Boxing

History and info, on Frank Johnson. Middleweight boxer of late 40s, early 50s. Based in Manchester. I beleive he fought for british empire, and European crown?
What happened to him, and where is he now?

Do you refer to Frank Johnson from Manchester, UK who boxed in the fifties and won the British Lightweight title in 1952 & 1955 and the British Empire Lightweight Title in 1953? Frank also boxed Peter Waterman for the British welterweight title in 1956.

I was a next door neighbour of Frank, and I believe he moved to Wythenshaw. He worked on the door at the "Princess Theatre Club" for a while. I do not know if it's true, but I heard that he had died.

Yes, I'm afraid Frank (my father) died in a tragic accident aged 41 in 1970. He did work at the "Prinny" and we did live in Wythenshawe, then moved to Brooklands. I was born at our house in Brunt Street, Rusholme in 1952. My mum (Joyce) is still alive and well - maybe she would remember you - I am sure she would?
Best regards,
Steve.

Hi Steve, No I don't remember your mum, or you unfortunatly. I lived in Albany road Chorlton, and your dad lived in Warwick Road. As it was a corner house it was next to mine. There were other boxers living, and training there. Bobby Raglan, Jimmy MacGinty, Jackie Braddock. Iam not sure if they all lived there or just trained there. I seem to remember the man who owned, or rented the house Jack Williamson.??? do any of these names mean anything?? I was quite friendly with your dad, as neighbours. He was a hero of mine. I used to watch him training. This was early 50s, Then years later I used to see him at the Princess club. I moved from Manchester in 1964. I heard through friends that he had passed away, and I was very upset. He was'nt like other fighters. He always had time for people, and would always, stop and chat. My e-mail is stringerg@hotmail.co.uk If you feel like a chat give us a click. Regards to you and your mum, and family. Take care. Geoff Stringer.

Hi Steve, I too am a relative of Frank Johnson. My father Alan Williamson from Fallowfield was his cousin. By chance I bumped in to the partner of Jackie Braddock when he was just about to travel to Lourdes.Jackie looked just like his other Cousin Frank. Strange that we all ended up in Wythenshawe. Regards to your mum. Is Jackie still alive as he was very poorly when I met him.
kind regards

Alan

Yes sadly Jack died a few years ago as well Alan.
There is a website with lots of interesting pics of Frank and Jack at http://frankjohnson.9k.com it is not on Google so type it in your pc address bar at the top and click on the "go" arrow.
Best regards,

Steve.

Hi again Alan,

So your father was related to mine? Thats interesting and how is the connection made?

Best regards,

Steve Williamson.

Hi Steve

my family are originally from fallowfield. My Grandad had a garage with your grandad or so i believe. My dad is one of four Williamson's. Mona, Irene, Frank and Alan. Alan is my father and cousin to your dad. The two grandads had a big arguement and the family split so my dad didn't really get to know his cousins very well. I met Jackie completely by chance. His passport had been lost and i delivered it to his house in Longsight. He was very poorly and in a wheelchair. His partner brought out a photo of your dad to show me. It was a great thrill to see it. You must be very proud of his record.

Steve
went to your website and I was gobsmacked. It's absolutely brilliant mate. Some fantastic info on your dad and the pics are stunning.
Did you know the Trainors? I was brought up with them in Woodhouse Park. Pam Trainor lives next door to my dad, how bizarre is that? I was good mates with Pip and knew John pretty well. He took after his dad Owen and was a good ABA fighter. I see you were a pretty good ABA fighter yourself. Did you ever turn pro.

So good to chat with you. Regards to your mum.

Alan Williamson

Hi again Alan,

I'm glad you enjoyed the website/ photos of Dad - it is all taken from various newspaper cuttings and albums.
I have heard of the Trainors of course - I never met Owen although I remember my Dad used to say he was a brilliant boxer - I think we both actually once won the same ABA Junior National Title according to the ABA record book albeit different years! I have met John and did in fact see him box quite a few times - top class fighter of the same style that my Dad taught me.

Best regards,

Steve

p.s. my e-mail address is s.williamson743@btinternet.com