Two marvellous fights from yester year, glued a wonderful witty and erudite Panel of WBC Pundits, discussing John H Stracey Vs Carlos Palomino on June 22nd 1976, and Alexis Arguello Vs Jim Watt on June 20th 1981, both at the Empire Pool Wembley.

The panel included John H, Carlos, Alexis Jr and WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, who was valiantly battling snarling Mexico City traffic in the car.

John H who has a fine singing voice, reminded Alexis Jr that he and his Dad used to do singing duets at Conventions and the Hall of Fame.  Their forte was: “My Girl.” John was the first WBC champion of Don Jose`s legendary era.  He won the title one day after Don Jose was elected President in Tunis, back in 1975.  John H remarked on the difference between the boxing landscape then when a fighter had to notch up almost fifty fights before even being considered for a world title challenge, and nowadays with much more money around, so it`s possible to gain the belt after just a handful of bouts.

And the dedication plus love as well as pride of John H`s Dad who attended all but one of his 132 amateur bouts and all but one of his 51 pro fights, even coming to the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.

Carlos recalled a tough love relationship with his Dad who would on occasion yell at him. Dad got him to put the gloves on with one of his older brothers and spar.  Carlos was from a family of twelve.  He was drafted in 1970, joined the Army Boxing Team and with prodigious talent became an All Services Champion.

Carlos used his pro earnings to buy his parents a home and help his family.  He also went to college at the same time as he was boxing, which took both focus and dedication.  His Dad told him: “Look at what you`ve done, because of me!”

Carlos said that after his Dad passed away there was pain in his heart, he still felt his presence and went back to the gym.  He even sparred three pulsating rounds with Hector Camacho Sr and did better than hold his own.  Thus, he came back with four KO`s until finally hanging up his gloves.

Alexis Jr who has a smile so similar to his Dad, laughs as he remembers his talented amateur career, but his Dad earnestly pleading with him to stick to education, from which he took a year out to try his hand at the noble art, saying: “I went into pro boxing so you wouldn`t have to!”  And Alexis Jr also recalls Muhammad Ali saying: “Please, please don`t be a pro boxer.”  Those dishing out the punches know just how hard they can and do land!

John H and Carlos sacrificed so much to be svelte champions in their careers and were lean, mean fighting men. Nowadays they`re both enjoying life, but although they put on a few pounds, they still run and keep in shape, also enjoying watching the youngsters going through their boxing paces. Carlos has run nine marathons and one fifty miles ultra distance event. John H who regularly runs on the beach near his home, had operations and now has two titanium knees, befitting the mettle which has always and will always define him.

The fight between John H and Carlos was intense and ferocious, but they are great friends.  Such an experience bonds two boxers for life. Carlos recalls that he sparred 150 rounds in the lead up to the fight.  John H was lavish in his praise of Carlos, saying he went on to be a fabulous champion with seven successful defences. After his career Carlos gave talks in schools in and close to his home town in California.  He advised them: “You have to work hard, believe in your dreams and also have a plan B.” John H agreed: “You have to be true to yourself and others, as well as getting on with your life.”

WBC President Maurico who emerged with a UD in the battle with rush hour Mexico City traffic thanked a sparkling panel moderated by Victor Silva, Joanna Aguilar, Jill Diamond and James Blears in a grand finale John H sang… My Way, the song which sums up the brilliance, innovation and genius of Don Jose`s life, which so many of us remember with joy, admiration and gratitude.  We`re glad he came our way.