Islington Lodge honours former World Champion, John Conteh MBE.

W Bro Richard Cavanagh LGR writes:

On 27 September, Islington Lodge No 1471 – London’s Boxing Lodge – held a White Table Dinner in the company of former World Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion, John Conteh MBE, at The Grand Connaught Rooms.  The evening honoured the 50th anniversary of John’s world title triumph in 1974 and was attended by around 70 boxing fans, Masons and non-Masons alike.

John held the World Title from 1974 until 1977, as well as holding the European, British and Commonwealth titles between 1973 and 1974.  As an amateur, John represented England with distinction, winning the 1970 Commonwealth Games middleweight gold medal.  In 2017, he was awarded an MBE for services to boxing in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.   Such was John’s celebrity status, he even appeared on the legendary cover of Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Band on the Run” album, along with other notable celebrities dressed in prison costume. 

This was Islington Lodge’s first event as London’s Boxing Lodge and we were delighted to be joined by several other boxing luminaries and holders of various British, European and World titles, plus members of both the London and Essex Ex-Boxers Association (LEBA and EEBA respectively), as well as Islington Boxing Club.  In addition to celebrating John’s 50th anniversary of winning the World title, Islington Lodge was also celebrating its 150thanniversary year and of course its inaugural year as a Special Interest Lodge for Boxing. 

After a short video of the final round of his title winning contest, John regaled a delighted audience with memories of that night and other tales from his illustrious career, including a rendition of Singin’ in the Rain (John’s post-match shower song!).

The evening was superbly compered by Islington Membership Officer and President of LEBA, W Bro Stephen Powell, who provided his own memories of John’s title fight before interviewing John on the highlights of his career.

Steve also did a superb job introducing the various guests present on the evening, getting everyone involved for a fantastic night.  Worshipful Master Paddy Cavanagh warmly welcomed John on behalf of the Lodge and its guests, whilst Lodge stalwart Graham Thompson gave a short history of the Lodge in its 150th year.   We were also honoured to have Metropolitan Inspector Martin Vidler present, who stepped in as our toast master with gusto.  With John kindly staying at the end to pose for photos and sign memorabilia, this was a fantastic and fun evening, with the Lodge also raising over £600 for charity. 

Paddy Cavanagh, the Worshipful Master of Islington Lodge, commented: “Having John Conteh at the inaugural dinner of the Boxing Lodge gave the evening that authenticity that only the presence of a world champion can bring. The Lodge was so fortunate in not only having him there but hearing first hand from the man himself his experiences on his journey to the top. A great night!”

 

Stephen Powell, Islington Lodge’s Membership Officer and President of the London Ex-Boxers

Association, added: “This being our first event, we wanted to make it special. Therefore, deciding on a white table event for Masons and non-masons proved a ‘winner’. Purposely keeping guests to a manageable number to alleviate a strain on the organisers led to a convivial sense of occasion – and close proximity between guests and the boxing stars attending, especially Conteh. Other Lodges, (e.g. Green Room Lodge) attended and, as hoped, the event appealed to some non-masons to join Freemasonry, and Islington Lodge ‘in particular’. Not surprisingly a number have recently signed up. The Boxing Lodge intends to have more events like this, for the benefit of Masons and those from the sport of boxing to get together more often. Roll-on Round Two!”

 

Islington Lodge invites all boxers and boxing enthusiasts to future meetings and events. If you would like to know more about Islington Lodge – London’s Boxing Lodge – or The London Ex-Boxers Association, then please contact the membership officer, W Bro Stephen Powell at 07887 582627or email

 

 

Former Champions present were:

  • John Conteh, World Lt-Heavyweight Champion
  • Maurice Hope World Lt-Middleweight
  • James Cook, European, British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Champion
  • Martin Power, British and Commonwealth Bantamweight Champion
  • Peter Haymer, English Lt-Heavyweight Champion
  • W Bro Phil Watford, Southern Area Lt-Heavyweight Champion