Most underrated British fighter.

I remember seeing a vid of Conteh who said that Muhammad Ali told him that he was better looking than he (Ali) was…to that, Conteh replied “You should’ve seen me before I started boxing!”

Another: Conteh competed in a fight deemed to be a HW match. After the fight, he asked Ali if there was any advice he could give him. Ali replied: “Yeah, get outta my division!”.

Besides being a top shelf fighter/Champ, John was/is a very personable and positive guy. I seem to recollect that he was very good in several other sports also.

 

He won the UK version of Superstars.

 

Yes I was, though apart from thinking Flint was going to win before the fight I don't remember much about the fight another game little fighter Chris Sanigar was on the bill he lost too.Kirkland Laing and Clinton McKenzie were on the bill as well, along with Big Stan McDermott,John's Dad , who usually ko'd his man or lost, so he was often put on last on this occasion he won. Cowdell had a hunched crab like style which was very effective and he always gave 100% and then some.
He honoured his calling.

 

Well there you go. Thanks McVey.

Just found these details:-

http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/74gbr.html

 

Just reviewed Alan Rudkin's world title career. Not only did he take on Masahiko “Fighting” Harada & Lionel Rose and Rubén Olivares (at least two ATGs) but went to the champ's own backyards in Japan, Australia & Mexico! Looks like the first two were close decisions that may have gone his way if in UK. Certainly a record to be proud of and puts many champions to shame.

 

Audley Harrison. The amount of hate that this guy got. It's not his fault he got the HW version of Amir Khan's chin. If he had Ollie McCall's chin he'd have been quite good.

 

Rudkin could have been a world champ in many other eras.

 

I imagine Howard Winstone is pretty forgotten now. Been watching him on Youtube, what a beautiful stylist! Took on a rock hard champ in Vicente Saldivar 3 times and surely should have got the nod in their second bout, imagine losing in Cardiff by half a point, gutting!

At least he finally got the title at his fourth try, although by this point he was well passed his best and his battles with Saldivar had taken their toll.

I think any young boxer could do well to check out the Welsh Wizard!

 

Great info I didn't know this about Pat! He deserves a lot of respect for taking on Salvador Sanchez and fighting him to a split decision. If he had won that it would rate in my eyes are greatest UK title victory.

 

John was awesome and his fight with Matthew Saad Muhammad was a classic. He also got screwed out of a victory against Mate Parlov, John should have been a two time champ at least.

 

Agreed, I just think Clinton never believed in himself enough? The Tarver fight was his for the taking. Fought some great fighters, he should be proud of his career.

 

I always felt that if Kevin Finnegan had the punch to match his boxing skills and toughness he could have been a world champ of sorts.

 

I was at the Albert Hall that night...Cowdell boxed superbly to outclass the banger Flint.

No love for Jim Watt on this thread? Under-rated & seemingly forgotten by many these days

 

When Harrison actually let his hands go he could bang, as evident of his 1 punch KO of Sprott. And destroying Danny Williams in 3 rounds his best performance IMO, but he was often far too passive. And never really had confidence a top professional needs.