What's the deal with this guy? Funny story I found about him: He became famous after knocking out a Yank in a amateur fight live on BBC and was offered big money to turn pro. Also won an ABA Heavyweight Title but didn't win any titles as a pro. However, he fought the likes of Henry Cooper (for the British and Commonwealth belts), Karl Mildenberger (for the Euro title), Jack Bodell, Brian London and Joe Erskine. Out of those he only beat Erskine but according to Wiki; "with his curly blond hair, boyish good looks and all action style the public flocked to see his fights." Any of you oldies (that's you Gaz and Icemax ) have anything to share?
I have had his book for Christmas. Going start it tonight, looks good from the scan through I have had.
I followed his career at the time he was a big lad at the time when most British heavies were smaller he had a great fan base & could fill most arenas he had two great fights with his Birmingham counter part Johnie Prescott, his defining fight was probably against Joe Erskine a master boxer but with no punch & Billy comfortably out boxed him but against the top boys at British & European level he came up short. With his brother George managing him he made a lot of money in his relatively short career well invested & was able to retire to one of the Channel Islands & still comes to London on occasions, always gave value for money which is much more than be said of todays batch
Absolute Diamond was Billy, just one of the Lads. Better Boxer than given credit for, in the gym He boxed. I once asked Him why not in the Ring, Because they want me to have a Fight puts Bums on seats. Great Guy.
spot on mate he always had time for the fans & still does today, I met him at a memorabilia fair a couple of years ago & he was most friendly guy possible
Billy was a fanny magnet, who shagged Joan Collins, and a fan magnet, who sold out Wembley 11 times in his shortish career. The man had charisma.
I would dispute him selling out wembley 11 times he was only headline fight on six occasians & once joint top of the bill,Cooper v Paterson would rightly claim to have sold out Wembley without his help. but having said that he did pull in the fans especally the women I saw Elizabeth Taylor at one of his fights there & Diana Dors at another
Use to go there Georges, for sparring, Had a terrific gym, some Gaff old Nunery having Dinner by the Pool, good old days
