I remember reading about Grant some years ago. He was a real standard bearer for independent Jamaica. His win over World class Dave Charnley for the Commonwealth Lightweight Title soon after independence was officially declared sparked national delirium. Anyone who could beat Charnley in 1962 must have been more than useful.
A few years back I worked with a Jamaican who was of that era. He did not follow or know boxing. But when I mentioned Bunny Grant to him I thought he was going to hug me. He told me he was a national hero. He was like Ali in Kingston. He transcended the sport. I believe he was the first Jamaican to contest a world title, but I could be wrong. I wouldn't be betting the house on that one, but from such a small country it became apparent what a sports hero he was. His record suggests he fought the very best and besides the loss to Eddie Perkins for the world 140 lb title, he also beat Perkins, Lauro Salas, Charnley, Doug Vaillaint, Alfredo Urbina, Raul Soriano, Manny Gonzalez, Tito Marshall, Angel Robinson Garcia and Percy Hayles. An outstanding fighter. I would have loved to have seen the 10 rounder between those two hot prospects Jose Napoles and Grant. From the report it was a closely contested bout that was well received.
That's what I gathered from the old article in the Boxing News and the obit I read in the Independent or the Guardian Scar. An important figure in his country and a Fighter of substantial talent and achievement. Oh and yes, the first certainly from independent Jamaica to fight for a World Title.
He’s one I’ve wanted to watch for a while. There were some posters in the old days who spoke highly of him.
