Australian icon Jeff Fenech says boxing legend Johnny Famechon was a phenomenal fighter who always had time for people outside the ring.

Former world champion Famechon, who won 56 of his 67 professional fights before retiring from boxing aged just 25, died overnight at the age of 77.

“He was one of those guys who every year would send you a Christmas card, always having jokes and full of laughs,” Fenech told Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast.

Born in Paris, he migrated to Australia at the age of five and went on to win a world title in 1969 in a short but stunning professional career, becoming Lineal and WBC featherweight champion after defeating Cuban José Legrá on points at the Albert Hall in London.

He defended his title against Fighting Harada of Japan in a controversial points decision and then in the rematch in Japan six months later, Famechon decisively won by knocking Harada out in the 14th round in his most famous win.

His life was turned around in 1991 when he was hit by a car in Sydney. The incident caused a stroke and resulted in an acquired brain injury.

LISTEN 👇 to Fenech remember the man who was Johnny Famechon