Australian boxing legend Johnny Famechon has died in Melbourne, officers reported. He was 77.

The Activity Australia Hall of Fame declared the former boxing entire world champion's loss of life on Thursday in a statement that also acknowledged his contribution to the activity.

"Johnny Famechon was one particular of the most well-known Australian boxers of all time," Activity Australia Corridor of Fame chairman John Bertrand explained. "Johnny was our humble, skillful world winner, exhibiting the essence of how we see our heroes. He was explained as poetry in movement, a master craftsman."

He turned champion of the planet in January 1969 soon after emerging victorious in a hard-fought contest at Albert Corridor in London around Cuban Jose Legra.

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Born Jean-Pierre Famechon in 1945, he moved to Australia from France with his family at the age of five.

Famechon was thrust into stardom at a young age, remaining the son of Andre, a French lightweight winner. His Uncle Ray was also a French and European featherweight winner. And the youthful boxer rapidly acquired his personal title.

He started boxing professionally in June 1961 and in no way had an newbie debut. 

Famechon dropped that debut combat. His to start with major get and very first title did not appear for 3 yrs.

In 1964, at the age of 19, Famechon defeated Les Dunn for the Victorian featherweight title. Afterwards that very same calendar year, he triumphed about Ollie Taylor, profitable the countrywide title.

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Right after winning the globe championship in January, Famechon went on to protect the title towards Japanese superstar Fighting Harada in July 1969 at Sydney Stadium. The bout finished with some controversy, nonetheless, as it was at first declared a draw but referee Willie Pep awarded it for Famechon.

Any controversy was put to rest when Famechon knocked out Harada through the 14th spherical of their rematch in Tokyo, just 6 months later on.

The Australian retired from boxing just after failing to defend his title in a match with Mexican Vicente Saldivar. He missing the shut contest in London in May well 1970. He did not struggle once again.  

Famechon retired at age 24 with a experienced record of 56 wins — 20 by knockout — six draws and 5 losses.

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He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985, the Planet Boxing Corridor of Fame in 1997, and the Australian Boxing Corridor of Fame in 2003. 

Later in lifestyle, Famechon was hit by a motor vehicle, which caused a intense brain injury. The 1991 incident brought about him to continue being in a coma for 10 times but the boxer received that struggle too, regaining consciousness and battling back again from his injuries. 

His recovery deepened the admiration of his supporters.

Jeff Fenech, a 3-time environment champion and boxing Hall of Famer claimed what Famechon "did in the sport and what he did after it, it is second to none, it is famous," Boxing Junkie documented.

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"He was gorgeous to look at, just so skillful. He was like Floyd Mayweather, one of those men who hit and hardly ever got strike," he added.

The contributed to this report.