Petition launched for blue plaque for boxer Johnny Butterworth

A petition has been launched to honour Rochdale boxer Johnny Butterworth with blue plaque.

The blue plaque, which is a heritage symbol used to commemorate a link between a location and a famous person or event, would be in memory of the boxer who died in December at the age of 82.

Johnny, who was raised by nuns in a home near Hamer, was a lightweight boxing champion who fought all over the world. He started fighting at Belle Vue in Manchester and had a professional career lasting 55 fights and nine years.

He was the first amateur boxer from Rochdale to win a Northern Cities title and in 1950 he won a National Boys Club title fighting out of Hamer Boxing Club before becoming a Central Area Champion and defeating British title holder Joe Lucy.

He returned to Rochdale when his career ended and lived latterly at Marland Court Residential Home.

Fans of the boxer are now calling for a plaque to be installed near to Hollingworth Lake where Johnny would regularly run as part of his training.

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has supported the call for the plaque and said: “I'm a big believer in celebrating our sportsmen and women, as sport is a huge source of inspiration for many. Several people have come to see me to say that Johnny should be honoured in Rochdale and I think a blue plaque would be a fitting tribute to someone that was clearly very popular in the town. He was a great local character and I know he inspired many youngsters at Hamer Youth Club.

"Johnny Butterworth's achievements are a lesson to other youngsters, showing that if they work hard for what they believe in they too can be successful."

Mark Robinson, Head of Planning at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “If somebody would like to formally request a blue plaque in honour of Johnny Butterworth, the council will be happy to consider it in due course.”

The petition can be signed at Littleborough Library.