Happy Birthday John H

On Sunday September 22nd is the seventy fourth Birthday of all time Great John H Stracey, who achieved the most fantastic victory away from home by any British boxer, by coming to Mexico City and TKO`ing the legendary Jose ”Mantaquilla” Napolis in six rounds.

John was the first World Champion of Don Jose Sulaiman. Don Jose was unanimously elected President of the World Boxing Council on December 5th 1975, and the very next day John H won the WBC welterweight title at the Bull Ring in Mexico City.

John H had to wait a while for Jose Napolis to enter the ring. When he did, John went over and shook hands with him. A marvelous gesture of a sportsman, gentleman and a man, greatly appreciated by the Mexican crowd. Knocked down in round one, John got up, fought on and closed Jose`s right eye. Referee Octavio Meyran stopped the fight in round six and John H was champion. He said: ”He could have knocked me down in every round, but I`d have still won it anyway!”

The very next day at lunch in the Maria Isabel Sheraton Hotel, John ordered a spicy spaghetti Bolognese, but His Dad demurred, insisting it would be steak and chips!
John successfully defended his title against Hedgemon Lewis with a tenth round KO. There is a famous photo of them arm in arm smiling at each other. This was the day of the fight! A wonderful example of sportsmanship and friendship, as they both wished each other luck on the night. Absolutely fantastic!

John H`s pro record is 45-5-1, with 37 KO`s. He was persuaded to retire aged twenty seven by his Mum who wanted him to remain healthy, strong and as sharp as a tack. And so it has happened. John H has a fine singing voice. He`s a WBC Ambassador and has raised huge amounts of money for charities. He was presented the MBE by Prince William for his tireless and ongoing charity work.

Naturally left handed, John was taught to box from a conventional stance. The Pride of Bethnal Green, he won the National ABA Schools Title, two National Junior ABA crowns plus the NABC Championship. Aged just seventeen he represented Great Britain in the 1968 Olympics. He won the Senior ABA Title.

As a pro he won the British, European and World Title. He defeated Frenchman Roger Menetrey at the Stade de Roland Garros by eighth round KO to win the European Crown. His career spanned 1969-1976.

John and Wife Kathy Jane will be popular guests at the WBC`s Hamburg Convention in December. His wonderful singing voice is always appreciated on the much cherished Entertainments Night. Great man, Great Champion and Happy Birthday John H.