In Memory of Gary Mason (1962-2011)

“Gary was a good heavyweight, but he was around at the wrong time, with the likes of Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno. If he was around today he would have dominated the heavyweight division.” 

Promoter Frank Maloney

Last week, boxing fans in the UK suffered a huge loss when former British heavyweight champion Gary Mason was killed in a car accident.

Mason was riding his bike in south London when he was struck by a van. Mason succumbed to multiple internal injuries at the scene. He was 48 years old.

Mason become staple of the UK’s late 80s to early 90s boxing scene. The pinnacle of his career came in January 1989, when he knocked out Hughroy Currie in four rounds.

He strung off six straight victories through early 1991. One of his victims was former heavyweight contender Tyrell Biggs, whom Mason Ko’d in seven rounds. He also successfully defended his British title with a second round TKO of Jess Harding.

In March 1991, Mason lost his title to young a Lennox Lewis in an all-British showdown at Wembley Arena. The seventh round KO would aggravated a nagging eye injury, and effectively ended Mason’s career as a top fighter. He would return briefly in 1994, winning two fights against unheralded opponents before retiring for good. His final career record is 38-1 with 34 KOs.

Beats, Boxing & Mayhem remembers the life and career of Gary Mason. Rest in peace, champ. His signature title win is posted below in its entirety.

PART 1

PART 2