One of Britain’s most successful boxers was re-united with Keighley’s mayor, a former professional boxer, who joined him on the bill at his last fight.
Councillor George Metcalf and John Conteh attended a sportsman’s evening at the Engineers’ Club, in Russell Street, Keighley, on one of the few occasions they have met since the pair both fought in Liverpool more than 30 years ago.
Coun Metcalf said: “I was fighting in the chief supporting bout, while John was fighting a boxer from America called James Dixon. He won in five rounds but that was the last fight of his career. He called it a day and never came back.
“He had ten glorious years – out of 38 contests he only lost four. He was a credit to the sport.”
Mr Conteh won a gold medal at the 1970 Commonwealth Games, and later went on to win the WBC Light Heavyweight title in 1974, holding this crown until 1977.
Like Mr Conteh, Coun Metcalf is originally from Liverpool. He turned professional in 1978 and boxed for another four and half years before eye injuries forced him to retire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article