Pat’s Patter Holding Benny’s belt was a real knockout

Every time I visit Canada I meet so many Scottish people now living there.

And what strikes me is that they all have such strong Scottish accents, as well as an unnerving selfbelief that they have been instrumental in building modern-day Canada.

And the names of so many of the towns dotted around this vast country would suggest there is a lot of truth in that.

However, I was surprised to find such a valuable part of our Scottish sporting heritage alive and well when I visited Bramalea Celtic Club in Ontario.

As you can see, I was able to hold the original world boxing championship belt which Benny Lynch fought so hard to win all those years ago.

Bobby Lynch, who is the son of world champion boxer Benny, settled in Toronto decades ago and found a new life for himself and his family.

But at the core of his life is this remarkable belt that his father won against all the odds.

And the care and attention shown to this marvellous piece of Scottish boxing history is worthy of his father’s fantastic achievements.

I do have just a wee pang of regret that the belt is now in Canada and not on public display here in Scotland.

But I suppose, with the number of Scots now living in Canada, it’s the next-best place for it to be.

Sporting history Pat with Benny Lynch’s world boxing championship belt