By Simon Euan-Smith
MY due to Welsh EBA Vice-Chairman and Treasurer Wynford Jones for a complete report on this yr’s British Ex-Boxers’ Corridor of Fame, held on the Mercure Holland Home Resort in Cardiff. A crowd of just about 400 turned out to get pleasure from a “particular and actually memorable” afternoon, put collectively by Chairman Kevin Hayde, Wynford, Secretary Cyril Thomas and committee member Dave Furnish – and there was a heat reception for every of the inductees and/or their respective households and pals.
Mickey Carter was offered along with his Novice Boxer award by John H Stracey, MBE, his teammate from the 1968 Mexico Olympics, whereas Clinton McKenzie was offered along with his Trendy Period award by Colin Jones, MBE, considered one of his teammates on the Montreal Olympics in 1976. Clinton additionally loved a particular rendition of Completely happy Birthday (he turned 69 on Sunday, September 15).
President of the Corridor of Fame, John Conteh, MBE offered James Prepare dinner, MBE along with his Trendy Period award, whereas in the identical class there was large help for Anthony Crolla and Derek Williams.
The households of David Pearce (Posthumous), Dai Dower, MBE (Trendy Period), Dave Coldwell (Supervisor) and Alan Smith (Skilled Coach) had been there in power – and, says Wynford, “it was nice to see Harold Alderman, MBE and Miles Templeton (Lifetime Companies to Boxing) honoured for his or her immense contribution to the game.” Promoter Mark Neilson was offered along with his award by Nicky Piper, MBE.
Essex EBA Chairman Tommy Burling and Leeds stalwart Vince Campbell (each Lifetime Companies to EBAs) had been described as “in style recipients.” Lewis van Poetsch, who has now begun a brand new profession as a professional referee, was the inductee within the 100 Plus class.
“Different inductees,” Wynford mentioned, “included the late, nice Tommy Farr [Pioneer], Carl Frampton, MBE [Modern Era] and [Central (Midlands) EBA Secretary] Paul Nutting [Lifetime Services to EBAs], who had been sadly unable to hitch us, whereas there was extra beginner illustration with the induction of Roy Williams [Boxer] and Freddie Barr [Trainer].
“The induction of the late Karen Knight [Lifetime Services to EBAs], who won’t ever get replaced, proved to be extraordinarily emotional and was greeted by a standing ovation which husband Terry discovered extraordinarily shifting.
“The ultimate award, the Braveness Award, went to Mark Goult. Once more, this proved to be a massively shifting second and was greeted by one other standing ovation as he was offered along with his award by Corridor of Fame [and Hastings EBA] Chairman, Dave Harris.”
I’m delighted it went so effectively. When Dave Harris first mooted the thought of a British Corridor of Fame some folks doubted it might come off – however it actually has.
Some unhappy information from Wales – I used to be sorry to listen to of the loss of life of former Mountain Ash welter Phil Williams. He was 86.
Phil had 10 professional bouts between 1958 and 1960, profitable the primary 4 (three inside-schedule) however dropping the remainder. In February 1959 he went the complete eight rounds with the late Wally Swift, who seven months later gained the Midlands Space welter title and went on to turn out to be British champion at each welter and middleweight.
Phil’s final bout was his just one in Wales – a seventh-round cuts loss to Neville Axford in Carmarthen in March 1960.
My condolences to Phil’s household and pals.
No-one can go on for ever, and within the newest Leeds EBA publication Secretary/Treasurer Paul Abrahams writes: “After 15 years I’m stepping down from my roles within the Leeds Ex-Boxers’ Affiliation. I nonetheless hope to attend some conferences and occasions sooner or later and want to thank everybody throughout the boxing household for the help and encouragement over the previous decade and a half.”
Paul invitations anybody thinking about taking up the function as Publication compiler to let the committee know. I hope somebody comes ahead – Paul’s executed an awesome job through the years, and it might be an actual disgrace if the Publication had been to discontinue (as has occurred with another EBAs).
