YOU didn’t have to be Angelo Dundee to realise you were watching an immense talent when John Conteh won the middleweight gold medal at the 1970 Commonwealth Games.
But I had no idea as I saw him brilliantly outbox a Tanzanian in the final in Edinburgh that the 19-year-old kid from Kirkby was about to evolve in a few years into JC Superstar.
Because of his outstanding ability, knockout-handsome film star looks and cheeky Merseyside charisma, it was no surprise he was made financial offers to turn pro he couldn’t refuse.
Four years later he was ready to challenge Argentine Jorge Ahumada for his WBC world light-heavyweight title, at Wembley’s Empire Pool.
Conteh delivered a superb points victory — it was the peak performance of his life.
Everything was on display, his considerable skills, speed of thought and movement, brutal punching, plus heart and desire to bring the title to Britain.
It was only Ahumada’s teak-tough chin that got him through the 15 rounds.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the most momentous moment of Conteh’s nine-year career, he is being honoured with a star-studded tribute lunch organised by the London Ex- Boxers Association at Holborn’s Connaught Rooms on October 20.
When LEBA secretary Ray Caulfield announced the event in June, there were those who wondered if it would attract a large enough crowd.
But when the £125 tickets went on sale, within a matter of days all 400 had been snapped up. And Conteh, at 73, was involved in yet another sell-out.
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Frank Bruno, Michael Watson and David Haye will pay homage to one of our all-time great fighters, along with celebrities from football and showbiz.
In the 1970s John was one of this country’s most famous sporting personalities — the David Beckham of his era.
Immediately after he had beaten Ahumada, it was the start of a celebrity lifestyle that eventually led to his downfall.
Conteh’s marketability saw his face staring out from the front covers of magazines and advertising hoardings.
He was a guest on Parkinson and every other TV chat show and made appearances at functions nationwide.
As you went down the escalators of every London underground station there were pictures of a near-naked John modelling men’s underwear.
He was also a regular at Tramp, then Mayfair’s most fashionable nightclub.
Unfortunately, excessive drinking led to him becoming an alcoholic — which is why sadly he only realised 50 per cent of his potential.
Arguably, John’s greatest winning fight was overcoming his drink disease.
He never hid away from his problems and hasn’t touched alcohol for nearly 40 years, which must be an inspiration to fellow sufferers.
What I love about my favourite Scouser is that he always has time for young and old who want selfies or simply to have a chat.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are the present-day darlings of boxing fans — it would be interesting to know if they will still be sought after in 50 years.
JESSICA GOICOECHEA has risked an Instagram ban with her latest daring post.
The model, 27, has built a huge following on the platform in recent years.
Jessica, who hails from Barcelona, has more than 1.8million Instagram followers – but has risked her account due to her recent post.
The influencer previously dated ex-Barca defender Marc Bartra.
In her most recent Instagram post, she uploaded a series of pictures and videos.
Among them, she could be seen wearing a see-through top with nothing underneath.
Such exposure could see her fall foul of Instagram’s community guidelines.
Her post has so far received more than 150,000 likes.
And plenty of fans have rushed to comment.
One joked, alongside a laughing emoji: “Didn’t know you can walk around like that in public.”
While a second gushed: “You are from another planet.”
A third added: “I love you so much.”
While a fourth swooned over her “piercing”.
Jessica split with Real Betis star Bartra, 33, over the summer.
The pair are said to remain on good terms, with no bad blood from their break-up.
Following their split, Jessica headed to Ibiza for a relaxing holiday in August.
AT least seven people have been killed in a horror crash after a wedding bus plunged into a ravine in Pakistan.
Another 37 people were injured in the smash, including children.
The cause of the accident near Quetta, the capital of restive Balochistan province, remains unknown.
An investigation isunderway.
According to Wasim Baig, a spokesman for the health department, the bodies of the victims and 17 people who were injured in the accident were brought to a local hospital.
Some of the injured were said to be in critical condition.