John Arthur (Boxer)

John Duncan Arthur ( born August 29, 1929 in Springs, † 19 May 2005) was a South African heavyweight boxer.

Amateur

Duncan won in 1948 at the Olympic Games in London, the bronze medal in the heavyweight division.

Professional

In 1949 he turned pro and won his first sixteen fights, fighter fourteen by knockout.

His first title fight was on October 13, 1952, the fight for the Commonwealth title at heavyweight. His opponent, the Briton John Williams, however, won by TKO in the seventh round. The second attempt to win this title, failed: On January 30, 1954 he defeated the British Don Cockell on points.

In 1953 he became South African heavyweight champion. This track he could defend a total of five times. For the second defense of the title he needed against Jack Kukard on June 15, 1953 just 63 seconds. The best-known opponent of his professional career was George Chuvalo, where he served as construction opponent in its fifth pro fight in 1956.

His last fight he graduated on May 11, 1957 against his compatriot Bud Walker. Arthur won the fight in the third round by TKO. He then joined as the undefeated champion South Africa on the Boxbühne.