Someone gave me a number for Lenny, but it transpired that he was writing a book of his own and probably wouldn’t have wanted to be interviewed even if he had been well enough. Most people would make a fuss of little Kelly and Jamie, very recognisable with their bright red hair, because they knew they were the Guv’nor’s children. That said, I’m sure it still goes on, and it’s accompanied by white-collar boxing, which is organised but unlicensed fighting for keen amateurs. He gave me directions, and even offered to stand in his garden until I drove past so I wouldn’t miss the turning.

All in all, a very enjoyable read, if you take it at face value - an autobiography/biography of a working class, minor criminal/ hard man - with a heart of glod as far as family values were concerned. Being a famous figure in unlicensed boxing, McLean made fans as well as enemies, such as the supporters of his boxing rivals and disgruntled punters who had lost money betting on McLean's opponents.Loved this book I would recommend it to anyone who thought Len was a heartless animal who loved violence,instead you get to know a family man who would gladly put himself out to help friends and family despite his tough upbringing a caring man always the Governor.

He served tea in delicate china cups and told me the story of his life, which was fascinating and sad. By sharing the technology that has grown World of Books Group into the business it is today, we're helping charities increase revenue and reduce waste through re-commerce. I have to say I was astonished to learn that he was only 49 when he passed, anytime I saw pictures of him I always thought he was around 20 years older, but then no wonder, looking at the game he was involved in. There was the Time Out cover, a belt presented to him after one of his fights, lots of photographs, even a boxing encyclopaedia that contained his professional record – ten wins achieved under the name of Roy West when he was a young man on the run from prison.

I remember Roy saying that they’d been out to a club a few nights before the fight and got absolutely hammered. In their final bout, McLean ended the feud with a brutal first-round knockout at the Rainbow Theatre in Finsbury Park, London in September 1978. I only wish Lenny had stuck around long for another book, it kind of ends in the middle of his life, and I'm sure there was plenty more memories to be shared. Biography: Lenny McLean, also known as "The Guv'nor," was a British boxer known for being "the hardest man in Britain.