Brian London, who was originally named Brian Harper and born on 19 June 1934, was a well-regarded heavyweight boxer from Blackpool. Known for his grit and toughness, London made a name for himself in British boxing by winning both the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. A significant moment in his career was his fight against Muhammad Ali on 6 August 1966. Brian was nicknamed the “Blackpool Rock” because of his hard and durable nature in the ring. Before taking on Ali, he had already fought other notable opponents like Henry Cooper and Floyd Patterson. However, he was considered the underdog against Ali, who was then at the top of his game. Ali, formerly Cassius Clay, had won the heavyweight title from Sonny Liston in 1964 and defended it multiple times with his impressive speed and unique style.
The bout was held at Earls Court Arena in London, a fitting location for such a high-profile event. In the early rounds, Ali’s superior speed and boxing skills were evident as he outpaced London with his swift movements and rapid punches. The fight reached its peak in the third round when Ali delivered a series of punches, landing several clean hits on London. At one point, Ali landed 11 punches in just three seconds, showcasing his incredible hand speed. London was knocked down, and the referee stopped the fight, giving Ali a technical knockout victory. Following the match, Brian London spoke highly of Ali’s skills and talent. He acknowledged Ali’s dominance in the ring and often mentioned the champion’s speed and ability. One of his well-known quotes reflects his admiration:
“He was just too good for me. Nobody could have beaten him that night. He was the greatest. He was so fast.”
London was straightforward about his experience, admitting that Ali’s speed and technique were overwhelming and that Ali was on a different level. His comments highlight the respect he had for Ali, recognizing him as one of the greatest boxers ever. This victory was a key moment in solidifying Ali’s reputation as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Ali continued to defend his title until 1967, when he was stripped of it for refusing to be drafted into the U.S. Army due to his opposition to the Vietnam War. After some legal battles and a break from boxing, Ali came back to reclaim the title and further his legacy. Despite the loss, London continued boxing for a few more years before retiring in 1970. His bravery in facing one of the greatest boxers ever is a testament to his courage and determination. London remained a respected figure in British boxing until his passing in 2021. The fight between Brian London and Muhammad Ali is remembered for Ali’s clear dominance and the dramatic end in the third round. It remains an important part of Ali’s career and highlights the tough challenges faced by those who fought him at his peak.
Below: Actor Lee Marvin at the ringside watching the fight.
