Halfway through the record, the music stopped and the MC announced a five-minute delay. It didn’t take a genius to work out they were playing the waiting game to unnerve me. I paced up and down in the waiting area for five minutes like a caged tiger, preparing myself mentally. Then the MC announced, ‘Tony “Rock Hard” Louis,’ and his music came on. This time I knew it was for real.
The music eventually faded. Now it was my turn to be introduced. The MC’s voice boomed out and announced that I was the opponent ‘from Hartlepool’. A big cheer went up and the roof nearly came off with the noise from all my supporters. I made my way through the crowd to the booming and deafening beat of Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’. I was getting slaps on the back as I went through the crowd. People were screaming my name. But I was too focused to take any notice. When I eventually climbed into the ring I knew that this would be my night. Nothing would stop me from claiming the winner’s trophy. I was willing myself to win so much so that I didn’t even hear the MC announce my opponent. The first time I heard anything was when he reannounced my name, introducing me as ‘the street-fighting champion himself’.
Now I was confident, but don’t get me wrong: I respected my high-profile opponent, as I never underestimate anybody. It especially takes a special breed of man to climb through those ropes and step into the ring in front of a crowd of people all baying for blood. Nothing has changed since the days of the Romans. It was proper gladiatorial stuff.
The referee called us to the centre of the ring. I stood face to face with my opponent for the first time. I hardly heard a word the ref said as I fixed my gaze upon Tony ‘Rock Hard’ Louis. We touched gloves, a sporting gesture, and then went back to our corners. Time for war. The bell sounded.
I went straight for him and slammed in a hard right to the body, but he covered up nicely. He was very fast for a 17-stone fighter, so I cut the ring size down, as I didn’t want to waste essential energy chasing him. I gradually walked him down. I started slamming lefts and rights into his body to bring his hands down, just as planned. I added a powerful right jab for good measure.
He was throwing jabs back, but I was so single-minded that I brushed them aside like confetti and walked through them. Then he loaded up with a big right which caught me flush on the nose: BANG! The sweat sprayed from my head. I wasn’t hurt, but I was narked with myself for getting caught. Luckily though it only made me more focused to end the fight.
I exploded into action. I bullied him into his corner. A right hook to the body, but he covered well. Another mighty hook to the body, but still his hands didn’t drop. I changed tack, and threw a feigned punch, a right uppercut, then switched to the left and whipped in an atomic iron left hook into his ribs. CRACK! He went down, unable to hide the feeling of agony on his face. The pain was too much for him. He spat out his gum shield, and tried to catch his breath. I had robbed him of his wind.
The referee started counting. When he reached five, Tony ‘Rock Hard’ Louis, lying on the canvas on his back, shook his head to say he wasn’t getting back up. When the ref said ‘Ten’, my supporters went wild. The fight had lasted a total of one minute and thirty seconds, yet it had felt like an eternity.
It would be a massive understatement to say I got a great feeling from the victory. I had done the business in the capital, in front of a large crowd. As I left the ring to head back to the dressing room, I was literally mobbed, with well-wishers patting me on the back. People who had come to support me were overcome with emotion. Everyone wanted to hug me and have photos taken with me – I felt more like a pop star than a fighter. It was certainly something else. Afterwards, my opponent came up to me and said that the left hook I landed to his body was the hardest body shot he’d ever been hit by.
When I arrived home the next day, everyone was still buzzing. I didn’t know it, but on the night of the fight there were about eight people at my mam’s having a drink and waiting for a phone call about the result. Our Joanne’s husband had given them a running commentary over the phone. When the fight was over, some of them were dancing and singing in the front garden, shedding tears of joy. The neighbours must have thought they were mad. But what is more, I know my dad, Tommy, was looking down and smiling, as proud as punch of his boy.
CHAPTER 21
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
After my victory at the Warriors 1, the self-proclaimed and well-named ‘Monarch of the Underworld’, Dave Courtney, came up to me. He commended me when he said, ‘Richy, you can hit. I’m fucking glad you’re not hitting me.’ He said it in such a way and with this expression on his face that he made me laugh. He is now a good friend of mine, although due to distance I don’t see that much of him these days. Sometimes people misunderstood him, but the man has always been all right with me. We get on particularly well due to having the same dry sense of humour. Not long after my win, Dave called me up out of the blue and asked me whether I wanted to help out with a situation. Tony Lambrianou, a former Kray henchman, had died of a suspected heart attack, and Dave was in charge of security at the funeral. Because it was a former Kray henchman, there were rumours that trouble was brewing, and that something was going to kick-off at the funeral. Dave asked me to help make sure everything would pass off smoothly.
The following morning, Dave and I paid a few visits to some unsavoury characters, all of whom shall remain nameless. They were firmly told them they were not welcome at the funeral service and to stay away, if they knew what was good for them. But we didn’t just leave it at that; we wanted to be sure, so we knocked seven colours of shit out of them. They got the message and the funeral of Tony Lambrianou went ahead without a hitch. I didn’t even need to attend the service, as we had made sure everything would go without at hitch. Now that was a favour for Dave Courtney, not the Kray name.
When I look back, I sometimes wish I had stuck at school and got myself a good job, but the cards just were dealt to me like that! I also wish that I had gone into the ring 100% fit. A lot of the time, I was unfit, full of flu, overweight and even once with a hangover. I think the only things that got me through times like that were my ability to take a punch and my lion heart.
I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my life, and I’m trying to become a better person. I’m thinking about going to college to study – I’m not sure which subject yet, but something I enjoy. They always say that it’s never too late, don’t they … I might just take them up on the offer.
BOXING CORNER
Here is a profile of some local boxers, old and new, a number of whom I have fought. You will already know some of the characters I’ve mentioned from the book, but I thought that a little background would add another dimension. But remember that these are not definitive career profiles as such. I have added details from memory, but naturally I can’t remember every aspect to their careers.
TERRY ALLEN ALIAS DAVE ALLEN
D.O.B. 24-5-59
Bantamweight
Fights:9 Won: 0 Lost: 9.
You got to take your hat off to the guy for having a go.
SEAN ARMSTRONG
D.O.B. 22-9-68
Welterweight.
Fights: 3 Won: 2 Lost: 1
‘Biff’ fought Shea Neary in Liverpool on his debut.
Totally dedicated to boxing but always suffered with bad hands which cut short his career and has had numerous operations on them.
CRAWFORD ASHLEY
D.O.B. 20-5-64
Fights: 44 Won: 33 Lost: 10 Drew: 1
I boxed Crawford in the 1981 Junior ABAs. He won six National titles as a junior and was a devastating puncher who could take you out with either hand. As a pro he became British Champion, and won a Lonsdale Belt outright. He also won the European title and had a couple of World title fights.
KEVIN BENNETT
D.O.B. 15-8-75
Fights: 21 Won: 7 Lost: 4
As an amateur Benny was always the bridesmaid and never the bride. An England International who won a bronze medal in the multi-nations
, and was a runner-up in the NABCs and an ABA finalist. I travelled around the country with him in the season before he turned pro and witnessed him receive a number diabolical decisions. But he never moaned and just got on with it. A close friend who recently became Commonwealth Lightweight title holder as a pro.
BILLY BESSEY
D.O.B. 8-1-74
Super Heavyweight
Fights: 6 Won: 4 Lost: 2
Big Bill was A.B.A Super Heavyweight Champion in 1999. Showed a lot of courage and determination in his title fight win when all looked lost but had the heart of a champion and pulled it out the fire. Moved back to his native Portsmouth and is still active as a pro.
GEORGE BOWES
D.O.B. 1-9-36
Fights: 62 Won: 42 Lost: 16 Drew: 4
George is one of the old school who seems to have been around forever. He has a wealth of experience in the fight game. A top-class amateur who had over sixty fights in a ten-year pro career. He challenged for the British title in 1964 but was stopped on cuts. As a trainer he guided the Feeney brothers to British Championships.
PETER CANTERDALE
D.O.B. 7-7-64
Welterweight
Fights: 6 Won: 5 Lost: 1
I’ve known Peter about 26 years and also worked the doors with him back in the eighties. He turned pro in 1986 and seven months later retired for good.
MARK CHICHOCKI
D.O.B. 18-10-67
Light Middleweight
Fights: 11 Won: 6 Lost: 5
Chi was a good amateur and also took the Northern Area belt as a pro with a 10th round KO in a great fight back in ’93. I should know, I was there!
STEVE CONWAY
D.O.B. 6-10-77
Lightweight
Fights: 37 Won: 31 Lost: 6
Born and Bred in Hartlepool and is a relative of mine through marriage. Already had a shot at British title against Alex Arthur at Featherweight. Steve is a awkward and tricky southpaw who is still very much active. Now resides in Yorkshire.
IAN COOPER
D.O.B. 3-5-74
Fights: 9 Won: 8 Lost: 1
Dubbed Super Cooper, he was a Junior ABA finalist, ABA finalist and then the ABA Champion. He was also an England International. A gifted and skilful boxer who more often than not would like to stand and trade. He won his first eight fights as a pro, including the Northern Area and British Masters titles, before losing on points to a journeyman in a mauling, spoiling fight. Took the loss badly and retired. Eighteen months later, he received four years’ imprisonment for GBH. He is a good lad and I hope he can get his life back on track when he’s released. He still has a lot to offer boxing and would make a good coach.
MAURICE CULLEN
Born 30-12-37
Lightweight
Fights: 55 Won: 45 Lost: 8 Drew: 2
Maurice was British Champ and won a Lonsdale belt outright. Fought and won at Madison Square Gardens in New York in 1967. Lost to two legendary world champs in Carlos Ortiz and Ken Buchanan and retired in 1970.
DARREN ELSDEN
D.O.B. 16-2-71
Super Featherweight
Fights: 8 Won: 5 Lost: 2 Drew: 1
I remember Darren when he first started boxing at our club when he was knee high to a grasshopper. Won Northern Area title with a 7th round KO. Retired soon after.
NEIL FANNAN
D.O.B. 17-6-59
Fights: 16 Won: 10 Lost: 5 Drew: 1
A good amateur and decent pro at light middle and middleweight. Very tough with a terrific body punch. Now a pro trainer with a few champions under his belt. A disciplinarian who demands 100%.
GEORGE FEENEY
D.O.B. 9-2-57.
Fights: 29 Won: 19 Lost: 10
British Lightweight Champion and winner of a Lonsdale Belt outright. George had a granite chin and bags of stamina, and had a close fight with the World Champ. He retired after an eye operation to repair a detached retina while still British Champ. A really nice bloke who is also a good cut man to have in your corner.
JOHN FEENEY
D.O.B. 15-5-58
Fights: 48 Won: 35 Lost: 13
John won Junior titles as an amateur and was ABA runner-up in 1976. As a pro he was British Bantamweight Champion twice. He had seven British title fights, four European title fights and even fought for the Commonwealth title in the Sydney Opera House.
KEITH FOREMAN
D.O.B. 29-7-62
Super Featherweight
Fights: 36 Won: 13 Lost: 21 Drew: 2
Keith fought the best in Britain. His record reads like a who’s who. When I think of Keith and his twin brother ken my nose starts to bleed.
KEN FOREMAN
D.O.B. 29-7-62
Fights: 46 Won: 31 Lost: 15
I first met Ken in 1978 when we boxed for the same club, United Services BC. He had over a hundred amateur fights. A very slick and skilful southpaw, with a jab that was second to none. Ken was a contender as a pro and had a number of televised fights. He was also Northern Area Champ.
TEDDY GARDNER
D.O.B. 21-1-22
Fights: 66 Won: 55 Lost: 8 Drew: 3
Boxed his early career under the name of Teddy Baker. Teddy was a triple champion at flyweight. In 1952 he was British, Commonwealth – at that time called the Empire – and European Champion. When he retired he ran a pub called ‘The Square Ring’, which had framed boxing pictures covering the walls.
DAVE GARSIDE
D.O.B: 14-3-63
Fights: 45 Won: 27 Lost: 18
England International and ABA runner-up in 1981. A very tough man with the heart of a lion. Dave loved training and always turned up for fights in great condition. Challenged for the British title as a pro. Married to Brian London’s daughter. Now a successful businessman.
PHIL GIBSON
D.O.B.15-1-61
Light Middleweight
Fights: 14 Won: 7 Lost: 6 Drew: 1
N.A.B.C Finalist in 1978. Never stopped as a pro, very tough and durable was Phil.
EDDIE GLASS
D.O.B. 1-2-56
Featherweight
Fights: 13 Won: 0 Lost: 11 Drew: 2
Poor Eddie never won one. At least he kept getting in and trying. It takes a special breed of man to climb up the steps and through the ropes in front of a crowd who all want to see blood.
MARTIN HARTY
He was tough and durable. I fought him twice back in 1981 and won both. In our second fight, I dropped him in the first round with a lovely punch. He came back at me in the second round and had me rocking and out on my feet. We both had bust noses and black eyes. He also broke his right hand in the fight.
MOHAMMED HELEL
D.O.B. 16-6-74
Welterweight
Fights: 10 Won: 2 Lost: 8
Mo was from Tunisia and reached the national novice final. A very polite man who always had a smile on his face. Last seen working as a waiter in a retaraunt.
JACKIE HORSEMAN
D.O.B. 3-3-21
Featherweight
Fights: 48 Won: 6 Lost: 38 Drew: 4
Jackie was a journey man and would stand in at the last minute for anyone. He had an all-action style which the fans loved and was noted as a promoter’s man. Anytime, anyplace, anywhere, that was Jackie. Northern Area champ in 1951 and retired in ’56.
CHRIS HUBBERT
D.O.B. 30-5-68
Heavyweight
Fights: 6 Won: 3 Lost: 3
Big Chris 6ft 4in was an excellent Lt-Heavy as an amateur and I recall him winning 22 out of 23 fights in one season. Had a couple of years out and piled the beef on and turned pro as a Heavyweight.
MICHAEL HUNTER
Born 5-5-78
Fights: 22 Won: 21 Lost: 0 Drew: 1
England International. European Junior bronze medallist. NABC title holder. ABA Flyweight Champion. ABA Bantamweight Champion. Undefeated pro who added the WBF Super Bantamweight title to his list of honours. Also Northern Area Champion and British Champion. The better the f
ighter in front of him, the better he fights. I’m sure there’ll be more titles for Michael before he’s through.
GORDON JACKSON
A heavily built, short southpaw heavyweight from Sunderland. He came at me like a bullet, looking for a quick finish. I weathered his early storm and hit him back in tremendous fashion. It only lasted two minutes and forty seconds but it was a beauty. I never heard of him after that: I think I finished him as a fighter.
Born to Fight--The True Story of Richy 'Crazy Horse' Horsley Page 18