Archie Sexton (Bethnal Green)
Born: 03/04/1908, Bethnal Green, London
Died: 07/1957
Son of an old-time bare-knuckle fighter, Archie Sexton boxed for both the Repton and Columbia boxing clubs and was a Federation champion. He turned pro in June 1925 and boxed until 1936, when the loss of the sight of his left eye forced him to retire. He beat such top men as 'Cast-Iron' Jack Casey, Alf Mancini, Billy Bird, Jack Hyams and Frank Hough, and in 1933 he challenged the legendary Jock McAvoy for the British middleweight championship.
After retiring, Archie worked as a BBB of C referee, and in 1945 received the George Medal at Buckingham Palace for his part in rescuing three people from a burning bombed-out building. In 1956 he emigrated to New Zealand but sadly passed away the following year from a stroke. His death was announced in most of the national papers, and leading sportswriters Peter Wilson and George Whiting penned glowing tributes.
Archie lost just 30 of an astounding 222 recorded pro fights. Dave Sexton, the famous football manager, is his son. Archie's brother, another pro boxer, fought under the alias 'Jim Blake'.
Divisions fought in
Middleweight
Welterweight
Lightweight
Featherweight