Boxing World Mourns the Loss of Legendary Journalist Colin Hart
- Renowned boxing journalist Colin Hart dies at 89
- Jeff Powell, longtime friend and colleague, reflects on Hart’s remarkable life
- Hart’s contributions to boxing honored with induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame
Colin Hart’s destiny was to become a boxing writer. Born in pre-war London to a Hebrew family, his father, Nathan, instilled a love for the sport from infancy, constantly recounting tales of Ted “Kid” Lewis and Jack “Kid” Berg.
As Hart often recounted, “I was raised with the firm belief that London’s East End was boxing’s spiritual heartland and that those two Jewish fighters were among the sport’s all-time greats.”
His perspective on boxing legends evolved after completing two years of National Service as a Royal Air Force wireless operator. He began his journalism career in newspapers, starting as a general office assistant. He honed his skills as a news reporter at the Daily Herald before transitioning to The Sun in 1964, initially as night news editor and subsequently as their esteemed boxing correspondent.
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Throughout his distinguished career, Hart developed a deep admiration for boxing icons. Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson became, in his words, “my American idols.” He considered Sugar Ray Leonard to be “the finest boxer I covered, possessing defensive brilliance akin to Mayweather, but unlike Floyd, also a phenomenal offensive talent.” However, he held Muhammad Ali in the highest regard, recognizing his profound impact on the sport, and deemed their “Rumble in the Jungle” clash with George Foreman as “the most incredible event I ever reported.”
Few would dare to challenge Hart’s opinions, a testament to his profound boxing knowledge and unwavering conviction, qualities deeply missed following his passing on Saturday night. His steadfast friendship is as significant a loss as his expertise.
Even the formidable George Foreman once encountered Hart’s characteristic boldness. Prior to his 1974 bout against Ken Norton in Caracas, Venezuela, Foreman instructed Hart to extinguish his cigarette during an interview. Hart’s rejoinder was a simple, “Say please,” which the heavyweight champion duly obliged.
Legendary boxing journalist Colin Hart passed away at 89 after decades covering the sport.
Hart, pictured with Carl Froch in recent years, gained entry into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Hart alongside fellow editor Roger Alton during their time at Oxford University’s student newspaper, Cherwell.
Hart pictured with Frank Warren in February 2022 at the Grand Connaught Rooms.
Hart reflected on his earlier years stating, “I should have listened to him,” after facing a cancer diagnosis some years ago. This health challenge led him to quit smoking and brought a rasp to his voice, yet it never diminished his sharp insights as “The Voice Of Boxing.” This unofficial accolade was further solidified when he became the first British journalist honored with the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence by the Boxing Writers’ Association of America, culminating in his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Beyond boxing, Hart’s journalistic prowess extended to athletics, covering eight Olympic Games. His reporting during the Munich Massacre and Ben Johnson’s infamous drug scandal at the Olympics received widespread acclaim.
“Once a reporter, always a reporter,” he often affirmed, emphasizing the essence of their profession. This commitment was vividly demonstrated in Las Vegas in 1993 when a paraglider descended into the ring during the Evander Holyfield-Riddick Bowe heavyweight championship, causing chaos.
By sunrise the following day, leveraging his vast network of contacts, Hart secured an exclusive interview with the “Fan Man” in the Nevada desert, showcasing his journalistic tenacity.
However, Colin Hart’s legacy extends beyond professional accolades. The boxing fraternity will remember him most fondly for his sagacious advice, his compassionate nature, his humor that enlivened countless press trips, his unwavering integrity, and his generosity towards aspiring journalists. He also cherished theatre, a passion he shared with his beloved wife Cindy and family during frequent West End outings.
His unwavering devotion to West Ham United remained constant, a loyalty that perhaps surpassed even his deep-rooted solidarity with his friends and colleagues. Their final conversation concluded with Hart inquiring about West Ham’s prospects for the upcoming season. “Better than last,” Powell suggested. “Yeah, go on,” Hart chuckled. In a subtle nod to his health battle, he added, “I’ve enjoyed a fantastic life. Thanks to everyone.”
Remembering Colin Hart – a true legend of boxing journalism.