FORMER Olympic and Commonwealth Games boxer George Gilbody has died, aged 70.
A wonderful ambassador for the sport over the years, George had strong links to Warrington’s amateur boxing clubs and an open funeral service to celebrate his life has been confirmed.
Both he and his younger brother Ray fought for Great Britain at the Moscow Olympics in 1980.
Although living in Daresbury, they boxed out of St Helens Star ABC at the time of the Olympics where lightweight George captained the British team and finished equal fifth, losing his quarter-final to East Germany's eventual bronze medallist Richard Nowakowski by decision.
He beat Zambia's Blackson Siukoko by decision in round two after receiving a bye in the first round.
Southport-born George, who spent the rest of his life in Warrington after moving from Newton in 1969, was a multiple British ABA champion in the 1970s and early 1980s – a tough era.
As a featherweight, he won the ABA title in 1974, then after moving up to lightweight, he was the national champion in 1977 and from 1979 to 1981.
George and Ray were the first brothers to win ABA titles in the same year – and they did it twice, in 1979 and 1980.
They also both won gold representing England at the Acropolis Cup in Athens in 1979.
George represented England at the 1978 Commonwealth games in Edmonton.
In all, he boxed for his country on 49 occasions, winning 41 of those bouts and drawing one.
His family believe the 11 national titles he won in total is a record for the 20th century.
He won European Under 21s bronze in 1974 in Kiev, alongside Kirkland Laing and Charlie Magri.
In 1976 George had a disputed loss to Thomas Hearns in an England versus USA tournament.
His last fight, his 195th since starting out as a schoolboy, was in April 1982 against Tony Adams at the ABA’s.
During that time he boxed for Lowe House (St Helens) 1966-67, Raven (Warrington) 1967-68, Lowe House 1968-70, Golden Gloves (Liverpool) 1970-75 and St Helens Star 1975-82.
His dad, who was also a boxer, actually first took him training at Lowe House as a five-year-old.
WATCH AN HOUR OF GEORGE GILBODY'S FIGHTS AND INTERVIEWS:
George never lost touch with the sport after hanging up his gloves, having clocked up 195 fights since his schoolboy days.
He took on a role as an England team manager from 2010 to 2013.
Locally, he trained amateur boxers at Warrington ABC and Leigh ABC, attended many of the town’s club shows, social functions and presentation events, and was an inspiration to up-and-coming boxers in Warrington and neighbouring boroughs.
Hook and Jab Boxing Club posted on their Facebook page: “Everyone at H&J are devastated to hear the passing of Warrington, and boxing, legend George Gilbody. George died unexpectedly, on Friday 31st October.
“George was one of the best amateur boxers this country has ever produced, alongside his brother Ray, they were definitely some of the greats of their era.
“We send our love and condolences to his beautiful family at such a heartbreaking time.”
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George leaves behind sons George, Tony, Matthew and Ben, along with grandchildren Noah, Jessica, Amie and Leo.
Former Newton-le-Willows and Helsby Grammar School student George, who started out as a trainee accountant, was employed in leisure centre and outdoor sports facilities management in Salford.
From 2011 to 2023 he was a personal trainer performing pad routines for people of all ages throughout the Warrington area - something he enjoyed dearly.
A celebration of George’s life will take place as an open service at All Saints Church, Daresbury Lane, Daresbury, on Monday, November 24 at 12.30pm.
This will be followed by a private family service at Walton Lea Crematorium.
Family request mourners to wear smart dress, with a touch of blue if desired.
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