FORMER World boxing champ John Conteh is lending items from his glittering career, including title belts and gloves, to the new Museum of Liverpool.
Conteh won Middleweight Gold at the British Commonwealth Games in 1970 before going on to win the WBC Light Heavyweight crown. He then successfully defended the title three times.
Yesterday, he handed over several priceless additions for display in the Creative City gallery.
It will be one of the first sections of the new Museum of Liverpool to open, celebrating the creative personality of the city and uncovering why it has produced such an impressive roll call of writers, poets, performers, musicians, visual artists, comedians and sports people.
Mr Conteh said: “It’s great to be involved in a project like this and this beautiful new building.
“No matter how much Liverpool changes, you always recognise its spirit.”
Curator Paul Gallagher said: “Boxing has played an important part in Liverpool’s sporting heritage, and the Creative City gallery will feature a sporting section with a special exhibition focused on telling the story of the sport.
“Boxing Clever will display among other objects John Conteh’s WBC title belt, and the boxing gloves and boots he wore during the successful challenge of the title in October, 1974.
“It’s a real coup to be able to include these objects.
“The city has produced a wealth of champion fighters through the years, but John Conteh’s achievements make him a true Liverpool great and arguably the city’s finest.”
