Blackpool Rock, British Heavyweight Champion Brian London Who Fought Ali, Dies at 87

Blackpool Rock, British Heavyweight Champion Brian London Who Fought Ali, Dies at 87

By Robert Brizel, Head Actual Fight Media Boxing Correspondent

British Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Brian Sidney Harper London, identified professionally as Brian London, “The Blackpool Rock”, who fought Floyd Patterson and Muhammad Ali for the World Heavyweight title however was unsuccessful, has died in Blackpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom, at age 87.

Between 1955 and 1970, London compiled knowledgeable file of 37-20-1 with 26 knockouts, London defeated such veterans as Willie Pastrano, Pete Rademacher, Tom McNeeley, Howard King, Younger Jack Johnson, Roger Rischer, Amos Johnson, Zora Folley, and Joe Erskine.

Apart from shedding to Ali and Patterson in world title bouts, London misplaced to Eddie Machen, Jerry Quarry, Joe Bugner, Jack Bodell, Thad Spencer, Henry Cooper (twice), Ingemar Johansson, Dick Richardson, and Nino Valdes.

London, who held the British Commonwealth Heavyweight title from 1958 to 1959, fought Floyd Patterson for the world heavyweight title in 1959, and Muhammad Ali for the world heavyweight title in 1966. Brian’s father Jack London (no relation to the well-known creator) held the British Heavyweight title in 1944. London, an energetic jogger for a number of miles a day his complete life, had been in ailing well being not too long ago.

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Robert Brizel – Head Boxing Correspondent

Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Actual Fight Media Boxing since 2013. Robert can also be a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State area which incorporates NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts unique interviews, gives historic boxing articles and gives editorial ringside protection of main boxing occasions. You’ll be able to contact or observe Robert on Fb and by electronic mail at [email protected].