By Simon Euan-Smith
THERE was a ‘full house’ at London’s Connaught Rooms on October 20 for a tribute lunch for John Conteh, MBE.
The event was put on by London EBA Secretary/Treasurer Ray Caulfield and long-time LEBA benefactor Scott Ewing (John is a LEBA Vice-President) to mark the 50th anniversary of John’s winning the vacant world (WBC) light-heavyweight title by beating Argentina’s Jorge Ahumada on October 1, 1974.
But, as Scott Ewing said in his opening speech, this was far more about John Conteh the man than the boxer. “John has done so much for so many,” Scott said.
He went on to describe John’s work with Alcoholics Anonymous (“He’s brought so many back”) and the Variety Club, noting that John was only the second person (besides Jimmy Tarbuck) to be appointed captain of the Variety Club’s golf team. “He travels up and down the country, visiting EBAs – he’s a great ambassador,” Scott said, explaining that John was also a major supporter of the Ringside Charitable Trust.
MC John McDonald did a fine job all afternoon. He introduced lots of boxing personalities, including world champions Frank Bruno MBE, Steve Collins MBE, Maurice Hope MBE and Colin McMillan BEM. (Bruno received a huge round of applause, as did Michael Watson MBE.) There were also stars of other sports, including Charlie George (football) and Phil Taylor (darts). LEBA was well represented, as you’d imagine, and I was also delighted to see Croydon EBA President Pat Doherty and Brighton stalwart Harry Scott.
Former European and Commonwealth heavyweight champion (and LEBA member) Derek Williams paid tribute to Conteh, describing him as a “true boxing legend.” “Your name has stood the test of time,” Derek said, remarking that John had had a lot of challenges and obstacles to overcome, and by doing so had “paved the way for other black fighters.” He said John had “left his mark on boxing,” and described him as “boxing royalty” – ending by saying, simply: “Thank you for all you’ve done.”
We saw film of John in action – two early-career KO’s, his 12th-round stoppage of German Rudiger Schmidtke to win the European light-heavyweight crown, his two bouts with the late Chris Finnegan (the first earned John the British and Commonwealth titles). And finally that wonderful points win over Jorge Ahumada.
I was ringside at Wembley that night. On the BN staff, it had fallen to me to do the Conteh-Ahumada preview, and I’d gone for Ahumada – but ended by saying: “Prove me wrong, John.” And I’ve never been more pleased to be proved wrong! John’s stellar performance really made me feel proud to be British.
There was also a filmed excerpt of John’s “This Is Your Life” (a very popular, long-running TV programme), with Paul McCartney paying tribute to his fellow-Liverpudlian – and filmed tributes from boxing people who couldn’t make the event. These included former world champions Johnny Nelson, Ricky Hatton and Jim Watt – and there was a tribute from boxing writer and broadcaster Adam Smith, who described John as “one of the greatest British fighters produced since the [Second World] War.”
British boxer John Conteh during his WBC World Light Heavyweight title fight with Argentinian Jorge Ahumada at Wembley, 1st October 1974. Conteh won the fight on points and was crowned World Champion. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
There was a very successful auction, conducted partly by Ray Caulfield and Scott Ewing and partly by John himself. John has a formidable reputation as an auctioneer at charity events, and he was on sparkling form. Entertainment was provided by Muhammad Ali Jr, who had everyone laughing with his impression of his father – and comedian Bobby Davro.
In a nice gesture, John’s WBC title belt was returned to him – and in a short, modest speech John thanked everyone for coming. He thanked his family, many of whom were there – including wife Veronica (they’ve been together for 50 years), and children James and Joanne. He also thanked Charles Atkinson, trainer at Kirkby ABC, who started John on the road that led ultimately to world title honours.
A wonderful tribute to a true boxing legend – and congratulations must go to Ray Caulfield and Scott Ewing. These events don’t organise themselves