WBC Legend John H Stracey lands a KO hit with new England World Cup anthem
WBC Welterweight boxing legend John H Stracey, famed as much for his melodic voice as for the thunderous left hand that won him a world title, has launched a brand‑new anthem for the England World Cup team — and it’s already proving a knockout with fans.
John H who is managed by Mark Morgan & Hannah Varney of Northamptonshire based Rapture Artist Management were asked by John H if they could become his manager, after hearing the song, they simply could not refuse.
The track, titled “66 All Over Again,” taps into Stracey’s deep personal connection to England’s historic 1966 World Cup triumph. Stracey personally knew several of the heroes from that iconic squad, including Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Gordon Banks. In fact, he, Moore, future West Ham star Trevor Brooking, and rugby great Jason Leonard were all born in Upney Hospital, Barking — a birthplace affectionately dubbed “the Sporty Unit” for its remarkable output of sporting talent.
Stracey’s ties to football run even deeper. During his boxing days at Terry Lawless’ Royal Oak Gym in Canning Town, he and fellow fighters often visited West Ham United, where the club physio would “hammer out” their aches and pains. Before boxing took over his life, Stracey himself was a promising young footballer representing East London.
But music has always been in his blood too. Encouraged by his mother Betty to “tread the boards as well as the canvas,” Stracey developed a strong singing voice that would later become part of his public persona.
A Song 16 Years in the Making
“66 All Over Again” began life more than a decade ago when Stracey wrote the lyrics and collaborated with Gary Murphy, who scored the music. The song sat quietly on the shelf until Stracey performed it for entrepreneur Michael Knight, known for his past interest in purchasing Manchester United. Knight, along with Senol, connected Stracey with Mark Morgan and rising vocalist Starry Ray, who added backing vocals during a recording session in Shepherd’s Bush.
The revived track has quickly gained momentum, resonating with supporters eager for a fresh anthem as England prepare for their latest World Cup campaign.
Eyes on Mexico — Again
Stracey’s connection to Mexico is legendary. It was in Mexico City’s Plaza De Toros in 1975 that he famously defeated José Nápoles to claim the WBC Welterweight Championship. Now, with the World Cup returning to Mexican soil, Stracey hopes the location will once again prove a lucky stage for English glory.
“The lads today have got some real talent,” Stracey said. “If they roar through the first round and show their claws, I’d love to come to Mexico to cheer them on — and sing them on.”
With a champion’s heart, a singer’s soul, and a lifetime of sporting history behind him, John H Stracey is ready to inspire a new generation of England fans — one punchy anthem at a time.