The British boxing community is mourning the loss of former British and European middleweight champion Mark Kaylor, who has died at the age of 64.
A Champion's Journey From East End to Olympic Glory
Mark Kaylor, born in Canning Town, began his boxing journey at just 14 years old after a school friend suggested visiting a local gym. "From then on it was all boxing," he once recalled, describing himself as "basically a very boring person with no outside interests or hobbies."
His dedication paid off when he represented Britain at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, the same year he was crowned the country's amateur champion. Kaylor turned professional and built an impressive record of 40 wins from 48 bouts, eventually capturing the Commonwealth middleweight title during his distinguished career.
The Infamous Rivalry That Captured a Nation
Kaylor became a household name through his high-profile grudge match with Errol Christie in 1985, a bout that nearly didn't happen due to racial tensions gripping the nation. The fight, dubbed the 'Bonfire Night Battle', took place against a backdrop of recent race riots in Tottenham, Birmingham, London and Liverpool following the deaths of Cynthia Jarrett and PC Keith Blakelock.
The tension exploded during a press conference at the Stakis Regency Casino in London, where the rivals tussled in the rain in the car park and continued their scrap in the restaurant. "I've seen a lot of play-acting before fights, but I've never seen anything as real as this," remarked Kaylor's manager Terry Lawles at the time.
Kaylor accused Christie of starting the confrontation, stating: "He made a big mistake by grabbing me by the collar. You can say what you like to me, but you can't touch." Their Wembley Arena eliminator featured a record purse of £82,000 - the highest sum ever paid for a British non-title bout at that time.
From Rivals to Friends: A Lasting Legacy
Despite the pre-fight animosity and police concerns about National Front involvement, the bout proceeded with no alcohol served in the arena. Kaylor ultimately secured a memorable eighth-round knock-out victory in front of a roaring crowd.
Remarkably, the two fighters later put their differences aside and formed an unlikely friendship that endured beyond their boxing careers. Kaylor retired from professional boxing in 1996 and moved to California, where he worked as a boxing coach.
Frank Bruno led the tributes, sharing: "RIP Mark Kaylor – we trained together in various gyms and were quite often on the same bill when I was going through the ranks. From memory, a big West Ham United fan. Very poignant for me as he passed away on my birthday aged 64 – the age I am now."
West Ham United, the club Kaylor passionately supported throughout his life, posted their own tribute: "Everyone at West Ham United has been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former British and Commonwealth middleweight boxing champion Mark Kaylor at the age of 64."
The boxer, who often wore Claret and Blue trunks in the ring in honour of his team, was remembered as being "backed by huge numbers of his fellow West Ham fans" during his career.
Promoter Frank Warren added: "RIP Mark Kaylor. Sending my thoughts and condolences to his friends and family. A great fighter and a great man."
Mark Kaylor is survived by his wife, Patricia, and their two sons, leaving behind a legacy as one of British boxing's most memorable champions from a golden era of the sport.
