Equipment…” – Eddie Marshall

he has judged and refereed 164 world title fights and met Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Don King, Evander Holyfield and a host of other boxing celebrities. The 62-year-old was also named as the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Official of the Year in 2014 and served on the organisation’s executive committee.

But while he may have officiated in more world title fights than most people have seen, and met the rich and famous as part of the sport’s glitzy upper echelon, it’s clear that Marshall’s true passion lies in coaching.

The wet and cold weather meant only a handful of club members joined Storm at that Monday training session, but that made no difference to Eddie and Marlin, Marshall’s son and assistant coach.

Members pay just R50 a month to help cover the cost of using the facility, meaning the pair receives no payment for the time and effort they put in.

“I do it to keep the youngsters off the streets,” Marshall said. “We’re not making money at all. We’re doing this just to plow back because of what the sport has given to me.

“We are not here to make money, but the facility has to be paid for and that is a bit difficult. We are struggling to make ends meet, but we do and we carry on.

“As for the R50, it’s maybe only two or three that actually pay. Those who cannot afford to pay are still welcome. We don’t chase them away. We keep them here.

“Some of these youngsters don’t work. They are unemployed and some don’t even