John H. Stracey
Former boxer
John H. Stracey (born September 22, 1950 in Bethnal Green, England) is a former professional boxer who was world Welterweight champion. He also had, at one point, a boxing school in London. Stracey began his professional career on September 17, 1969, knocking out Santos Martins in two rounds. Stracey won his first twelve fights, eleven by knockout, but against obscure opposition. Fight number thirteen was against Teddy Cooper, on January 19, 1971. Cooper was not a big name in boxing either, but this fight ended in controversy when Stracey won by a fifth round disqualification. On October 5 of 1971, Stracey drew (tied) in ten rounds against Frankie Lewis.
Stracey had five more wins in a row before being matched with Marshall Butler, on May 25, 1972. Stracey suffered his first defeat when outpointed by Butler over ten rounds. He then put a string of four more wins in a row before facing Bobby Arthur for the British Welterweight title on Halloween night, 1972. He lost the fight for the regional title with another controversial ending: This time, Stracey found himself disqualified, in round seven. Stracey then won five more in a row, and he met Arthur in a rematch on June 5, 1973, this time winning the title with a fourth round knockout of Arthur.
After five more wins and another loss, Stracey had his first fight abroad, fighting Roger Menetrey in Paris, France, on May 27, 1974 (at the Stade de Roland Garros, where the French Open Tennis is played). The fight was for the European union Welterweight title, and Stracey proceeded to win that belt with an eighth round knockout.
During the 1970s, it was a common practice in boxing to give world title shots to boxers that held continental titles. e.g., the OPBF (Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation) champion would be given priority over other challengers for world title fights and so on. Stracey was not the exception, and, after winning five more fights in a row (including a win over Ernie Lopez), he received his first world title shot: challenging WBC world Welterweight champion Jose Napoles at Napoles' adopted home-town of Mexico City, Mexico, Stracey was sent down in round one, but he recuperated to close Napoles' eye and have referee Octavio Meyran stop the fight in the sixth round, Stracey winning the world championship by a technical knockout. The new champion declared "he could have knocked me down in every round but I'd have won it anyway". It was Napoles' last fight.
On March 20 of 1976, he retained the title against perennial world title challenger Hedgemon Lewis by a knockout in round ten, but on June 22, at Wembley, he lost the world title, being knocked out in twelve rounds by California based Mexican Carlos Palomino.
In his next fight, he lost to Dave Boy Green, by a knockout in round ten.
Stracey retired as a winner, when he knocked out George Warusfel in nine rounds at Islington, May 23 of 1978.
He had a career record of 45 wins, 5 losses and 1 draw, with 37 knockouts
Once his professional career had ended, John began touring the Country as an After Dinner Speaker, and is still very much in demand for personal appearances at corporate events such as Golf Days, Company Dinners, etc., He still enjoys his T.V. and film work and has appeared in such shows as "Minder" "Brushstrokes", and "Eastenders". He also appeared in the film "Hamlet" with Mel Gibson.
John played a major part in the success of the film "The Krays", acting as Boxing Trainer to Gary and Martin Kemp for a full six months, before going on to choreograph the boxing scenes, which were acclaimed by the critics as the most authentic fight scenes ever used in a British film.
John tells stories of his East End upbringing and his exploits in the ring and his personality, combined with his natural Cockney charm and humour make him a joy to listen to. He always takes along his cherished World Title Belt for everyone to see.
"Last of the true World Champions. Always nice to hear about the greats that John met in his heyday" - Gareth Chilcott, England RU International.
"To speak for 40 minutes is a feat. To keep the punters interested for so long a time underlines the extent of his talent. One of my favourites " - Emlyn Hughes.
"He makes you feel like you're in the ring with him" - Neil "Razor" Ruddock.
"John has the gift to keep the audience interested all the way through" - Tommy Smith, ex England and Liverpool.
"Tells it as it happened. Doesn't pull a punch and his London humour goes down a treat" - Denis Law, Scotland and MUFC.
"You have won many new fans. All our members thoroughly enjoyed your speech - exactly what we like to hear: a great sportsman talking about his career and his sport! Thanks again for your contribution to a great evening." - Joe Stainer, The Belfry Sporting