Boxing ace dies aged 62

Sep 10 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

BIRKENHEAD’S first national ABA champion Peter McCann died suddenly at his home in Claughton, Prenton.

Aged just 62, the former middleweight champion was found dead by his wife Fionuala after earlier complaining of chest pains.

McCann, an active member of both the Merseyside and Wirral Ex-Boxers Associations, wore the colours of Birkenhead ABC when he captured the national middleweight title at Wembley back in 1968.

Prior to that, he had represented Willaston and Liverpool’s Star ABC, and would later represent the North West Counties division and England.

He turned professional shortly after his 1968 ABA success, signing under the banner of Terry Lawless and enjoyed seven straight stoppages wins – including four first round knockouts.

But in his eighth contest, he damaged ligaments in his shoulder and forced his eventual retirement.

Speaking a couple of years ago, he said: “I am glad to have done what I have done and I wouldn’t change a moment of it.”