Colin Hart: John Conteh was awarded a deserved MBE 37 years after his last fight…don’t let Amir Khan wait so long
BRITISH boxing is, to coin a Scouse expression, “made up” that Kirkby kid John Conteh has got an MBE.
No one deserves to be honoured by the Queen more than JC Superstar for services to his sport and the many charities he supports.
Following an illustrious career, Conteh is now one of the nation’s most in-demand after-dinner speakers.
I first clapped eyes on him when he won middleweight gold at the 1970 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games.
It was clear then the 19-year-old Liverpool lad was blessed with an immense talent.
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And four years later, Conteh outpointed Argentine Jorge Ahumada to become WBC world light- heavyweight champion — a title he held for four years.
Incredibly handsome with a physique to die for, charismatic Conteh was the David Beckham of his day.
His face was never out of the newspapers and he was on advertising hoardings everywhere — modelling a well-known brand of men’s underwear.
Fellow Scouser Tony Bellew, former WBC world cruiserweight champion, said: “I idolised John as a kid.
“He is the greatest fighter this country has possibly ever produced.
“He is an absolute legend and a role model in my city.”
Conteh, 66, joked: “Where I grew up, the only letters you got were from the DHSS.
“I’ve got the WBC and now the MBE — how much more could I want?”
But I can’t see why John had to wait 37 years after his last fight to get this honour.
Seeing Amir Khan at the press conference launching Canelo Alvarez’s fight with Gennady Golovkin made me wonder how long he will have to wait for similar recognition.
If anyone is an inspiration to young people, it’s Khan.
and has helped further racial harmony in this country.
The son of Pakistani immigrants who made their home in Bolton, Khan has wrapped himself in the Union Jack since winning a silver medal, aged 17, at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
The ex-world light-welterweight champ has also shown great courage by publicly condemning the atrocities perpetrated in the name of Islam.
A path many leading Muslims fear to tread.
Amir has also handed aid to flood victims from Karachi to Cumbria.
It would be wonderful if he is on the New Year’s Honours list.