Farewell Roy, a boxer and a gent

THE Covid Pandemic has taken many lives this last year or so, none greater than my dear brother and friend Roy Addison.

A Tiptonian by birth, Roy served many years flying the flag of Wolverhampton Boxing Club, which he joined circa 1956, aged just 17. Already a former schoolboy champion, Roy’s career blossomed at Wolverhampton, as he and his club mates had numerous record full house events at the Civic Hall.

Reputation

Wolverhampton ABC at that time had a fighter good enough to represent the UK at all weight divisions … some team!

Roy’s reputation soon rose amongst the higher echelon of Britain’s Amateur Boxers, with a record of 36 straight wins all by KO.

In 1958, Roy received his call up papers for National Service and joined the RAF, and this was to be a turning point in his life and boxing career. He was quickly recognised by the boxing elite at RAF HQ and commissioned to serve his call of duty at RAF Bridgnorth. The CO was a keen boxing fan and recognised Roy’s talent, nurturing his pugilist skills into the RAF boxing team.

Roy did not disappoint him, and continued in his winning ways (as captain of the RAF team) winning the much-coveted Britannia Shield and the Inter Services Championship at Wembley (beating the undefeated USA).

This run of success peaked in May 1960, when Roy won the much acclaimed ABA title at Wembley, which automatically gave him a place to represent Great Britain in the Rome Olympics.

For the record his pugilistic statistics read 156 contests, 152 wins, (142 KO’S). During his career (never been on the deck) Roy lost four bouts, all to southpaws. Who did he meet in the Olympics? Yes, a southpaw!

Family business

Nevertheless Roy returned to Wolverhampton and declined the many lucrative offers to turn professional, hung up his gloves, and successfully turned his attention to the family business of tyre retailing.

A family man and a true gentleman, Roy was quietly spoken, inoffensive and above all so modest. We’re all gonna miss him.

Malcolm Addison 1 Bell Road Trysull, Wolverhampton,