Winstone to be inducted into WBC’s Hall of Fame
This comes to us from David Walker, in the UK. He helped to make this happen — big time!
Aug 20 2009 by David Williams, Merthyr Express
THE late Howard Winstone has received one of boxing’s highest accolades by being inducted into the World Boxing Council’s prestigious Hall of Fame, writes David Williams.
Merthyr Tydfil-born Winstone now sits alongside other legends of the sport such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Joe Frazier.
Boxers can only be inducted into the Hall of Fame if they have won a WBC title which featherweight Winstone famously did against Mitsunori Seki in 1968.
Winstone’s son, Howard Jnr, will be presented with a certificate of induction by a WBC representative at a Welsh Ex-Boxers’ Association event on September 5 in Rhydyfelin.
The honour comes nine years after Winstone’s death and he is only the second British boxer to be inducted along with John H Stracey who became world welterweight champion by beating Jose Napoles in 1975.
And what makes the achievement even more impressive, according to lifelong friend Don James, is the mark Winstone left on the people of Mexico, which is where the WBC is based.
Winstone’s three epic fights with Mexican Vicente Saldivar, also a Hall of Fame member, cemented his place as one of the toughest competitors in world boxing.
The Welshman became close friends with Saldivar after they both finished fighting and Winstone gained as much respect in Central America as he did in the UK.
“It’s an outstanding achievement to get into the Hall of Fame,” said James. “Howard would have been very proud if he were here now.
“He didn’t fight in the USA but did in Mexico where the president of the WBC (Jose Suliman) saw him at the Azteca Stadium and his appreciation for Howard started there.
“The Mexicans loved him out there and he made a big impression by going 15 rounds twice in the first two fights in the UK.
“People were surprised at how strong he was and he and Saldivar were close friends. Howard went out to watch the 1968 Olympics in Mexico with him as well.
“It’s a big thing for a boy from Merthyr to be given and for Howard to be alongside so many great fighters.”
Howard Jnr added: “He would have been over the moon. This is the Premiership of boxing and it’s great for him to be inducted.”
Neil Jones, director of Risen, the feature film depicting Winstone’s life, is equally pleased to see him honoured.
“You can only be inducted if you’re a WBC champion so it’s a very big deal in boxing.”
Meanwhile, Jones has recruited former WBC super middleweight champion Markus Beyer for a role in the film as well as the man who preceded him, Richie Woodhall.