John Famechon won his first professional boxing title on 22nd May 1964 in Melbourne to become Victorian Featherweight Champion. John then went on to become Australian Featherweight Champion after defeating Ollie Taylor in Melbourne on the 18th September 1964. The next step in John's career was to have a crack at the British Commonwealth Title holder and successfully took the title from John O'Brien in front of yet another home crowd with a knock-out in 11th round of the fight. The next challenge for John was to reach his ultimate dream and become World Featherweight Champion. The World Title fight was staged in London on January 29th, 1969. He won the World Title from Jose Legra on points in the 15th round in his 58th fight. A far cry from today, where championships are won in a boxer's third, seventh or ninth fight. When Johnny won his title there were only eight champions from flyweight through to heavyweight. There were no competing boxing organisations handing out championships as there are today. He was the one and only Featherweight Champion of the World.

John Famechon was on the verge of having the chance to enjoy the life that he had worked so hard to achieve. Then, while in Sydney supporting his mate Lionel Rose at the former Bantamweight champion's book launch, he decided to have a workout and run back to his hotel. It was 4.30 pm on August 24th, 1991, and while crossing the road John was struck by a car and life was virtually taken from him. He was in a coma for a week before he woke. John is now partly paralysed down his left side, his speech is impaired and they thought that he would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair, but the determination and courage that made him world champion has now seen him be able to get around with only the help a walking frame. He is a fighter and is still fighting. When John speaks at sports dinners or awards the audience listen with an intensity rarely experienced, and his story of life has certainly motivated many to achieve things they once thought impossible.