Leicester’s finest boxing export, Tony Sibson, is still held in high regard by some of the sport’s biggest names. ‘Sibbo’, as he was affectionately known by his army of fans, narrowly lost out to the great Marvin Hagler in a world title fight in 1983. Unbeaten as European and Commonwealth champion, the tenacious middleweight lost just seven bouts in a distinguished 63 fight career.

How did you get into boxing and who had the biggest influence on you?
Tom, Blaby
A mate introduced me to an amateur boxing club. We all sparred with each other and had a laugh. Living in Barwell Street and Martin Street, we had outside toilets without a bath, but the boxing club had a shower. We didn’t have a lot and it kept me off the streets. My dad did everything for me, taking me and other lads to training, watching us until the end. It was a big boost having him about. Also, a guy called Jim Knight, who coached at the boxing club, was my true champion. He was there night after night making sure everything was in place. After Jim, my coach Ken Squires was a big influence.

What was the greatest moment of your career?
Jon B, Leicester
The day after my 21st birthday, I was a mile outsider against an established fighter from London called Frankie Lucas. I got the chance because I sold so many tickets thanks to a great following from Leicester. I was just a bricky’s labourer at the time, taking bricks up and down a ladder all day. I had a couple of weeks off to train and managed to beat him in five rounds to win the Lonsdale Belt. We went at it hammer and tongs for five rounds until I caught him and took him out. The Albert Hall went mental. It was an amazing place to fight and I went on to win the Lonsdale title for a third time there to keep the belt. It’s on my mum and dad’s wall now, dedicated to them, which is beautiful.

You must be really proud of your overall record?
Danny, Loughborough
I had great success and you’ve got to be proud of it. I became British champion, Commonwealth champion at the age of 22 and European champion at 23. I didn’t always rise to the occasion and lost interest quickly, but none of us are perfect. The ones that are can do everything, and I fought one of them… Marvin Hagler.

What are your memories of the Hagler fight?
Stuart, Leicester
Hagler was a truly beautiful man and the complete package. It was a great experience fighting him in America but a daunting prospect because the arena was massive. Everywhere I looked there were film stars and rock stars all there to see me get bashed up. I didn’t disgrace myself, it was six rounds and I got badly cut. Everything that could’ve gone wrong did, but it doesn’t matter because I was still on a great stage with a great man. You need to have that focus and tunnel vision for every fight. When you have that it’s a beautiful thing. Your stomach’s in knots and it’s a fantastic feeling. It’s life or death and all of a sudden you explode and you’re unstoppable. I didn’t always have that and didn’t that night.

A week before I’d enjoyed one of the best moments of my career. I was in Worcester, Massachusetts, sitting with Johnny Cash in his dressing room. I’m a massive music fan so it was great. He was jamming away and chatting to me about the fight. It isn’t just about that one night, it’s the people you meet because of boxing.

How challenging was it to make the move up to Light Heavyweight?
Jen, Narborough
Fighting at Lightweight is something that I dismiss all together. I was frustrated with my life and found the fight totally frustrating from round one. Super middleweight would’ve suited me but it didn’t exist then. If I met the weight on the day of the fight it was great and I’d have almost all of my energy. But, if I didn’t I’d be boiling my weight off, taking the goodness and strength out, which can make you look ordinary.

You can’t dwell on those things or you’ll destroy yourself. I never had that confidence to stand alone, although, I suppose I still got in there and fought. I used to wish that it wasn’t so important to people, but they were sport fans and loved what I was doing. Coming out of Leicester and having that great loyalty from the fans is something any fighter in the world would love, but being a bit shy, it was sometimes too much for me.

Are you still involved in boxing?
Tommy, Whetstone
I didn’t really keep track of boxing when I was fighting. I’d rather go and watch a band or a documentary on an artist. I enjoyed boxing but it wasn’t the be all and end all. I like being at dinner with guys from my era like Frank Bruno and Alan Minter and the newer guys like Steve Collins and Ricky Hatton. I love listening to them and feel blessed that they’re interested in me.

How highly do you rate Rendall Munroe?
Kimberley, Hinckley
Rendall’s doing ever so well. He’s got his feet anchored to the ground and hasn’t got too excited. He has so much stamina, but sometimes needs winding up that little bit quicker. He’s probably taking his time and reading the style of his opponent which is a good thing. I took my time and he’s fighting a bit like that, but when he gets going you can’t stop him, he’s brilliant.

What have you been up to since hanging up your gloves? Do you miss the buzz of a big fight?
Kris, Braunstone
I’ve been involved in the building trade and built a few houses. I don’t like having too much going on, just enough to keep the wolves from the door. I make sure I’ve got time to enjoy my life. I gave my life to boxing so it’s my turn now. You can never replace the buzz of being in the ring, but I didn’t always have that. I would win, but I didn’t always get the pleasure that came from the nights when I would explode, like against John Collins in America.

What does Leicester mean to you?
Ricky, Birmingham
I love Leicester for all the characters that live here. I go into Leicester and see people that have followed me since the old Checketts Road club in Belgrave. I live in Weymouth now, right on the coast as I love sea fishing, but I come to Leicester when I can. Leicester’s doing great at the minute. We’ve got so many gyms, with guys giving up their time night after night to coach young lads and they all deserve a massive pat on the back.