John Conteh is one of Britain’s most talented and charismatic boxers, known for his flair, power, and versatility in the ring. Starting his boxing journey at just 10 years old in Kirkby, Liverpool, Conteh quickly rose through the amateur ranks, becoming a standout talent with an unprecedented three Commonwealth gold medals. His remarkable skill and dedication led him to become the World Light Heavyweight Champion at the age of just 22.
Initially competing as a heavyweight, Conteh showcased his potential on the undercard of Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Bugner in Las Vegas, catching the eye of Ali himself, who recommended a switch to light heavyweight. In a remarkable career transition, Conteh became the European Light Heavyweight Champion within a month and claimed the World Title the following year by defeating Rudiger Schmidtke. His gruelling 15-round battle against Jorge Ahumada showcased his incredible strength, determination, and champion’s spirit, leading to three successful title defences.
Despite a career setback due to a broken hand and a 14-month layoff, Conteh’s legacy as one of Britain’s finest boxers remains unchallenged. His former manager, Mickey Duff, famously said, “I’ve been involved with seventeen World Champions, the best was John Conteh.”
As an after-dinner speaker, John Conteh delivers engaging, humorous, and inspiring talks, sharing incredible stories from his career, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and insights into the discipline, resilience, and mental toughness required to reach the top. His natural charisma and Liverpudlian wit make him an audience favourite, leaving a lasting impression at every event.
