Veteran fighter loses battle against cancer

British boxer Allen Syers (8-3-2, 2 KOs) has lost his battle against cancer. Fighting valiantly against the deadly disease, the lightweight succumbed this week after a stay in the hospital for pneumonia. He first went into the hospital in mid-November to combat pneumonia, but unfortunately the cancer raged on.

Perhaps many of you have never heard of this British lightweight, Allen Syers. In his brief career as a pro boxer (cut short by a work injury), he didn’t achieve the worldwide fame and household name recognition like that of his more famous counterparts through the later years such as Muhammad Ali, Roberto Duran, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, etc. And with his kind and warm personality, he never received notoriety or infamy that controversial fighters have attained in current times like Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and others. But for those in his boxing circle and the locals who knew him well, this is a very sad loss for those in the SoCal boxing circuit and beyond.

I’ve known the former fighter and his wife, Elise, for several years now. Allen originally came from across the pond, hailing from Liverpool, Merseyside but after leaving the United Kingdom, he made his home in Mission Viejo, California. He fought in the ’60s and was a popular fixture at the Olympic; all but one of his pro bouts were fought at the storied Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Allen also faced off against Mando Ramos and the two would become friends after their war on the canvas. Allen even remained close pals with the late Mando’s father Ray. Syers’ last fight took place at the Anaheim Convention Center in 1967.

Since he was from England, during his career the Englishman received a “rock star” moniker from a legend. Syers is from Liverpool and at a gathering last year, he told me that back in the day Jimmy Lennon Sr. would introduce him as “The Beatle”–after the shaggy-haired Fab Four also out of Liverpool. This was in the ’60s and this fair-haired “Beatle” battled at the Olympic several times.

His good friend and former fighter, Rick Farris, also shares some of his thoughts on the career of this Brit who was loved by those who met him through the years.

“He quickly became a popular attraction at the Olympic Auditorium where he fought future lightweight champion, Mando Ramos. Shortly afterwards, Syers career ended when he suffered a work related injury to one of his hands,” Farris explains. “Syers remained friends with many of us in the boxing community and was an active member of the Golden State Boxer’s Association. Ironically, the GSBA was scheduled to present Allen with a lifetime achievement award this coming Saturday at their annual event. We are going to miss Allen Syers, one of the finest men I’ve ever met.”

A shared opinion of many. During his war against cancer, Syers never lost his cheerful disposition nor his sense of humor. He was one of the classiest–and funniest–people I’ve met in the sport of boxing and beyond. I would see him at various Golden State Boxer’s Association, California Boxing Hall of Fame and World Boxing Hall of Fame events where he would happily reminisce with his fellow fighters and greet new fans with a smile.

Just four months ago, I saw him at the fundraising BBQ for the Burbank Boxing Club where Allen shared laughs with other boxing vets like World Boxing Council’s (WBC) Rudy Tellez and ex-prizefighters there including former heavyweight champ Lamon Brewster and former two-time world champ Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon. Syers loved meeting the kids and the youth loved meeting him. Long after his pro career ended, he enjoyed working with amateur boxers.

On this day surrounded by the kids, Syers didn’t let on in regards to his health issues and many in the crowd would’ve been surprised to learn that he was slowly losing the battle against this vicious foe. He will be remembered for his humor and generosity. Allen always donated to the amateur boxing club through the annual prize raffle–and he would always walk away with a couple of prizes too! But true to his nature, he would make sure to pick out something for his wife or his grandkids–never anything for himself.

This Saturday, the Hall of Famer will be honored posthumously at Golden State’s Holiday Luncheon & Awards Ceremony. He and Elise were set to attend the event where Allen would be receiving two distinctions. The dedicated pair always traveled from their South Orange County home, sometimes making the over two-hour trek just to come out and support the sport and the local boxing community. Even after hanging up his gloves decades ago, Allen’s love of the sweet science never wavered.

Now his boxing alums will still bestow the honors to their friend in a bittersweet ceremony this weekend. The first honor Syers will receive is as the recipient of the Don Fraser “Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award” and the second tribute is a special Joe Louis accolade. Boxing trainer/artist Steve Harpst spoke to Allen’s wife on Tuesday. “Elise told me that Allen’s son will be there to accept the award for the family,” said Harpst. “He will be missed; he was always a gentlemen. Pure class.”

And those at this Saturday’s function will be thinking of him. GSBA’s Linda Young told me, “He is being given the ‘Joe Louis Humanitarian Award.'” Linda and her husband, Bill Dempsey Young, visited with Allen during this last illness and met his family from England, who were in the Southland visiting with Syers.

“He fought cancer twice; this was the second time,” Linda tells me today. “He was an amazing, wonderful man. Allen was so caring; he never focused attention on himself. He always thought of others, he had a great heart but was so strong. My husband Bill always would say, ‘Allen is a ‘man’s man!'”

Rick Farris also reveals another memory of this man liked and respected by everybody. Farris, who was an amateur and pro boxer, is also known for his Classic American West Coast Boxing forum online. Rick fought several times at the Olympic as well.

He tells me a great story about Allen Syers, and the essence of who this fighter–and gentleman–truly was.

“Michele, when I was about 12, just before I started boxing, I saw Allen Syers fight a six-rounder at the Olympic in which he scored a first round KO. Before that fight, I waited outside the dressing room area because I used to enjoy seeing the fighters warm up before they came out and made their way down to the ring,” reminisces Rick. “There used to be a guard outside the dressing room area and I’d wait next to him for the fighters to exit. On this night, I waited for Syers to emerge as he was one of my favorites. The fighter noticed me watching him shadow box and waved to me. I waved back and I yelled to him, ‘Good luck, Allen!’ The fighter told the guard to let me in and we talked for a few moments as they tied on his gloves. I then followed him down the aisle to the ring.”

This was Allen’s personality and he stayed humble and kind till his passing early this week.

“That small gesture was a big deal to me at that age, and I never forgot it,” Farris adds. “More than forty years later I reconnected with Allen Syers who was also familiar with my career. We became friends and I will miss him very much. Thank you for taking that photo of us last June. He was just one of those special people that make the world a better place to live.”

It was thoughtful things like this that made Allen special to those fortunate enough to have known him. He will be remembered.

Please keep the Syers family in your thoughts as we clang the bell in a “Ten Count” for the fallen fighter–and friend to many.

Rest in Peace, Allen.

Photos by Michele Chong