YOU didn’t have to be Angelo Dundee to realise you were watching an immense talent when John Conteh won the middleweight gold medal at the 1970 Commonwealth Games. But I had no idea as I saw him brilliantly outbox a Tanzanian in the final in Edinburgh that the 19-year-old kid from Kirkby was about to evolve in a few years into JC Superstar. Because of his outstanding ability, knockout-handsome film star looks and cheeky Merseyside charisma, it was no surprise he was made financial offers to turn pro he couldn’t refuse.
Four years later he was ready to challenge Argentine Jorge Ahumada for his WBC world light-heavyweight title, at Wembley’s Empire Pool. Conteh delivered a superb points victory — it was the peak performance of his life. Everything was on display, his considerable skills, speed of thought and movement, brutal punching, plus heart and desire to bring the title to Britain.
READ MORE IN BOXING It was only Ahumada’s teak-tough chin that got him through the 15 rounds. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the most momentous moment of Conteh’s nine-year career, he is being honoured with a star-studded tribute lunch organised by the London Ex- Boxers Association at Holborn’s Connaught Rooms on October 20. When LEBA secretary Ray Caulfield announced the event in June, there were those who wondered if it would attract a large enough crowd.
But when the £125 tickets went on sale, within a matter of days all 400 had been snapped up. And Conteh, at 73, was inv.