Welcome to your local community website...

Death of boxing legend Chris Finnegan

Posted by Adrian Seal on Mar 3, 09 08:31 AM in Clubs/societies

OLYMPIC gold medallist and arguably Hillingdon's most famous sportsman, Chris Finnegan, died in Hillingdon Hospital on Monday morning after a short illness. He was 64.

The Hayes Amateur Boxing Club member shot to world fame when he won the middleweight title at the 1968 Mexico Olympics and went on to enjoy a fine professional career, even challenging legendary American champion Bob Foster for the World Light-Heavyweight Championship in 1970.

After being counted out in the 14th round it was a performance described by Harry Carpenter as the greatest display he had ever witnessed by a British fighter in a world title fight.

Finnegan spent his early years in Uxbridge before moving to Iver and more recently to Ickenham.

His younger brother, Kevin, himself a former British and European Middleweight champion, sadly passed away only four months ago. He lived in Hillingdon at the time of his death.

Post your tributes to Chris below.

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your
stories, pics and videos

1 Comments

martin howard said:

The passing away of Chris Finnegan MBE has cast a void of the many people who were lucky enough to know him.
His grit and determination won him a Gold medal in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.
A successful professional career followed where he showed tremendous courage in many a battle.
He will be sadly missed by family and friends of all ages and nationalities especially those in the Tickenham Inn.
A Gentleman to the End. R.I.P

Leave a comment


Type the characters you see in the picture above.

Get involved

Our website aims to cover anything and everything happening in your community from news to local amateur sport and clubs to events. As users of the community we want you to set the agenda by telling us about the things that affect you, the groups and societies you run and the events you've been a part of. Send us your stories, pictures and news or join the forum to discuss local issues with your neighbours. If you've got something to say and want to be involved contact Yiewsley reporter Dan Coombs or call 01895 451000.

Sponsored Links