By James Blears 

Thirty-two years after they slugged it out for the WBC welterweight title, John H Stracey and Carlos Palomino are climbing back into the ring to swop punches all over again!
The blows they dish out this time around won’t be as thunderous because it’s an exhibition, but the intent is every bit as serious.

Both men who’s combined ages add up to a staggering one-hundred and fifteen, are gloving up to KO knife crime, which plagues UK and US cities. The aim in this record breaking event, is to launch a nationwide tour of Britain to encourage youngsters to stop hanging around on street corners and step up to take up the noble art.

Nothing is going to be off the cuff, because both former legendary world champions who are still in enviable trim, are now upping their daily workouts to be ring fit and ready to answer the opening bell by October.

John who at fifty-seven is the youngest by a year, said: “We see this as a double challenge to TKO knife crime. Firstly, if at our age we can still get up into the ring, box a bit and put on a great show, it’s an inspiration of what can be achieved with dedication, and discipline to get wonderfully fighting fit. We want to encourage kids to leave the street corner, so we can be in their corner in the ring. We want them to come into boxing gyms and take up the sport. And secondly no other champions have ever boxed again after an amazing thirty-two year gap. Carlos and me are going to be record breakers!”

John H who’s already contacting politicians in parliament to help in the KO Knife Crime Campaign, is seeking a major sponsor for Stracey vs. Palomino 2.

He can be contacted via his website: www.johnhstracey.co.uk