Colin Edward Power, a prominent British light welterweight boxer of the late 1970s and early 1980s, is remembered largely for his intense rivalry with fellow Londoner Clinton McKenzie. Their series of matches in 1979, particularly for the British light welterweight title, were widely acclaimed and have been recognized among the best fights of that era by boxing analysts.

Born in 1956 in Paddington, west London, Power was the son of Nicholas Power, a World War II gunner, and Kathleen Power, a home help. He attended St James’ High School in Edgware. As an amateur, Power claimed a northwest London divisional title in 1975 but lost in the finals to Graham Moughton. He turned professional shortly afterward, quickly gaining attention for his aggressive, crowd-pleasing style and a strong record of eight consecutive wins. Early in his career, he was often billed as “Powers,” a variation of his surname, which he did not contest despite official corrections.

Power’s rivalry with Clinton McKenzie, who had represented Britain at the 1976 Olympics and was also from London, became a defining feature of his career. The two had met twice as amateurs, with McKenzie winning on both occasions. Their first professional encounter took place in March 1977 at the Hilton Hotel in Mayfair, where Power dominated McKenzie with a knockout in the second round. Power described his eagerness to face McKenzie, telling his manager he wanted no one else as a rival.

In October 1977, Power claimed the vacant British light welterweight title at York Hall in east London, knocking down Des Morrison three times before the fight was stopped in the tenth round. He successfully defended the title against Steve Walker and later won the European title by defeating Jean-Baptiste Piedvache of France, although he controversially lost the European belt to Fernando Sanchez of Spain in a challenging bout.

Power and McKenzie met again in 1979 at Wembley Conference Centre. Power retained the British title and secured the Lonsdale belt outright in a close 15-round fight marked by intense exchanges. McKenzie recalled his struggle to overcome Power’s effective jab and noted the physical toll the fight took on both men. Later that year, McKenzie finally defeated Power in another tightly contested match, which appeared to have a decisive impact on Power’s career trajectory.

Following a loss to Sylvester “the Master Blaster” Mittee in early 1980, Power initially retired at just 24 years old. He later returned to the ring, achieving five victories with less media attention before a defeat to the younger Lloyd Christie in 1983 at Alexandra Palace led to his final retirement. Power’s professional record stood at 28 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw.

Despite their rivalry, McKenzie spoke of Power with respect, describing him as a strong-minded and decent individual who led a private life and largely disappeared from the boxing world after retiring. Power, who was married to Ellen Doody—whom he met as a teenager—and father to a son, Simon, who works in a cancer hospital, avoided boxing reunions and lost contact with former colleagues after his retirement.

Their rivalry, along with competition involving Des Morrison, remains a memorable chapter in British light welterweight boxing history, with McKenzie noting the lasting impression Power left in the sport.