By Simon Euan-Smith
I WAS delighted to listen to from member Rob Benson that Brighton EBA’s Summer time Barbecue was very effectively attended – and there have been a number of guests from different Associations. It’s very important that EBAs help each other on this approach – these occasions take loads of organising (on this occasion by the BEBA committee, with further assist from Harry Scott) and it’s so disheartening if the help isn’t there.
Leeds EBA President Allan Richardson was there, and he introduced alongside his novice medals – together with his Commonwealth bronze from 1970 (as a professional, in fact, Allan gained the British featherweight title). Vince Campbell and his accomplice, Lorraine, additionally got here down by practice – it’s a great distance, and this time there have been a number of delays.
However they made the hassle, and it was very a lot appreciated – and Vince was delighted to satisfy Croydon EBA member Trevor Cattouse, and uncover that he had challenged Tom Collins for the British light-heavyweight title (on the Leeds Astoria in Might 1982 – and Collins gained in 4 rounds). The rationale Vince was so happy was that he used to advertise Collins, and Tom used to coach in his cellar.
Different attendees included John Conteh (who “did an incredible job on the public sale,” Rob mentioned), Dwelling Counties EBA Chairman Bob Williams, Michael Watson, Derek Williams, Scott Welch and Tommy Welch, Ross Minter, Paul Fairweather, Man Williamson, Ronnie Davies and Mo Prior.
Effectively carried out to everybody who made it so successful.
The present Scottish EBA publication features a photograph of late Secretary Janice Craig, and a heartfelt tribute from SEBA Vice-Chairman Philip Martin, who describes Janice as “really irreplaceable.” That is true, in fact – but it surely’s equally true, as Philip says, that “we must always now attempt to proceed her legacy as finest we will.” When somebody who has carried out a lot is now not there, it leaves an incredible void – but it surely’s very important that somebody steps as much as the plate and carries on the nice work. The newest SEBA publication is effectively as much as the same old excessive customary.
There’s a captivating article on Norrie Sweeney, now 89, who has been awarded a star on the Buddie Stroll of Fame in Paisley (described as “Paisley’s reply to Hollywood Boulevard”).
It was all the time Norrie’s ambition to have his personal gymnasium, and in 1962 he gained £1,000 on ITV’s Double Your Cash (how many people keep in mind that?). That cash enabled him to do this, and issues simply went from power to power.
His daughter, Kay, mentioned proudly: “The quantity of his boxers which have messaged to say no one’s extra deserving: a lot of them say ‘he was like a second dad to me’ … A few of them have been off the rails and my dad helped to get them heading in the right direction they usually’ll admit that. They’d say ‘if it wasn’t for him I’d be in jail or possibly I wouldn’t be alive.’ So lots of them have mentioned that he actually saved their life.”
Congratulations to Norrie – and to so many others who willingly surrender their time to run these golf equipment and assist so many to do one thing worthwhile with their lives. Boxing typically will get a nasty press – typically, sadly, with good motive. However the quantity of fine it will probably do is large.
The present Mug’s Alley – the Merseyside Former Boxers’ Affiliation publication – features a write-up by ex-pro Robbie Robinson on Andy Holligan, who turned professional after profitable the ABA light-welterweight title in 1987 and gained 27 of 30 contests, 19 inside the gap.
He gained the British and Commonwealth super-lightweight titles, and a Lonsdale Belt outright – however unbeaten WBC champion Julio Cesar Chavez was an excessive amount of, and after a courageous effort Andy retired after 5 rounds. Two fights later he was halted in three by Ross Hale, to lose his titles – however Hale misplaced the titles to Paul ‘Scrap Iron’ Ryan, and Andy halted Ryan in a spherical to turn into champion once more. That’s boxing.