Herbert, Michael

Len Johnson was born in Manchester in October 1902. His father was William Johnson, who was an African seaman from Sierra Leone, while his mother was Margaret Maher from Manchester. After leaving the merchant navy Billy Johnson had worked as a boxer on fairground boxing booths and after a spell in engineering, Len eventually followed him into the trade. His professional career lasted from 1922 to 1933. He was an outstanding middle-weight boxer and he defeated some of the best men of the day, including the British middleweight champion Roland Todd and the European middle-weight champion Leon Jaccovacci.

Despite his talent and success he was not allowed to fight for British titles because of his colour. The British Board of Boxing Control barred black boxers - even though born in Britain - for fighting for British titles. Despite controversy the rule was not changed until after the end of the Second World War.

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