Johnny Softley (Poplar)
Born: 28/06/1918, Poplar, London
Died: 01/03/1971
Johnny Softley was part of a well-known boxing family of which at least three other members - Billy, Teddy and Tommy - boxed professionally before the war. Fighting from 1934 through to 1948, Johnny was the most successful of the Softleys and forged a respectable record, ostensibly boxing at East London venues such as the Pavilion Theatre, Mile End Arena, Hackney's Devonshire Club and West Ham Baths.
In 1937 he forced a retirement from an up-and-coming Eric Boon and outpointed the excellent Dave Finn of Mile End. Other top-notchers he faced include Dave Crowley, Dick Corbett, Jimmy Walsh, Johnny Ward, George Marsden, Phineas John, Harry Davis and Nipper Fred Morris. Softley wasn't always on the winning end, but he invariably gave a good account of himself.
Johnny Softley, a hero of the '30s and '40s East End rings, died in Poplar Hospital at age 52.
Recorded fights
Won: 51
Lost: 37
Drawn: 13
Divisions fought in
Lightweight