John was part of an elite stable of boxers, trained by the iconic George Francis fighting out of the Load of Hay Pub on Haverstock Hill - a short hop to the heath. Francis’s regime for his charges included nine-mile runs over Hampstead Heath followed by a dip in the Men’s pond, all weathers - including breaking the ice come winter, decades before Wim Hof popularised it!

Francis trained 42 British, Commonwealth, European and World champions during is 35-year career, becoming a highly influential figure in British boxing history.

⁠It was such an honour to have John along, his sharp Liverpudlian wit and infectious smile - and a popularity that still shines as brightly today as it did in the heady days of the mid 1970's when he reigned as the light-heavyweight champion of the world was plain for all to see.

A wonderful man brimming with integrity and with a knack for lifting up all those who come into contact with him.