A STATE memorial service for legendary boxer Johnny Famechon will be held this month.
Famechon died on 4 August aged 77. The former world champion featherweight called Frankston home for five decades.
The memorial service for Famechon will take place at Festival Hall, a fitting location for his farewell. Famechon had his first professional fight at the iconic venue, and ended up boxing there on more than 50 occasions.
The crowning achievement of Famechon’s boxing career was his WBC world title win over Jose Legra at Royal Albert Hall in 1969. Famechon’s title defences against Japan’s Fighting Harada cemented his place in sporting folklore.
In 1970 Famechon hung up the gloves. He retired with a 56-5-6 record.
Shortly before his death, Famechon was made a Member of the Order of Australia. He is an inductee of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, the World Boxing Hall of Fame, and a legend in the Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame.
Famechon’s impact was felt among his hometown community as well. He established the Blue Light Boxing Club, and continued to contribute to local boxing clubs after his retirement.
The state memorial service for Johnny Famechon at Festival Hall will take place on 11 October. Doors will open to the public at 5pm, and the event will be livestreamed from 6pm. To access the livestream visit vic.gov.au/john-famechon.