- Fought six world champions and beat three: Paul Pender, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Joey Giardello.
- Former World middleweight boxing champion.
- Won World Middleweight Boxing Title on July 11, 1961 by knocking out Paul Pender (USA) in 9 rounds at the Empire Pool, Wembley, England.
- Fought three times for the World Middleweight Title and once for the World Lightheavyweight Title.
- Compiled a ring record of 34-9 with 27 wins by knockout, and 6 losses by knockout.
- Won his first fight in 1957 by knockout and lost his last fight in 1964 by knockout.
- Downes was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2012 Birthday Honours, in recognition of his sporting achievements and charity work.
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