James Cook MBE -A Tribute Plus

From The Heart!

Writing this tribute has been hard. Everyone knew that James Cook was one of my closest friends, and even now, it still feels like I am caught in a nightmare that I am unable to wake up from. I keep hoping I will open my eyes and be able to share a laugh with him again. Seeing the outpouring of love for James on social media is a true reflection of who he was – a deeply caring, selfless man who touched so many lives.

Rather than simply repeat what has already been said about James’s extraordinary character and contributions, I want to share some of the moments from our journey together – memories that shaped a lifelong bond, not just between James and I, but amongst a small group of us who became like brothers.

James and I both attended Bellenden Primary School in Peckham, although he was a few years above me in class with my cousin Greg, and closer in age to my older brothers. I knew of him back then, but he did not know me. Years later, after I had turned professional as a boxer, the South London Press began writing stories about me—I was the new kid on the block. Up until then, names like James Cook, Hughroy Currie, and Lloyd Honeyghan were the ones dominating South London boxing.

One day in October 1987, I remember clearly, as I was preparing to fight John Westgarth. I had just finished a training session at the Thomas A Beckett gym on Old Kent Road. I was resting in the changing room, a towel over my head, sweating out – as boxers do. Then I heard someone asking, out in the gym, “Where’s Derek Williams?”    

Now, to most people, that is just a question. But to a young fighter, and remember I was a South Londoner, born in Brixton and grew up in Peckham, that was someone checking me. I did not like it, plus his tone did not sound friendly. It was too harsh.  I stepped out to meet the challenge and said:

“I am Derek Williams. Why?” a little attitude in my approach and a sting in my tongue.

It was James Cook.

James looked me up and down – I was taller, heavier – his tone suddenly softened. He introduced himself respectfully, and that was the beginning of a friendship that would last a lifetime.

Over the years, James did incredible work in the community, especially with young people. He brought me and a team of other fighters into the Pedro Youth Club as trustees, and through that, we worked to give back in a way that James always believed in.

There were many who came into James’s life over the years, but a small group remained constant: Colin McMillan, Francis Ampofo, Jason Matthews, Julius Francis, Michael Watson, and me. And alongside us, our wives—Sue, Emma, Carmen, Basia, and Diane – who were just as much a part of the bond.

We shared countless memories, including a trip to Florida with a group of former boxing champions to support the Ringside Charity Trust and Children with Cancer. James was a huge part of my personal and professional journey, and we spoke nearly every day, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day. A lot of our conversations were about upcoming events or Pedro Club business. But mostly, we joked, argued, teased each other endlessly – that legendary banter between us was just our way.

But James was also serious when it mattered. Not long ago, I mentioned to him that many older heavyweights were doing exhibition fights for big money. I told him I was in better shape than most, and I had never abused my body with drink or drugs. Without hesitation, James said, “No. You’re not doing it.”

James was firm – he did not want me getting hit in the head again. No matter how much the payday. I felt like a kid being told I could not go outside to play – but that was James. Protective. Loyal. Always looking out for his people.

In September 2024, we were both inducted into the British Boxing Hall of Fame together, and I was just as proud of James receiving his award, as I was of my own. We had become regular guests at so many functions, it felt like a given – if one of us was there, the other was not far behind. People throw around the phrase “ride or die,” but James truly, was mine.

At the end of 2024, James first mentioned to me that he was experiencing some pains and he would be going to see the Doctor to get himself checked out.  In February 2025, James told me he was being tested for cancer. I did not allow myself to believe it could be something serious. My mindset is always positive – glass half full. Even when I went to visit James recently in the hospital, our last conversation was still about the Pedro Club.

Laying there, James was still thinking about how to help others. That is who he was.

James may not be here physically anymore, but he will always live on in my heart and in my mind. His legacy continues with every young life inspired, every community uplifted, and every person who chooses to care the way he did.

As the Pedro Club’s motto says, “You are what you do.” James Cook did what was right – for young people, for the community, and for the future. Now it is up to us to carry that forward – not just in Hackney, but across London, across the country, and around the world. Your legacy lives on.

You put up a good fight James, rest now my brother.