He first laced on a pair of boxing gloves at the tender age of 10. Nine years and about a hundred of amateur bouts later he was widely respected and dubbed as the “Wonder Kid” and “Million Dollar Prospect” of Canada’s professional boxing.

     He fought Canadian champions and world contenders and all during this stretch of nearly 140 bouts, he was knocked down only three times – a remarkable record. He checked in as a lightweight on the scales, but in terms of achievement Allan McFater was large as a great promise among Canada’s boxers in the early 1950s.

     In many ways, boxing was Al’s life, first as a competitor and after his retirement as an official and referee. For his achievement and contribution to boxing Al McFater was among the original five to be inducted into the Mississauga Sports Hall of Fame for 1974. He is also an honoured inductee into Canada’s Boxing Hall of Fame. Born in Mimico, Allan James McFater grew up in the Islington area where he was first introduced to boxing. It soon became evident that he was a “natural” in the ring and, as an amateur, fought over a hundred bouts in nine years while tasting defeat only twice.

     He credits his parents for the way they brought him up to face challenges. “I am proud of the work ethics established by my mother and father from the time I was 10 years of age,” he says, explaining that during the Second World War years he and his three brothers were helping out with Canada’s war effort, working on market gardens or delivering groceries.

     After a spectacular amateur boxing career, Allan turned pro in 1949 and soon made his presence felt. One of his fondest memories is his fifth professional fight in 1950 when he won an eight-round decision over Canadian featherweight champion Jean Richard in Montreal. A year later, he defeated the world’s No. 1 contender Orlando Zuleta in a 10- round decision and in 1952, he lost a close decision against the world lightweight champion, Jimmy Carter. McFater’s other top-ranking opponents included Armond Savoie, Arthur King and Solly Cantor – all big names in the boxing world in their time.

     His most memorable achievement came about when McFater neared the end of his professional career in 1955. He became Canadian professional welterweight champion in an elimination tournament. “Tony Percy defeated Johnny Greco and I defeated Tony Percy,” he explains. All in all, in 37 pro fights, he emerged the winner 28 times and suffered defeat only in nine bouts.

     Allan has been living in Mississauga since 1954.