Discussion of Britain's best heavyweights has long outweighed discussion of the best lightweight. Yet in the 1960s and 1970s the depth of lightweight talent was outstanding. No one ever doubts the technical brilliance of George Kidd. Even when I started watching in 1964 he was past his peak. His skill was outstanding, but needed co operation on the part of his opponent. Probably only one of us saw Johnny Stead. Johnny Saint was an outstanding successor to Kidd, with a reliance or possibly over reliance on speed and agility to entertain. Yet in terms of all round credibility I would put him ahead of Kidd. Jim Breaks had the skill and a harder edge. And Zolly had the harder edge with a bonus scowl. Mel Riss had tenacity and skill. Jon Cortez seemed to encompass everything. Then there was Miquet, Ross, Ryan, Robinson.... So who was the best? Clearly I've no idea.
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Strange no one mentions The Borg Twins Not sure what happened to them Iggy I think went back to Malta or maybe it was Tony, both high class fast & very watchable. One time I remember at Rochetser w s indvidual bouts with them & The Cortez bros John & Peter approx 1963/4