Boxing legend Johnny Famechon dead at 77: 'He was like Floyd Mayweather'

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Australian boxing legend Johnny Famechon has died in Melbourne, officials said. He was 77.

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame announced the former boxing world champion's death on Thursday in a statement that also recognized his contribution to the sport.

"Johnny Famechon was one of the most popular Australian boxers of all time," Sport Australia Hall of Fame chairman John Bertrand said. "Johnny was our humble, skillful world champion, showing the essence of how we see our heroes. He was described as poetry in motion, a master craftsman."

He became champion of the world in January 1969 after emerging victorious in a hard-fought contest at Albert Hall in London over Cuban Jose Legra.

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Johnny Famechon, left, boxes Jose Legra, right, during their World Featherweight Title fight, at the Royal Albert Hall, London, on Jan. 21, 1969. (AP Photo/Frank Tewkesbury, File)

Fighting Harada is knocked through ropes by defending champ Johnny Famechon of Australia in the 14th round of their world featherweight title bout.  (Getty Images)

Born Jean-Pierre Famechon in 1945, he moved to Australia from France with his family at the age of five.

Famechon was thrust into stardom at a young age, being the son of Andre, a French lightweight champion. His Uncle Ray was also a French and European featherweight champion. And the young boxer quickly earned his own title.

He started boxing professionally in June 1961 and never had an amateur debut. 

Famechon lost that debut fight. His first major win and first title did not come for three years.

In 1964, at the age of 19, Famechon defeated Les Dunn