John Conteh
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John Conteh (born Kirkby, May 27, 1951) is a British former boxer who was world Light-Heavyweight boxing champion.
Conteh is one of Britain's most illustrious boxing champions of all time. At the peak of his powers in the mid to late 70's he was considered so good that he was touted as a possible opponent of the legendary Muhammad Ali. He enjoyed great fame in Britain and was often on the front as well as the back pages of the leading dailies due to his love of partying and women. It is said by the man himself that this excessive lifestyle brought about premature decline in his talents. He started boxing at age 10 at the Kirkby club. At 19, he won the middleweight gold medal at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games. He won the WBC Light Heavyweight crown in October 1974 and held the title until 1978 when he was the loser on points over fifteen rounds to the Yugoslav fighter Mate Parlov. He failed twice in efforts to win back his old crown in 1979 and then again seven months later in 1980 - both against the inconsistent American Matthew Saad Muhammad.
He retired from professional boxing in 1980. His professional record is 34 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses.
Conteh also has the distinction of being British Superstars competition champion in 1974, the second year of the televised sporting event.
Conteh is now an after dinner speaker and speaks at venues all across the country.
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