Heavyweight Title
London fought an eliminator for the British heavyweight title in March 1943, against Al Robinson, winning by a knockout in the eighth round. The path was open for a title fight between London and Freddie Mills, for the British and Commonwealth titles. The fight was finally arranged for September 1944 at Belle Vue, in Manchester. Mills conceded about three stones in weight but was still 3-1 favourite. Neither of the two was a stylish boxer, and the two men slugged it out over fifteen rounds with London getting a narrow points decision. Mills was to go on to be world light-heavyweight champion.
London had one more non-title fight which he won by a knockout, before defending his titles against Bruce Woodcock. The fight was arranged for July 1945 at White Hart Lane, Tottenham, London. Woodcock was about two stones lighter than London, but was more nimble and was able to evade many of London’s attacks, building up an early points lead. London started to come back at him with body punches, but in the sixth round Woodcock caught him with a left to put him down. He got up but was put down twice more, finally being counted out.
Read more about this topic: Jack London (boxer)
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