Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Champion and true gentleman
BOXING OBITUARY
Roy Williams, Canterbury Amateur Boxing Club’s most prolific ABA championship winner, has died following a stroke, aged 66.
The top performer during what was regarded as a golden period for the club, Williams won nine consecutive Southern Counties titles from 1973 to 1981 and 11 in total – a feat that remains unrivalled.
Even after losing the title in 1982, he returned a year later to regain the crown as a heavyweight.
A former pupil of the city’s Simon Langton School, Williams joined Canterbury, aged 19 and under the guidance of senior trainer Stan Knell, boxed in A staggering 201 bouts – winning 161 of them – and this as he rubbed shoulders with the cream of Britain’s amateurs.
During that time, Williams defeated Chris Lawson, 1975 ABA and Welsh champion, and England captain Dave Odwell.
Abroad, Williams enjoyed victories over both the Danish and Finnish champions, Keld Christensen and Virgo Trossdahi.
Other notable triumphs included a points win over Adrian Elliott, the ABA heavyweight champion, when the Canterbury man was conceding two stone.
Eltham’s highly-rated David Cammiss was twice beaten on points by Williams before turning professional and winning his first seven fights.
Throughout his 13 years as a fighter, Roy’s most ardent fans were his parents Tom and Marie. Dave Tottman, a former boxing correspondent for this paper, said that in his pomp, Williams was without equal.
He added: “In any sport, the most cherished accolade is the respect of your peers and Roy Williams commanded just that as a superbly dedicated, talented boxer, a gentleman and a true sportsman in victory or defeat.
“Condolences to Roy’s family, wife Gay, and three sons, Steven, Jack and Harry.”
The funeral is today (Thursday, June 1) at Margate Crematorium, at 9.30am.