3:10YouTubeTerry Downes - The Paddington Express (R.I.P. 1936-2017)Oct 9, 20178.9K Views
Those Klitchkies aren't bad either. Can he fight? I don't know.
Upvote: Terry Downes, BEM (9 May – 6 October ) was a British middleweight boxer, [1] occasional film actor, and businessman. He was nicknamed the "Paddington Express" for his aggressive fighting style. [2] At the time of his death, Downes was Britain's oldest surviving former world champion.
I've never seen him fight anybody who could fight back. He gives them a whack and they fall over. Downes, although not the biggest earner in boxing, is comfortably off. He invested well in property with his earnings, opening the first of a chain of betting shops half a century ago, which he later sold to William Hill. I got a few quid out of the game.
Mind you," he jokes, "that's all gone now.
Like me. Actually, considering the various ailments that have beset him in recent years — bladder cancer, which he has overcome, two replacement hips, deafness and arthritis in both legs, he looks in good nick and is certainly still in good voice. He lives in a pleasant detached house in the village of Oxhey with Barbara, his wife of 53 years, and two lively dogs — terriers, like he was.
Richard and Terry Jnr have also played cricket for Middlesex and Surrey respectively.
Fiona lewis
Of his eight grandchildren, three went to university and the rest are destined to follow. One grandson is an Oxford graduate, one a football agent and another a Shakespearean actor. All are linguists. I don't know where they get it from. Bill McDowell boxer. Rene De Vos boxer.
Terry downes biography
Ignacio Ara boxer. Terry Downes boxer. Status inactive. Division middleweight. Debut Age Born He was awarded the British Empire Medal in for his sporting achievements and his charity fund-raising. He is survived by his wife Barbara, who he married in — she would initially have nothing to do with him because when they first met, at a club, he was covered in bruises from a recent fight — and their four children.
During his career he had submitted to the spartan lifestyle boxing demands, but in retirement, said Barbara, he lived life to the full. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies.
Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in. He missed out on selection for the US Olympic team, being ruled ineligible on residence grounds, and after his term of service, he returned to London and turned professional. Managed by Sam Burns, Downes won his first two pro fights before a defeat to future world champion Dick Tiger.
On 5 July , Downes successfully defended the title against Edwards again. Downes responded to the loss of his title by winning his next seven bouts, including a win over Sugar Ray Robinson in September Downes was knocked down twice in the 11th round, while reportedly well ahead on points, and Pastrano retained his title when referee Andrew Smyth controversially waved it off — it was to be Downes' last fight.
Downes was famous for a number of quips.
Terry downes boxer
After a particularly brutal fight early in his career against Dick Tiger , Downes was asked who he wanted to fight next. He replied, "The bastard who made this match", in reference to Mickey Duff. Downes fought six world champions and beat three: Robinson, Pender and Joey Giardello. His record was: 44 fights, 35 wins 28 KOs , 9 losses.
Post-boxing, Downes acted occasionally between and , usually appearing as a thug, villain or bodyguard.
A tribute to Terry Downes – ‘I lived the life I wanted’
One of his more prominent roles was in Roman Polanski 's film The Fearless Vampire Killers , in which he played "Koukol", a hunchbacked servant. After his retirement, Downes owned a nightclub. Downes and his wife Barbara nee Clarke were married from [ 16 ] until his death in They had four children and eight grandchildren, one of whom includes prominent football writer and comedian James McNicholas.
Downes was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Birthday Honours , in recognition of his sporting achievements and charity work. Contents move to sidebar hide.