Background
John Lewis Gardner was born on 19 March 1953 in his hometown of Hackney, England.
John Lewis Gardner was born on 19 March 1953 in his hometown of Hackney, England.
A stocky, game, pressure fighter, his speed and aggression made him a marginal top ten contender for the World Heavyweight Title. Gardner was active in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His best arena was really the British and European boxing scene rather than world level
He had an excellent technique and fitness but unfortunately lacked real punch power.
His managers were G. Steene and Terry Lawless. However, he earned his first title shot that year in 1977 when he defeated Denton Ruddock by TKO for the Southern Area British Heavyweight Championship.
Gardner, a contender for the vacant in 1978, defeated Billy Aird by TKO for the title. Gardner then defeated Greg Sorrentini and the useful American contender Mike Koranicki.
Later that year, he vacanted the title and lost a points decision to top contender Jimmy Young over ten rounds.
Gardner defeated Belgium"s Rudy Gauwe by TKO in 1980 for the Vacant Afterwards, Gardner knocked out European rated Italian Lorenzo Zanon in his first title defense in 1980 after five rounds. Gardner, who never lost a title fight during his career, vacanted the title in hopes of a world title. The fighters were scheduled to fight in Hawaii, but Ali backed out of the deal, retiring.
He did however in the late 1970s fight a televised 3 round exhibition with Ali in London.
Ali clearly got the upper hand but it was interesting an a big moment for British fans. In 1981 Gardner traveled to Detroit, Michigan, to fight the fast moving top rated Michael Dokes.
Gardner kept his pace with the undefeated American boxer, and although Gardner had the better fighting record but against lesser opponents, Dokes was in his prime and the Englishman was knocked out after four rounds. Gardner soon retired at age 28, taking a year off but he made an attempted comeback.
He defeated American fringe fighters Ricky James and Lou Benson, Junior before being knocked out in two rounds with Noel Quarless.
Gardner retired in 1983 aged 31, with a record of 39 fights, 35 wins, 29 knockouts, and only 4 losses during his boxing career. Gardner used to own a public in Gateshead, which was subject to an arson attack. Gardner worked for Pitney Bowes selling mailing equipment.
Afterwards, Gardner defended his title against the notorious Paul Sykes in 1979, winning by TKO after six rounds forcing his opponent to back down.