Len Wickwar was a British boxer who fought between 1928 and 1947, mostly as a lightweight. He holds the record for the most verified professional fights in boxing history, with 473 bouts and 4,020 rounds in his 19-year career. He also fought more times in one year than any other boxer, with 58 fights in 1934. But how did this prolific fighter die, and what was his legacy in the sport?
## The Cause of Death of Len Wickwar
Len Wickwar died on June 1, 1980, at the age of 69, in Leicester, England. According to Wikipedia[^1^][1], he died from bone cancer, which is a type of cancer that affects the cells that make up the bones. Bone cancer can cause pain, swelling, fractures, and other symptoms. It can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or the liver.
Bone cancer is not very common, and it is not clear what causes it. Some possible risk factors include genetic disorders, exposure to radiation, and previous bone diseases. However, many people who develop bone cancer do not have any known risk factors. The treatment for bone cancer depends on the type, stage, location, and size of the tumor, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.
## The Career and Legacy of Len Wickwar
Len Wickwar was born on March 11, 1911, in Leicester, England. He started boxing at the age of 17, and made his professional debut on October 23, 1928, at flyweight. He was discovered by manager George Biddles, who also managed featherweight Tish Marsden. Wickwar fought in small clubs, often fighting up to three times in one night. He was known for his durability, stamina, and willingness to take on any opponent.
Wickwar fought mostly as a lightweight, but he also competed in other weight classes, such as flyweight, bantamweight, and welterweight. He faced some of the best fighters of his era, such as Jimmy Walsh, Eric Boon, Dave Crowley, and Jack Kid Berg. He never won a major title, but he was an official contender for the British lightweight title in 1938. He also beat the British lightweight champion Jimmy Walsh in a non-title fight in 1937.
Wickwar’s boxing career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the Royal Air Force. He returned to the ring after the war, but only fought four more times before retiring in 1947. His final record was 342 wins (93 by knockout), 86 losses, 43 draws, and 2 no contests. He is widely regarded as one of the most active and prolific boxers of all time, and his record is unlikely to be broken.
After retiring from boxing, Wickwar lived in the New Parks area of Leicester and worked as a packer and labourer for a local company. He died on the same day as his former manager Tish Marsden, on June 1, 1980. He was survived by his wife and four children. He is remembered as a legend of British boxing, and a symbol of courage and perseverance.
