When the Gloves Came Off : The Powerful, Personal Story of Britain's Playboy Boxer

Billy Walker was a British sporting hero - a supremely courageous fighter with film star looks, who became a household name after millions of TV viewers saw him knock out a giant American in less than a minute.

Adored by men and women alike, Billy was the biggest box-office attraction in British boxing history, whose record for the number of successive Wembley sell-outs has never been beaten.

He had a sumptuous home in Belgravia, filled with champagne and fine wines.

He drove top-of-the-range sports cars. And, as one of the most famous faces in the land, he revelled in all the Swinging Sixties had to offer, including the company of beautiful women.When his boxing days were over, after fighting Henry Cooper for the British title, Billy continued to live the way he had fought - fast and furious, with no punches pulled.

He became a millionaire, then nearly went broke. He has been married and divorced twice - and tragically widowed.

Now married for the fourth time, the famous smile is back.Billy's story of his exceptional, exhilarating life - written in collaboration with Robin McGibbon - is an enthralling read. Disarmingly candid, the cheerful Cockney bares his soul, revealing the triumphs and tragedies - in and out of the ring - that he always kept hidden behind the cheery smile.

It is a riveting, uplifting story of an East End kid with an unquenchable lust for fun, who never wanted to fight, but whose bravery and engaging personality made him the richest, most popular, fighter of his generation.Adored by millions, Billy Walker's life outside the ring was as exciting as his fights.

Now he candidly reveals the charm that made him the famous 'Playboy Boxer'.

It is a rags to riches tale full of humour, tragedy and triumph.

This knock-out read is now out in paperback!