Mac Joachim

Born as Macketich Hovakimian, Mac Joachim was the son of an Armenian who settled in India and became a wrestler. As a schoolboy he played rugby, cricket and hockey for his school but excelled at boxing. After leaving school he worked as a clerk for the US Army and later as a sergeant in the Calcutta Police Force. In 1948 he was chosen to fight for India in the light-heavyweight division but lost his opening bout on the judges’ decision.

Joachim settled in England where he pursued a career as a professional career boxer. Initially he campaigned with little success against much more experienced opposition but his record soon improved and he had won four fights in a row before facing Reg Spring in March 1951. Although he won the fight he suffered a severe injury which ended his career and eventually resulted in the loss of his sight in his left eye.