Liverpool boxer Joe Curran - 1939 Q&A
Classy Liverpool flyweight Joe Curran boxed from 1932 through to 1948, and in 1946 challenged Jackie Paterson for the world flyweight crown in front of 50,000 fans, at Hampden Park, Glasgow.
He won 85 of 156 recorded fights and met the best men of his era. His record includes wins over future world champions Jackie Paterson and Rinty Monaghan, future British and European champion Ronnie Clayton, and leading contenders Tut Whalley, Tiny Bostock and Paddy Ryan.
In this revealing 1939 interview he discusses his career to date, including his greatest ring moments, toughest opponents and hopes for the future.
When did you take up boxing?
I started boxing when I was just a kid at the St. Joseph's RC School, Liverpool. Ernie Roderick was a member of the club at that time, too. It is strange that at that exceedingly early stage in my fight career the man who looked after us and saw to our training was Dom Vairo. Since then and up to the present day, Dom has handled my affairs.
What was your toughest scrap?
Undoubtedly my affair with Peter Kane. I had Kane down for two long counts, but the Golborne lad got the referee's nod at the close of the contest. It was one of the closest points decisions ever and the fans got plenty of action that night, I can tell you.
Incidentally I consider Kane one of the finest all-action fighters I know.
Which fight put you on the boxing map?
I burst into the championship limelight when I k.o.'d Paddy Ryan in the first round at Liverpool.
Shortly after, however, I suffered a complete reversal, when Ryan turned the tables and k.o.'d me in one round. In view of those two "epics" I think a rubber match is called for and I have backing to the extent of £500 against Ryan.
What gave you your biggest thrill in boxing?
I got my biggest thrill in a fight against Joe Keily, who was then boosted as a second Benny Lynch. I went out from the first bell and k.o.'d Keily with practically the first punch I threw.
But that wasn't what thrilled me. No, sir! When I got back to the dressing room and learnt that the scrap had been broadcast, was I thrilled then? I'll say!
What were the weak points of the three best men you've met?
In Peter Kane, I found an easy target for a left and could always get home with this punch. Peter has undoubtedly improved since we met, but during our clash I could always get the inside position at close quarters.
Then there's Mickey Walker, of Sunderland. I could outpoint Mickey as he always hesitated with a left lead, and I just stepped in and put over a right cross. Without boasting, I must say I never missed. Mickey is a bag of tricks and easily the cleverest boy I've fought.
Last but not least, a few words about Phil Milligan. Phil and I have met twice in the ring and on each occasion the fights were mainly toe-to-toe affairs, with plenty of hard slugging. In both these fights I went into the ring with a definite plan of action.
For the first half of the contest I let Phil score frequently and kept my strength in reserve. For the second half I was as fresh as when I had begun and could easily send three punches to Phil's one. But he's a tough boy!
Who helped you in your rise to the top?
There's no doubt about that, Dom and Tony Vairo. They are two of the finest fellows in the fight game and what they don't know about boxing, couldn't be seen with a microscope.
Indirectly, too, my rise was assisted by Dom Volante. Dom was in the same amateur club as me, and from the start of my boxing days, I always tried to adopt the same methods and style as my idol.
Who was your most puzzling opponent?
Undoubtedly Katsumi Morioka, the ex-fly and bantamweight champion of Canada. Puzzling wasn't the name for him! One minute he would be standing upright and the next down in a crouch. I could never draw his lead and lost an unpopular decision.
Another puzzling opponent was Pat Warburton, flyweight champion of Wales. Pat was a fellow who slung them from all angles and although I'm a natural fighter, this was an occasion when I had to box.
What are your interests outside of boxing?
My chief pastime is swimming. I am considered a very strong swimmer and have won two certificates for it. I am also keen on billiards.
What was the hardest punch you've ever received?
I'm afraid you've got me this time. Honestly speaking I can't remember the hardest punch I ever took. A strange confession perhaps, but there you have it.
What are your plans for the future?
Well, my manager has sent in an application to the Board of Control sponsoring me as a candidate for the British flyweight title and it is now under consideration.
I think I've justified a title crack. I've never shirked meeting anyone (in fact it is the top-liners who won't meet me), and a glance at my record book will show that I have collected more than just a few top-line "scalps". So here's hoping.
Boxing videos
Joe Curran vs. Jackie Paterson (1946)
Joe Curran vs. Jackie Paterson (1946) 2
Joe Curran trains in Liverpool for Jackie Paterson (1946)
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