FISHER BOXING coach Steve Hiser has led the tributes to club stalwart Les Rowe, who passed away this week at the age of 83.
Hiser said Rowe was “one of the best matchmakers” in boxing in the 1950s and 1960s with people “screaming for tickets” to witness the contests he had organised.
Rowe also had complete in his fighters when others wavered.
“Les once matched me up with an ABA champion,” Hiser explained. “I had beaten a guy who had won the ABA title twice.
“His people wanted a rematch in his hometown – I won’t mention his name – and our committee was saying, ‘no, you won’t get the decision there’.
“But Les said, ‘Steve will go and beat him’. And I did.
“He was a great man and one of the best matchmakers in the country in the ‘50s and ‘60s. He used to match up fighters evenly. There were some fantastic contests. There used to be queues out the streets for his shows, people screaming for tickets.
“The atmospheres were electric. He would have all the top amateurs in the country, he had a great reputation.
“He was massively passionate, and we were great friends as well. People used to go down to his house and talk all day long about boxing.
“He was a Bermondsey boy, that’s where his passion came from. He was involved with Fisher Football Club for years as well.
“People like that are pillars of the community.”
Fisher FC tweeted: “It is with deep sadness and regret that we inform you that Fisher FC Legend Les Rowe passed away in the early [hours] of [Tuesday] morning. Our thoughts are with his family and closest friends at this time.
“We will post a full tribute on our website as soon as possible.”
