Registering 93 wins during 12 years in the ring is more than enough to qualify as a boxing great.
But Len Johnson had to make do with being a bus driver instead.
Despite a near-century’s worth of victories during a glittering combat career, this Clayton-born fighter passed away in 1974 without the flurry of tributes that would usually accompany such a star.
It is only now, 99 years after his first pro fight, that one of Greater Manchester’s most successful athletes is finally getting the recognition that eluded him during his lifetime.
Manchester City Council is considering building a statue of Johnson in the coming months – with Mayor Andy Burnham describing the boxer’s story as one that “needs to be told and celebrated”.
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A hero who was almost forgotten, Johnson – the greatest champion there never was – could soon be immortalised in bronze.
It’ll be a fitting tribute to a man who never did get the title shot he earned. Simply because of the colour of his skin.
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Johnson was born into a boxing family.
His father would hop into fighting booths at local fairs and square off with members of the public – and he encouraged his son to spar as he grew older.
Johnson Jr started somewhat slowly, with a somewhat mixed record. But soon something clicked – and he turned into one of the sport’s most formidable opponents.
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Renowned for his wonderful ability; Johnson toppled multiple champions during his dozen years in the ring – including a season in Australia (where he won six of his eight fights).
But athletic prowess and a proven record were no match for ignorance – meaning he would never get an opportunity to compete for the biggest honours.
Disillusioned, Johnson hung up his mitts in 1933. But he didn’t leave the sport behind entirely.
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Post-retirement he trained youngsters and wrote boxing columns, before getting involved in local politics and becoming a well-respected trade unionist and community leader in Moss Side; putting food on the table with his bus driving job.
Johnson would attempt to earn a seat on Manchester City Council on numerous occasions, and whilst he never made it onto the main governing body, he did play a significant role in overturning a local pub’s policy on separating white and black patrons.
After being refused a drink in the Old Abbey Taphouse in Greenheys in 1953, Johnson rallied against the racist ruling with the backing of the Lord Mayor and Bishop of Manchester.
The campaign not only convinced the landlord to change the rule – but Johnson was even invited to sit with the landlord for a pint as a peace offering.
During Black History Month, the media surrounding Johnson’s story (including books Never Counted Out by Michael Herbert and Boxing’s Uncrowned Champion by Rob Howard, as well as the play Fighter) is receiving renewed attention.
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Sports scholars and historians are also set to get together with members of Johnson’s family at the Old Abbey Taphouse later in October to celebrate his life.
For too long, the incredible and tragic tale of one of Manchester’s true boxing heroes wasn’t given the spotlight it deserved.
Now, bigger crowds than ever are uniting to appreciate Len Johnson: The man who’s gone more rounds – both in and out the ring – than most boxers would ever survive.
Learn more about what Manchester is doing to celebrate Black History Month here.
Feature
Gaping Gill – the record-breaking waterfall you can only see twice a year
Daisy Jackson
There are a lot of incredible waterfalls in the UK – but did you know that the highest unbroken waterfall in England is right here in the north?
Gaping Gill is a record-breaking spot in the Yorkshire Dales, about an hour and a half from Greater Manchester.
Despite the Fell Beck waterfall being a massive 110-metres tall, it’s actually pretty difficult to see.
Unusually, the waterfall is underground in a huge cave system – and even more unusually, it’s only accessible to the public twice a year.
Those lucky enough to visit are lowered down into the massive chamber on a winch by a local pothole club.
It’s not for the faint-hearted, or much fun for people who are scared of heights, but once your feet are on the solid ground at the bottom of the cave you’ll be in one of the most awe-inspiring settings in the country.
The Gaping Gill cave chamber is 129m long, 31m high, and 25m wide – so large you can fit an entire cathedral inside it.
Its cave system is connected to the famous Ingleborough Cave.
The first person to make it all the way inside was Frenchman Edouard Martel in 1895, who used a rope ladder to climb down and kept in touch with those on the surface using a telephone.
The Craven Pothole Club helps people to visit every August and the Bradford Pothole Club every May.
The rest of the time, all you can see from above ground is the cave’s opening on the slopes of Ingleborough.
Local photographer Tatiana Hepplewhite said after her visit: “Twice a year, England’s highest unbroken waterfall is open to the public.
“The catch? The waterfall, named aptly Gaping Gill, actually falls into the ground.
“Very helpful Bradford and Craven pothole clubs put a winch and take lucky members of the public, such as myself, all 100 meters down. How was it? In one word – awesome!”
The next trip down into the chasm will between the 25 May and 31 May for £20 per person.
The northern village, caves, and medieval street named among the most beautiful places in the UK
Daisy Jackson
The most beautiful places in the UK have been named, with several spots up north elbowing their way onto the list.
From mystical caves in the Lake District to the Mediterranean-style architecture in… Wales… there are so many stunning places to explore on our doorstep.
Time Out’s list of the 15 most beautiful places in the UK, compiled by travel writers, has picked out ‘pinch-me’ destinations across the nation.
Several of the places chosen are within a couple of hours’ drive of Manchester, too, so you really don’t have far to go to seek out the very best of the British isles.
One spot that was well-deserving of a mention is Portmeirion, a popular village in North Wales that’s famous for its colourful architecture.
The village is the brainchild of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and was inspired by the Mediterranean, which is plain to see in the colourful buildings and palm trees jutting out from an otherwise very British scene,
The tourist hotspot completed in 1975 and Time Out says it’s ‘like something out of a dream’.
The guide said: “This unique tourist village has established itself as the most romantic spot in north Wales.
“Of course, it certainly helps if it comes with Italianate architecture, colourful facades and an unforgettable sense of romance. How could you not fall for Portmeirion?”
Another spot in the north of England that has been named one of the most beautiful places in the UK is Rydal Caves, tucked in the heart of the Lake District.
Now us Mancs know that nowhere in the country can compare to the majestic scenes right across the national park, but there is something really special about the dramatic cave system.
Located right between Grasmere and Ambleside, they’re accessible in just a 15 minute walk from the nearest car park.
Rydal Caves in the Lake District made Time Out’s list of the Most Beautiful Places. Credit: Unsplash, Jonny Gios
You can leap across stepping stones all the way to the back of the cave, then look back out at the surrounding woodland through the cave’s huge entrance.
This spot was chosen by Netflix for scenes of the second season of The Witcher – told you it was magical.
Over in Yorkshire (and it’s a surprise to no one to see this on the list), is The Shambles in York.
The well-preserved medieval street features ramshackle buildings, cobbled street, and quaint little shops, and again looks like something straight out of a storybook.
Skipping over its gory past, Time Out said: “There are few easier, more atmospheric ways to transport yourself back hundreds of years (without the iffy smells and sights) than a stroll down Shambles.”