by Blitzkid » Mon Apr 11, 2022 6:01 pm
In July1951 the Opera House* Coventry was showing the full length fight of Randy Turpins win over Sugar ray, the upset of the boxing world, just two days after the event, I went along, I just had to see this, there were only about a dozen people in the place, I took a seat in the middle of an empty row when the lights went down a usherette showed a man in dark glasses and bowler hat to the row in front of me, the fight started, about the second round at a point I whispered watch is head, the guy half turned round as the boxers clinched a little later I whispered Body punch, the guy again half turned again, as randy slammed a left hand to Sugars Ribs, after that I kept quiet. the lights went up, every one started to leave, the guy donned shades bowler hat and waited for the crowd to leave, he turned, I said hello, Randolf he smiled, I said I used to spar with Les Allen which was a bit misgiving for that was when I was 14 years of age. but we had a long chat.
Henry Cooper was driving to his title fight for the british Heavyweight title, his brother sat at his side, they must have done something wrong for when they stopped at the red lights a little weedy man of about ten stone wrapped on Henry's driving window waving his fists in a threatening fashion, it was a laugh.
Henry met a red headed man in the middle of the ring in one fight, went back to his corner, turned and the opponent was bald, caught Henry with a good half-punch before Henry had his wits about him. More later.
*The Opera House was the name of a cinema in Hales Street where the row of modern shops is today. [Dutchman]