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Herol Graham

Herol Graham Profile Image
  • Nickname: Bomber
  • Date of Birth: 13th September 1959 (65 years old)
  • Retired: 28th March 1998 (Career length: 19 years 4 months)
  • Status: Retired
  • Nationality: England Flag England
  • Birthplace: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom Flag Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
  • Residence: Sheffield, Yorkshire, United Kingdom Flag Sheffield, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
  • Division: Middleweight
  • Reach: 77.2"
  • Height: 6ft 0"
  • Stance: Southpaw
  • BoxRec: Herol Graham
  • Debut: 28th November 1978

Biography

Herol "Bomber" Graham is a highly respected British former professional boxer who competed from 1978 to 1998. Although he never won a world championship, he is regarded as one of the best British boxers of the post-war era.

Graham had a successful amateur career, winning the Junior World Welterweight Championship in 1976 by defeating future world champion John Mugabi in the final. He also won the Senior ABA Middleweight title in 1978 before turning professional.

As a professional, Graham went undefeated in his first 38 fights, capturing the British, Commonwealth, and European titles at light-middleweight and middleweight. His first loss came in 1987 against future world champion Sumbu Kalambay while defending his European middleweight title.

Throughout his career, Graham challenged for world titles three times – twice at middleweight and once at super middleweight. In his first attempt, he lost a close split decision to Mike McCallum for the vacant WBA middleweight title, with points deducted for a punch to the back of McCallum's head proving decisive. His second shot at a middleweight title ended dramatically when he was knocked out cold by Julian Jackson's famous "Punch of the Century" in the fourth round of their battle for the vacant WBC belt.

After a four-year hiatus, Graham returned in March 1998 and earned a final world title opportunity against IBF super middleweight champion Charles Brewer. However, he was stopped in the tenth round and retired from boxing.

Although Graham never won a world title, his skills and achievements in the ring earned him victories over champions such as Lindell Holmes, Ayub Kalule, and Vinny Pazienza. His boxing style and performances made him a fan favourite and a highly respected figure within the sport.

After retiring, Graham faced some personal challenges, including mental health issues stemming from boxing injuries. He released his autobiography, "Bomber: Behind the Laughter," 2011 providing insight into his life and career.

Herol Graham's legacy in British boxing remains strong. He is considered one of the most talented and entertaining fighters of his generation, even without a world championship to his name.