Sid was one of the most remarkable Australian prize-fighters in post-war years. As an amateur he was the NSW, Australian, and Australasian light-welterweight champion and represented Australia at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
Prior lost only 1 fight in 16 as a professional and dramatically retired after appearing certain to win the Australian Welterweight championship.
- Status: Pending1960Rome Olympics
Beginnings
Sid was educated in the district as his formative years from 1943 to 1960 were spent at Noble Avenue, Bankstown. Sid quickly moved through the amateur ranks and by 1959 was the Australian Amateur Light Welterweight Champion. At 17 years of age he was the youngest member of the Australian Rome Olympic Squad. He won 73 of 87 amateur fights and was never stopped.
Achievements
Prior turned professional in 1961, he fought a main event in his debut and won by a knockout. Within his first year he had 9 ‘main event' fights and would win every one. Creating history by stopping his first 7 opponents. In 1962 Prior won the Australian welterweight title and dropped a widely argued ‘points' decision to American Willie ‘Pineapple' Stevenson.
Post Representation
Sid retired in 1962 to concentrate on his butcher's business. In Sydney from 1970 1979 he would coach Steve Gossen, Featherweight boxer who reached NSW division. He relocated to the Southern Highlands and became a Meat Inspector.