Another classic Australia boxing story, one of raw courage against all odds. Trevor King, born in Cessnock NSW in 1930, battled against the odds from the age of 11. Having already lost his mother, and living with an alcoholic father, King developed Rheumatic fever, being bedridden for 12 months. The fortune of Taff Thomas being his carer and masseuse was to pay great dividends in later years. Taff, had been a tough Pro. having dished out a beating to Hughie Dwyer, a triple Aust Champ. Ultimately, Taff would steer Trevor King to a remarkable boxing career. In 4 years, King, still whippet thin, engaged in his first professional bout. At 15 y/o, the ring doctor had to believe King was 17. His 23 y/o oponent, Crow Horn, was dropped in every round, and the victory was the first of many for King. By the age of 20, King compiled 31 straight victories, before dropping his first to Swiss boxer, Sigi Tennenbaum. Hardly detered by the loss, King gained his revenge, and gained the NSW Featherweight title also. Victory must have been sweet, as King was to establish a career record of 60 wins, from 61 bouts. With the NSW title in his keeps, Trevor awaited a shot at KO King, Elley Bennet, for the National title. In the mean time, King continued in his winning ways, racking up wins over Ray French, Vic Champ Bluey Wilkins twice, former National champ Ray Coleman, Ken Wenman, Panama Flash, former Vic F/W champ Johnny Wheeler and Young Regan, the 6' former Bantam champ. Finally getting a show with Bennett in a non-title bout, both fighters had the odds stacked against them. The Sydney Stadium ring temperature was close to 40 degrees. The demonic power of Bennett became apparent with the first punch. A blow to Kings elbow, rendered his right arm numb to the shoulder. Hence forth, King boxed with extreme caution. After 12 rounds, King took the victory, and many at ringside thought King deserved recognition as Champion. Considering King entered this bout feeling sickly, due to negative effects of the pennicilon taken for a burn infection, and the raging heat, a great heart was shown in many ways. In 1954, King signed to fight Empire Champ, Roy Ankarah in Singapore. But the National title fight with Bennett was prioritised, and set for March 1954. 3 Weeks prior to the bout, King was knocked of his Motorbike in Auburn, typically for King, gangrene set in. He refused the amputation and rehabilitated himself. Still, he was told he would never walk without the use of a cane. 6 years later, King was back in the ring. In 1960, he stopped Kiwi Lightweight champ in 5 rounds. Then focussed on Oz lightweight Champ, George Bracken. The tragic episodes continued to appear, and King developed Hepititis, then suffered head injuries in a car accident. This was to finish the career of King. A career that should have never happened, except for the determination of himself, it wouldn't be possible. Post career and injuries, King spiraled into a drinking, smoking and gambling mess. Frequenting the racecourses as much as twice a day. His own salvation, this time, was via the voice of a young Salvation Army Officer he listened to in Paramatta, 1963. This young lady was to become his wife. Trevor went on to become a minister, opening a Caring and Sharing Mission in Sydneys North. Thwarted at every attempt, King battled against the same odds we only face once in a lifetime. King battled the odds of a dozen lifetimes, yet still came out on top, with grace, focus and persisting determination. Countless others have have shared his personal message of self-belief, which, to this day has faded little. Trevor King is fortunate in ways, tragic in others. The likes of Sands and Darcy were both tragic in the end, with no room for compromise. Thankfully, Trevor King has taken the oportunity to continue the good fight. A true legend. You requested it Rodin... Hope its up to scratch mate.
Thanks mate. I've known the TK story for years but because he never got a crack at the real big time, he has virtually been given little recognition. The man was an artist, & few would argue that he was the best in his division here, & among the best in the world. Proving it was just not to be. Such is life. I hope the younger blokes, when discussing the great Aussie fighters, will keep Trevor in mind. Thanks. Onya Trev.
Rodin, Im searching through the Fighter mags right now, trying to find the second half of the Rowlands brothers..... somewhere in the pages of the early 'Fighter mag' years, I remember suggestions of another possible Trevor King return... If I find it, I will post it on this thread.
I think you will find that it was a foray into martial arts that he contemplated. He was itching to pass on his skills & while he didn't come out & say it, he thought MA lacked attention to footwork to the degree that boxing does. Don't hold me to it though, I've seen a few doco's where trevor was involved. He's been a constant companion of the less fortunate.
Fighter Magazine, may '69. by Patrick Connelly Trevor King M-A-Y Come Back. Just some snippets from the report.... Each morning, he goes for a 3 mile run around Maroubra, a south Sydney beachside suburb, where he is Captain in the Salvation Army. In the evening, he skips, does floor exercises and occasionally spars with anyone willing to shape up behind the Salvation Army Citadel. In 18 months, Trevor has lost about 20lbs in weight and is down to several lbs over 10 stone. Only the other evening, he had a 90 minute exercise and sparring session. The question remains: will he make a comeback?? After yarning with him for 4 hours on Feb. 14, and after asking questions in other quarters, I predict that TREVOR KING WILL MAKE A COMEBACK WITHIN SEVERAL MONTHS. I emphasise that Trevor did not say straight out that he would comeback. The story continues speculatively, yet one very interesting quote is mentioned. "I have looked after my body since my last fight, and haven't smoked or got on the beer like many others who retire" .... interestingly enough, the imformation I have in another book suggests quite the oposite.... Perhaps I should offer King an apology??? Throughout the segmant, King gives very little away, regarding any planned comeback, yet happily responded to another question. 'How would you fare against Fammo????' "I've only seen him fight once, in the film of the Legra bout"...."I think the best way to beat him would be to move forward fast, all the time, throwing hard, straight lefts, with occasional variation"...."At this stage, my timing is not what it was when, say, I beat Ray Coleman"...."But three months on the speed ball would bring 90 per cent of it back" Right through, Trevor appears to be in the midst of a definate, unmentioned comeback. This story must have pricked the ears of Jake Gulino, Leo Young, Freddie Wicks and Jeff White... plus every reader of the Fighter Magazine. Approaching his 39th year, it may have been something to giggle at also?????
Hardly true, considering he boxed 12 and 15 rounders... He often KO'd oponents inside 2 minutes of whatever round though.:bbb
I still remember the first time I heard Trevor King's touching story (though until now I'd forgotton the name that went with the story). I was in about 3rd form at secondary school and a teacher included his story into our class that day. Still remembered nearly every bit of the story (bar the name) all these years later.
Not that it's of any consequence, but somewhere in the mists of my memory, I seem to recall someone telling me that actually the rear tyre had become deflated & the wheel got stuck in a tram track & threw him off. Could be wrong tho. Another point of interest. In the early 60's. Sunday drinking was a no-no in Brissy. The Wooloongabba Buffulos' club got around this by having a singalong & they were allowed to sell beer (Don't ask ) We were having a right old time then the local cricket club turned up & who should be sporting the whites, none other than the great Elley Bennett. I latched onto him like a Remorra. He was everything I had heard. Lovely bloke with an infectious smile & that typical humble nature that Aboriginals were noted for.
Ok Rodin... mate, does that suggest a thread on Elley Bennet for you???? I'd be happy to write one. Out of interest, was it actually Trevor King you're thinking of, or Andre Famechon????? In regards to the accident involving tram tracks?? I believe Andre Famechon was involved in an accident, inwhich the brain was actually exposed.... this accident was inclusive of a tram in the incident.
CHB.. Got to admire the inner strength of King. A trooper in all aspects, and a soldier for the good cause now days.
As I said, it was a long time ago that I heard this. I didn't know about Andre. I have to say though, tram tracks was always a Motorbike problem. It's probably not so bad today with the wider tyres but on a BSA Bantam & the like, there was many a spill.
