September 8th: TODAY’S FEATURE - Basil Sylvester Sterling
September
Basil Sylvester Sterling (4 April 1948 - 19 November 2018), known as Bunny Sterling, was a Jamaican-born British boxer, who in 1970 became the first Caribbean immigrant to win a British title when he won the middleweight belt. He went on to become European middleweight champion in 1976.
Career
Born Basil Sylvester Sterling in Jamaica, he moved with his parents to live in London at the age of six. Managed by George Francis, he made his professional debut in September 1966, losing on points to Joe Devitt. After also losing his next two fights, he gained his first win in December, with a points decision over Fess Parker.
In May 1968, he unsuccessfully challenged for Johnny Kramer's Southern Area middleweight title, losing narrowly on points. The two fought again for the title in December, this time Sterling taking the win after a cut to Kramer led to the fight being stopped. In his next four fights, he lost three (to former British champion Wally Swift, Harry Scott, and Dick Duffy) and drew one (with Nessim Max Cohen), but in January and May 1970 respectively, beat Dennis Pleace and Scott in eliminators to get a shot at the British middleweight title. At this time he was studying Law as well as pursuing a boxing career.
He won the British and Commonwealth middleweight titles on 8 September 1970 at Wembley Stadium in London, stopping Mark Rowe at the end of the fourth round due to a cut.[7] Although he had been allowed to compete for the British title based on his residency, he didn't become a British citizen until 20 October 1970, which also gave him eligibility to fight for the European title. He successfully defended his Commonwealth title in November 1970 against Kahu Mahanga.
Later in 1970, Sterling was charged with using threatening behaviour and driving offences. After his original court hearing was adjourned after he arrived late, he was allowed to travel to Australia in January 1971 to defend his Commonwealth title against Tony Mundine, the fight ending in a draw. After failing to attend court for the reconvened hearing, a warrant was issued for his arrest in February 1971. When he was eventually tried in April that year, he pleaded guilty and was fined £38 with £50 costs.
He made a third defence of the Commonwealth title in March 1971, taking a unanimous decision against Johan Louw in Edmonton. Wins over Billy Douglas, former world welterweight champion Luis Manuel Rodríguez, and former European champion Tom Bogs followed, before he got his first shot at the European title in December, challenging defending champion Jean-Claude Bouttier. Bouttier knocked him out in the fourteenth round to retain the title.
Sterling lost the Commonwealth title in April 1972, Tony Mundine stopping him in the fifteenth and final round in Brisbane. Sterling made successful defences of his British title against Phil Matthews in September 1972, Don McMillan in January 1973, and Rowe in April 1973, to win the Lonsdale Belt outright. With the European title becoming vacant, Sterling got a second shot at it in November 1973 against Elio Calcabrini in San Remo. The Italian took the title on points.
Sterling lost the British title in his fourth defence, Kevin Finnegan taking a points decision in February 1974. When Finnegan vacated, he took the chance to win it back, stopping reigning light-middleweight champion Maurice Hope in the eighth round in June 1975. He vacated the title to once again challenge for the European title.
In February 1976, he stopped Frank Reiche in the thirteenth round at the Sporthalle, Alsterdorf to become European champion. He made one defence of the title, losing a unanimous decision to Angelo Jacopucci in Milan four months later.
Sterling had three further fights, his last a points defeat to Mustafa Wasajja in November 1977, before retiring in 1978.
SUMMARY
Under the management of George Francis, Bunny Sterling achieved a significant milestone in his boxing career by capturing the British and Commonwealth middleweight titles on September 8, 1970. This remarkable victory took place at Wembley Stadium in London, where he showcased his skills by knocking out his opponent, Mark Rowe, in the fourth round. This triumph not only solidified his reputation in the boxing world but also marked a pivotal moment in his journey as a professional athlete, highlighting his determination and talent in the ring.
Sterling's professional debut occurred in his hometown of Jamaica on July 29, 1972, where he faced local fighter Roy Lee in a closely contested match that ended in a 10-round draw. This initial bout set the stage for his boxing career, which ultimately concluded in 1978. Throughout his time in the ring, Sterling demonstrated resilience and skill, contributing to the evolving landscape of boxing during a period marked by significant changes and challenges for athletes of colour.
Bunny Sterling faced prejudice and skepticism as a Caribbean immigrant in British boxing, often being doubted by promoters who believed a black fighter could not attract audiences. Additionally, he had to work harder for respect and opportunities in a sport that was not always welcoming to him and other black athletes.
Boxing historian Harding has noted the revolutionary impact of black boxers like Bunny Sterling on the sport, particularly in the 1970s when they began to reshape its dynamics. Having moved to Britain with his parents in 1954, Sterling was able to compete under the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) regulations, which further facilitated his rise in the sport. His educational journey took him through various institutions in London, including Woodberry Down Comprehensive and Kingsway College of Further Education in Kings Cross, where he not only honed his boxing skills but also engaged in soccer and cricket, showcasing his diverse athletic abilities.
LEGACY
Sterling's professional journey in boxing was characterised by an unwavering determination and exceptional talent, allowing him to navigate and triumph over the considerable biases that existed within the sport. His legacy extends beyond his impressive record and accolades; he is celebrated as a trailblazer for Caribbean immigrants in British Boxing, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. Sterling's impact on the sport and the community is profound, and his contributions continue to inspire many. He left this world on November 19, 2018, at the age of 70, leaving behind a rich legacy that resonates with both fans and aspiring athletes alike.