HARSH ON BODELL
I THINK it’s unfair on Jack Bodell that some people regard him among the worst heavyweight champions that Britain has produced. A quick look at his record shows that he won 58 of his 71 contests as a professional. Indeed, between losing to Joe Erskine in March 1964 and Danny Mcalinden in June 1972, the only British opponent he lost to was the famous Henry Cooper (twice).
Additionally, towards the end of his career, he defeated the highly fancied Jimmy Richards in South Africa, former (NYSAC) world title challenger Manuel Ramos, and also Joe Bugner for the British, Commonwealth and European belts. Jack deserves more credit for serving the sport with dignity. John Tandberg
THE ROAD TO NOWHERE
MANY years ago, Terry Downes Jnr told me that his dad had been interviewed by a fledgling reporter. Young Tel told me, “Watch out for this kid. He’ll be big in boxing journalism one day.” The kid in question was Tris Dixon, who later became editor of Boxing News.
I’m currently reading The Road to Nowhere by Tris. It’s a brilliant boxing book told from an entirely new perspective. Tris decided, as a young, penniless amateur boxer, to travel the States training in various gyms. He hitchhiked, travelled by Greyhound bus and often slept rough to save money. While doing so, he met many fighters.
Tris set about interviewing ex-fighters, some of whom had faded from memory, until these interviews brought them back to remind us of their former glories.
At first, I thought I would skim-read the chapters on those who had fallen on hard times. However, although the author didn’t sugar-coat their situation, the fighters were delighted that a kid had come all the way from England to interview them. For a brief couple of hours, these faded stars shone brightly again.
Well done to Tris for not only writing a great book, but in doing so bringing back pride to those who entertained us with their talents many years ago and, in some cases, are now down on their luck. David Evans
MURRAY’S MURDERERS’ ROW
I WAS blown away by the article on Scottish boxer Murray Sutherland in the April 5 issue. My close friend, Hall of Famer Harold Lederman, once said that I know more about boxing than anyone he’s ever met. But having said that, I truly did not realise the level of opponent Sutherland fought during his career. Sutherland fought a Murderers’ Row of fighters. These included Michael Spinks (twice), Matthew Saad Muhammad, Thomas Hearns, Eddie Davis, JB Williamson, Robbie Sims, Bobby Czyz and many more. He fought at different weights and always away from home. The UK celebrates the likes of Michael Watson, Herol Graham, Chris Eubank, Nigel Benn, Joe Calzaghe and George Groves. Similarly, the country should also marvel at the man that is Murray Sutherland – he was fearless and matched so hard it’s scary. Mike Hills
ALL-TIME TOP 10 HEAVYWEIGHTS
BOXING matches are won by volume, speed, accuracy, balance, poise, stamina and, above all, KO power in both hands. Taking this into account, here is my list of the top 10 heavyweights of all time: Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Ezzard Charles, Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Joe Frazier, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis. In my opinion, these 10 fighters have the best records in the history of heavyweight boxing. Barrie Reader