Tributes Flow for Birmingham Boxing Warrior Paul Wesley Who Has Died at 63
The Birmingham boxing community is mourning the loss of one of its true warriors following the death of former professional fighter Paul Wesley at the age of 63. The news, while not entirely unexpected due to Wesley's known health struggles, has sent shockwaves through the Midlands fight scene where he was widely respected as both a formidable competitor and a genuinely decent man.
A Career Filled with Championship Names
Paul Wesley's 16-year professional career, spanning from 1987 to 2003, saw him compete in an impressive 71 bouts against a veritable who's who of British and world boxing. His record reads like a hall of fame roster, featuring encounters with champions including Rod Douglas, Wally Swift Jnr, Neville Brown, Tony Collins, world champion Sumbu Kalambay, Chris Pyatt, Howard Eastman, Harry Simon, and Steve Collins among many others.
Wesley fought for the Midlands title on four separate occasions and challenged for the British light-middleweight championship in 1995, losing a points decision to fellow Brummie Robert McCracken at Aston Villa Leisure Centre with the coveted Lonsdale Belt on the line. He also held a notable one-round victory over future British champion Neville Brown in 1991, though Brown would stop him in a rematch just three months later.
Remembered as Tough but Always Smiling
Those who knew Paul Wesley remember him as the embodiment of an old-school fighter – tough as nails but never surly. Birmingham fight figure Jason Lowe captured this duality perfectly, stating: "Paul was as tough as a backdoor being kicked in by police. He was one of boxing's unsung heroes and a really nice guy. It's a very sad loss."
Tony Swift, former fighter and brother of British champion Wally Swift, recalled sparring sessions with Wesley at Nobby Nobbs' gym: "Paul was always respectful and had a smile on his face." This sentiment was echoed by top trainer Max McCracken, who noted: "Paul was a real nice man and very good fighter, underrated. My brother Rob fought him for the British title in a close fight. He will be missed by a lot of people."
A Fighter Who Faced Anyone, Anywhere
Paul Wesley represented a dying breed in boxing – a competitor willing to face anyone, anywhere, often at short notice. Fight legend Peter Buckley highlighted Wesley's world-class potential, saying: "Watch his fight with Steve Collins – he put up a great fight, he was world class on his day. Always gave a good account of himself."
Former world champion Glenn Catley, who shared the ring with Wesley, remembered their encounter as "one of the toughest contests I ever had." Top Wolverhampton trainer Richie Carter added: "Paul on his night would give a lot of top lads a hard night's graft."
Beyond the Ring
After retiring from boxing, Paul Wesley turned to the car repair trade. His legacy extends beyond the sport through his appearance in the 1997 Daniel Day-Lewis film The Boxer, where he featured on the big screen. Many who saw the film likely didn't realise they were watching one of Birmingham's most respected fighters.
Those familiar with Wesley's career recognise that he operated during an era when Birmingham boxers often found themselves as the away fighter on major promotions, with talent rarely nurtured and odds frequently stacked against them. Guided by trainer Nobby Nobbs, Wesley was never wrapped in cotton wool – he earned every opportunity through sheer determination and skill.
A Fitting Tribute
A tribute night to honour Paul Wesley's life and career will be held at The Digby in Erdington on Saturday, February 14. The gathering will undoubtedly attract many from the boxing community who remember the fighter with both respect and affection – a true Birmingham warrior who faced champions with courage and always wore a smile.
