Wharton’s gym honour to boxing legend Bill Brown (From York Press)

Wharton’s gym honour to boxing legend Bill Brown

11:50am Wednesday 11th April 2012 in Boxing

A PERMANENT tribute is to be installed at the city’s newest and biggest gym in memory of York’s “Mr Boxing” Bill Brown.

Boxing coach Brown died on Monday aged 77 after a life dedicated to the sport in his home city.

Henry Wharton, the city’s most successful professional boxer, who was first coached by Brown, told The Press he was to have a plaque placed at the gym he is currently building on the first floor of the old Regent Cinema in Acomb.

Said Wharton: “I am going to put a plaque in the gym in tribute to Bill because it will show that that’s where it all started from for me.”

The former undefeated European, Commonwealth and British super-middleweight champion, whose lone three losses were all in fights for the ultimate world title prize, said he was deeply saddened by the death of his mentor.

Wharton visited Brown in York Hospital during his recent illness.

Added Wharton: “If we can echo his voice and keep his philosophy running through the gym then in that way Bill Brown will live on.”