IT’S SUCH A PRIVILEGE TO SEE MY STORY TOLD

Boxing legend John Conteh on the new play about his life and career

- By RYAN PATON

(John Conteh)

"GOD helps those who help themselves," is the mantra repeated by John Conteh as the reason why he has always been able to get up after being knocked down.

That lesson was passed onto the Scouse boxing legend by his dad, Frank, who first took him to the Kirkby Amateur Boxing Gym when he was 11.

John had already shown incredible sporting promise as a child in football and athletics, but it was the sweet science that proved to be his true calling. The now 74-year-old was a natural in the ring and became the face of the sport in this country in the 1970s, with his light heavyweight title win over Jorge Ahumada still considered a defining moment in British boxing.

More than five decades on from that triumph, Conteh’s story continues to captivate. His rise in the ring was in contrast to his personal struggles away from it, with alcoholism and repeated hand injuries leading to an abrupt retirement aged 29, in 1980. The dichotomy of his fascinating career is explored in a new play at the Royal Court, Conteh, which is on until May 9 and stars fellow Liverpudlian Aron Julius in the lead role.

Speaking to the ECHO in an exclusive interview at the theatre this week, Conteh said it was “a privilege” to have his story adapted for the stage. He said: “It’s a great honour to be part of it, that society wants to do that. It sounds a bit trite, but the genuineness of that is fantastic.”