Harry Johns

1911 – 1932

Former NZ Lightweight Champion.

Harry Johns, prominent Auckland sportsman, first-class rugby league player, member of the Richmond Club & former NZ Lightweight boxing champion died from injuries he sustained in a NZ Lightweight title fight at the Auckland Town Hall on Oct 3, 1932, against Archie Hughes. 

Johns was KO’d in the 14th round after sustaining heavy punishment during the later stages of the fight, was counted out on one knee, helped back to his corner he was unable to be revived and was rushed to hospital where he died the following morning.  

It came to light after his death that he had received a bad knock in a rugby league game, Possibles v Probable’s played at Carlaw Park on July 23. A head injury had required stitches and he had bleed from the nose. Shortly after the injury on Aug 5th he fought Ted Oxley in Napier and lost over 15 rounds. Following the loss Johns complained of feeling unwell & was issued with a medical certificate stating that he was not fit to fight. However, it is reported that he continued to play league for his Richmond club & resumed boxing training for his last & fatal bout against Hughes. 

 During the 12 months prior to his death Johns had taken part in a torrid schedule of 15 round bouts, 7 in all. Two, in the space of 4 days late in March, had been against Johnnie Leckie. Followed in August, by the Oxley fight then finally his tragic bout against Archie Hughes 

Harry Valentine Johns died, Oct 4, 1932, aged 21. He WAS buried at Waikumete Cemetery in Auckland. An enormous gathering attended the funeral, many prominent boxers & rugby league players attended including ‘Torpedo’ Billy Murphy & Archie Hughes. After a short gathering in the back garden of the John’s family home, 8 Ariki Street*, Grey Lynn the funeral service was conducted at St David’s Presbyterian Church. Many boxers and footballers walked in front of the cortege & in excess of 70 motor vehicles followed the hearse in a procession estimated to be a mile long. The casket was draped in the Richmond colours of blue and maroon. 

Harry Johns – NZABA Featherweight Titleholder, 1929.  

Awarded the Jameson Belt, 1929. 

NZ Professional Lightweight Champion, Jan 26, 1931 – Oct 3, 1932. 

Ring Record: 12 fights, 7 – 4 – 1

(This included a 3 fight winning series against Johnnie Leckie & a series of 4 against Archie Hughes, tied 2 wins each).

*number 8, Ariki Street was purchased in 2014 by Kiwi Rugby League star, Arwen Guttenbeil and his wife. It was renovated and sold again recently.

** The original, rare, hand-tinted photograph of Johns is from the collection of New Zealand Boxing & Wrestling historian, Dave Cameron.

MP 2023.