Site confirmed for statue of Manchester's boxing champion denied title fight for not being white

Play Brightcove video Campaigner Lamin Touray called the news a "huge milestone". A site has been confirmed for a statue of the "uncrowned champion" boxer Len Johnson. Subject to planning permission, it would be the first statue of a Black person in Manchester city centre, and has been campaigned for since 2020. Len, born in Clayton, in 1902, was born to a Sierra Leonean father and a mother from Ireland and, after winning more than 90 fights, he was denied a title shot because he was black.

It was due to a colour bar that was in place by the British Boxing Board of Control who upheld ‘Rule 24,' stating that in order to fight for a British title, the fighter’s parents must both be white. He was also known for his civil rights and anti-racism efforts, and even attended the 5th Pan African Congress in Manchester in 1945. He also became friends with popular American activist Paul Robeson. Len, born in Clayton, in 1902, is Manchester's uncrowned boxing champion.

Alongside the campaign is a touring production for schools, teaching the legacy of Len Johnson to the younger generation. The campaign to build a statue of the Mancunian has been started by local activists Deej Malik-Johnson and Lamin Touray, leading to the first fundraiser match in 2023. Campaigner Lamin Touray said this was a "historical moment and a significant moment for Manchester as a city. He said: "When you think of the contribution Black and Brown people have made to Manchester and to Great Britain - it's huge.

"It's now something tangible to work towards and really make the statue a reality in terms of fundraising". Campaigner Lamin Touray said: "A historical moment and a significant moment for Manchester as a city". Credit: ITV News Len Johnson Campaign C.I.C. Director Deej Malik-Johnson said: "Today’s news is another milestone towards properly acknowledging the historic contributions of a working-class, mixed-race Mancunian whose brave actions in the past developed the foundations of a better future.

"The Len Johnson Campaign has a simple message at its core: that the legacies of people like Len Johnson have long been forgotten and neglected. In a sport and a society rigged against him because of his skin colour, Len made himself a champion for people outside the boxing ring." Although a model has been produced, more money still needs to be raised for the statue itself. Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Deputy Leader, Manchester City Council, said: "Len Johnson was not only one of the best boxers of his era, he was also a model of a Mancunian, a community champion who contributed much to the city during his lifetime.

"The planned statue will provide both a springboard for people to learn more about Len and a focal point for the city to remember and honour him". Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...