An Article from This Is Lancashire web site

I FOUGHT FOR THE KRAYS

First published on Thursday 31 August 2000

A Former British boxing champion from East Lancashire today spoke for the first time about how he believes he was controlled by notorious East End gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray.

Des Rea, who became British Junior Welterweight champion in 1968, told how the twins promised him a shot at the European title and a world title eliminator -- promises which were fulfilled.

Des, 56, of Edgeside, Great Harwood, revealed details of his meeting with the brothers in the wake of the announcement that Reggie, now 66, was granted compassionate parole at the weekend because he is dying of cancer -- a decision he backs.

He said that he does not know to this day whether "The Firm", who ruled London's underworld in the 1960s, were his backers or managers.

He said: "I think Reggie should have been released years ago. You can't go round murdering people but he was sentenced to 30 years for killing a fellow gangster and he served 32. He has served his time and it is only right that he has been let out."

"I met Reggie, along with Ronnie, for two or three minutes in 1967 and they said they were behind me every inch of the way, which were the words I wanted to hear.

"They gave me £5, which was a hell of a lot of money in those days. I didn't know who they were but they were all dressed up and I thought they had to be gentlemen.

"They predicted they would get me a British title fight, a European title fight and a world title eliminator. Five weeks later it was announced I would fight Micky Laud in a British title eliminator which I won.

"Then a British title fight was announced against Vic Andreetti in Bethnal Green in their part of the world but I don't know if they were involved. I won in controversy -- the ref said I won by two points but the media said I won by half a point."

Born in Belfast but raised in Liverpool, Des turned professional in 1964 when he was 20 and boxed around the globe for 10 years.

He won the British title when he was 24 and was the first-ever champion at the 10 stone junior welterweight division, which he held for a year. Des never fought for a world title but fought for a European title in 1968 against Bruno Arcadia, being stopped in the sixth round. He said his toughest fight was a world title eliminator against American Jose Napolese the following year. He lost the fight but earned his highest pay packet of £3,500.

"Then came a fight in 1969 against Paul Armstead, who had been brought in from America, and 10 years later I heard the Krays had paid money up front to get him over," said Des. "It was a terrible fight in Cardiff and I ended up losing."

He went on: "The Krays predicted I would get those fights when I met them and I did. They sent me a telegram before the Napolese and Arcadia fights. I am sure they were behind me but whether they managed me I will never know. Mac Williams was my official manager but it was so confusing and no one knew what really went on."

Reggie was jailed in 1969, along with Ronnie, for the murders of fellow gangsters George Cornell and Jack McVite.

Ronnie, a schizophrenic, died of a heart attack in Broadmoor hospital in 1995, aged 62.