrity golf days, John always puts a smile on everyone’s face with his own brand of jokes, observations and hilarious stories and is a stalwart on the After Dinner circuit
