flamengo
02-21-2009, 02:01 AM
Another classic Australia boxing story, one of raw courage against all odds.
Trevor King, born in Cessnock NSW in 1930, battled against the odds from the age of 11. Having already lost his mother, and living with an alcoholic father, King developed Rheumatic fever, being bedridden for 12 months. The fortune of Taff Thomas being his carer and masseuse was to pay great dividends in later years. Taff, had been a tough Pro. having dished out a beating to Hughie Dwyer, a triple Aust Champ. Ultimately, Taff would steer Trevor King to a remarkable boxing career.
In 4 years, King, still whippet thin, engaged in his first professional bout. At 15 y/o, the ring doctor had to believe King was 17. His 23 y/o oponent, Crow Horn, was dropped in every round, and the victory was the first of many for King.
By the age of 20, King compiled 31 straight victories, before dropping his first to Swiss boxer, Sigi Tennenbaum. Hardly detered by the loss, King gained his revenge, and gained the NSW Featherweight title also. Victory must have been sweet, as King was to establish a career record of 60 wins, from 61 bouts.
With the NSW title in his keeps, Trevor awaited a shot at KO King, Elley Bennet, for the National title. In the mean time, King continued in his winning ways, racking up wins over Ray French, Vic Champ Bluey Wilkins twice, former National champ Ray Coleman, Ken Wenman, Panama Flash, former Vic F/W champ Johnny Wheeler and Young Regan, the 6' former Bantam champ.
Finally getting a show with Bennett in a non-title bout, both fighters had the odds stacked against them. The Sydney Stadium ring temperature was close to 40 degrees. The demonic power of Bennett became apparent with the first punch. A blow to Kings elbow, rendered his right arm numb to the shoulder. Hence forth, King boxed with extreme caution. After 12 rounds, King took the victory, and many at ringside thought King deserved recognition as Champion. Considering King entered this bout feeling sickly, due to negative effects of the pennicilon taken for a burn infection, and the raging heat, a great heart was shown in many ways.
In 1954, King signed to fight Empire Champ, Roy Ankarah in Singapore. But the National title fight with Bennett was prioritised, and set for March 1954. 3 Weeks prior to the bout, King was knocked of his Motorbike in Auburn, typically for King, gangrene set in. He refused the amputation and rehabilitated himself. Still, he was told he would never walk without the use of a cane.
6 years later, King was back in the ring. In 1960, he stopped Kiwi Lightweight champ in 5 rounds. Then focussed on Oz lightweight Champ, George Bracken. The tragic episodes continued to appear, and King developed Hepititis, then suffered head injuries in a car accident. This was to finish the career of King. A career that should have never happened, except for the determination of himself, it wouldn't be possible.
Post career and injuries, King spiraled into a drinking, smoking and gambling mess. Frequenting the racecourses as much as twice a day. His own salvation, this time, was via the voice of a young Salvation Army Officer he listened to in Paramatta, 1963. This young lady was to become his wife. Trevor went on to become a minister, opening a Caring and Sharing Mission in Sydneys North.
Thwarted at every attempt, King battled against the same odds we only face once in a lifetime. King battled the odds of a dozen lifetimes, yet still came out on top, with grace, focus and persisting determination. Countless others have have shared his personal message of self-belief, which, to this day has faded little.
Trevor King is fortunate in ways, tragic in others. The likes of Sands and Darcy were both tragic in the end, with no room for compromise. Thankfully, Trevor King has taken the oportunity to continue the good fight. A true legend.
You requested it Rodin... Hope its up to scratch mate.
Trevor King, born in Cessnock NSW in 1930, battled against the odds from the age of 11. Having already lost his mother, and living with an alcoholic father, King developed Rheumatic fever, being bedridden for 12 months. The fortune of Taff Thomas being his carer and masseuse was to pay great dividends in later years. Taff, had been a tough Pro. having dished out a beating to Hughie Dwyer, a triple Aust Champ. Ultimately, Taff would steer Trevor King to a remarkable boxing career.
In 4 years, King, still whippet thin, engaged in his first professional bout. At 15 y/o, the ring doctor had to believe King was 17. His 23 y/o oponent, Crow Horn, was dropped in every round, and the victory was the first of many for King.
By the age of 20, King compiled 31 straight victories, before dropping his first to Swiss boxer, Sigi Tennenbaum. Hardly detered by the loss, King gained his revenge, and gained the NSW Featherweight title also. Victory must have been sweet, as King was to establish a career record of 60 wins, from 61 bouts.
With the NSW title in his keeps, Trevor awaited a shot at KO King, Elley Bennet, for the National title. In the mean time, King continued in his winning ways, racking up wins over Ray French, Vic Champ Bluey Wilkins twice, former National champ Ray Coleman, Ken Wenman, Panama Flash, former Vic F/W champ Johnny Wheeler and Young Regan, the 6' former Bantam champ.
Finally getting a show with Bennett in a non-title bout, both fighters had the odds stacked against them. The Sydney Stadium ring temperature was close to 40 degrees. The demonic power of Bennett became apparent with the first punch. A blow to Kings elbow, rendered his right arm numb to the shoulder. Hence forth, King boxed with extreme caution. After 12 rounds, King took the victory, and many at ringside thought King deserved recognition as Champion. Considering King entered this bout feeling sickly, due to negative effects of the pennicilon taken for a burn infection, and the raging heat, a great heart was shown in many ways.
In 1954, King signed to fight Empire Champ, Roy Ankarah in Singapore. But the National title fight with Bennett was prioritised, and set for March 1954. 3 Weeks prior to the bout, King was knocked of his Motorbike in Auburn, typically for King, gangrene set in. He refused the amputation and rehabilitated himself. Still, he was told he would never walk without the use of a cane.
6 years later, King was back in the ring. In 1960, he stopped Kiwi Lightweight champ in 5 rounds. Then focussed on Oz lightweight Champ, George Bracken. The tragic episodes continued to appear, and King developed Hepititis, then suffered head injuries in a car accident. This was to finish the career of King. A career that should have never happened, except for the determination of himself, it wouldn't be possible.
Post career and injuries, King spiraled into a drinking, smoking and gambling mess. Frequenting the racecourses as much as twice a day. His own salvation, this time, was via the voice of a young Salvation Army Officer he listened to in Paramatta, 1963. This young lady was to become his wife. Trevor went on to become a minister, opening a Caring and Sharing Mission in Sydneys North.
Thwarted at every attempt, King battled against the same odds we only face once in a lifetime. King battled the odds of a dozen lifetimes, yet still came out on top, with grace, focus and persisting determination. Countless others have have shared his personal message of self-belief, which, to this day has faded little.
Trevor King is fortunate in ways, tragic in others. The likes of Sands and Darcy were both tragic in the end, with no room for compromise. Thankfully, Trevor King has taken the oportunity to continue the good fight. A true legend.
You requested it Rodin... Hope its up to scratch mate.