Knock Out Blow
Join us for an evening of art and discussion dedicated to the life and legacy of Len Johnson— Britain’s uncrowned boxing champion, dedicated local activist, and revered Manchester legend. The event will feature live music, poetry, an interactive play, archive photos of Len, and an exhibition, followed by a thought-provoking discussion on Johnson’s life and legacy.
Featured Event: A Performance by Odd Arts:
“Knock Out Blow,” a play by Odd Arts, tours schools and community groups across the Northwest. Odd Arts uses this piece of theatre to challenge racial discrimination, celebrate positive role models, and celebrate our collective history. This play on Len Johnson’s life has already reached approximately 5,000 young people, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation.
A Campaign for Justice: Erecting a Statue in Honor of Len Johnson
In addition to celebrating Len Johnson’s life, we are spearheading a campaign to erect a statue in his honor in Manchester City Centre. Despite being denied the right to compete for the British title due to a racist policy that required boxers to be born to two white parents, Johnson’s legacy as a fighter for racial equality continued outside of the boxing ring.
The campaign is supported by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and current and former boxing champions such as Anthony Joshua, Ricky Hatton, Carl Frampton, Ant Crolla, Tony Bellew, Natasha Jonas, and Amir Khan.
The event will also feature a panel discussion with campaign leaders, offering a unique opportunity for a Q&A session with the artist Taslim Martin, who has been commissioned to create the statue of Len Johnson. Local artist Griot Gabriel will provide live poetry, whilst local artists and Rootz will end the night with some live music.
Manchester is a city that loves its sporting heroes, and Len Johnson is a true unsung hero whose achievements both inside and outside the ring continue to inspire. Our goal is to make Len Johnson a household name in Manchester and eventually across the UK.
Free – book tickets here
