Britain’s oldest world boxing champ Downes dies aged 81

BOXER Terry Downes, Britain’s oldest surviving world champ, had died at 81.

He lead a varied life, joining the US Marines and starring in films as well as reaching the pinnacle of his sport.

London-born Downes, dubbed the Paddington Express, won the middleweight title in 1961 and beat ageing legend Sugar Ray Robinson the following year.

After he retired he embarked on a 25-year acting career, specialising in heavies, villains and thugs. Downes’ parents moved to America when he was a teenager and got his first taste of boxing while serving with the US Marines. He turned pro on his return to London. After he died in his sleep yesterday, friends and family called him a “real life superhero”. He leaves a wife, five children and eight grandchildren.