Johnny Butterworth (1932–2014) was a prominent professional lightweight boxer from Rochdale, England, active during the 1950s. Known by the nickname the "Baby Face Rochdale Thunderbolt," he was a central figure in his hometown's boxing history and achieved significant success on the regional and international stage. 

Boxing Career and Achievements

Butterworth competed as a professional from 1951 to 1960, participating in 55 bouts. 

• Central Area Lightweight Champion: His most notable achievement was winning the Central Area Lightweight title in 1953 by defeating Tom Bailey.
• Victories over British Champions: He notably defeated the British Lightweight Champion Joe Lucy twice in non-title fights, though he was famously never granted a shot at Lucy's British title.
• International Experience: He was a globetrotting fighter, competing in France, Australia, and California. During his time in Australia, he defeated the highly-regarded George Bracken.
• Amateur Success: Before turning professional, he was the first amateur from Rochdale to win a Northern Counties title and secured a National Boys Club title in 1950. 

Legacy and Personal Life

After retiring from boxing, Butterworth returned to Rochdale. He was remembered as a "larger than life" character and a gifted storyteller. www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk +3

• Passing: He died on 17 December 2014, at the age of 82, while living at Marland Court Residential Home.
• Commemorations: Since his death, there have been local petitions for a blue plaque in his honour near Hollingworth Lake, where he used to train.
• Tributes: Hamer Amateur Boxing Club, where he trained as a youth, has worked to preserve his legacy by commissioning a replica of the Central Area title belt for his family, as he never received a physical belt during his career.

(Stef Roczniak- Website Admin & Interim Chairman)