LEBA AWARDS
Williamson, Cheeseman and Boxing News’ Daley among winners, writes Simon Euan-smith
THE London EBA’S Annual Awards Luncheon, held at the Connaught Rooms in Holborn, is always a great afternoon – and this year’s, last Sunday, was no exception.
Master of Ceremonies was Bob Williams – former pro lightweight/superlightweight, currently pro referee and Chairman of Home Counties EBA. Bob did a great job of introducing all the celebrities, but had praise, too, for all those who never won a title, noting “It takes some amazing courage to step into that ring.”
The Mancini Award, for Services to Boxing, went to Mick Williamson – recognised as one of the best cutsmen in the game. (As was Dennie Mancini, in whose memory this award was instituted.) “Many British boxers have had their hands raised as a result of Mick’s skill,” LEBA President Stephen Powell said, citing future world champion Ricky Hatton’s 2000 bout with Jon Thaxton for the vacant British title. Hatton was badly cut early in the fight – but expert work from Mick kept the damage under control, and Ricky went the full 12 rounds to win on points.
The Johnny Kent Trophy, for the Best London Prospect, went to superwelterweight Ted Cheeseman, unbeaten in 13 (including winning English and WBA International titles). Ted is a LEBA member, and frequently attends meetings.
The Alf Paolozzi and Jack Powell Awards are for services to LEBA. The Alf Paolozzi went to Alan Docker, who does a tremendous amount behind the scenes – he doesn’t look for recognition, but he well deserves it. Former Olympian Ronnie Cooper took the Jack Powell – in the citation he was described as a “great supporter,” who always turns up to fund-raising events and regularly visits the sick. It’s rare for Ronnie to be lost for words, but he described himself as “choked” – and echoed the LEBA motto that it’s “nice to belong.”
The Reg Gutteridge Award – for Services to Boxing Media – went to Alex Daley, who writes BN’S Yesterday’s Heroes column. Alex has also written four books, his latest, Born to Box, being an update of his excellent 2011 “Nipper” – the biography of his grandfather, Nipper Pat Daly. He follows names like Hugh Mcivanney, Alan Hubbard, Steve Bunce, Colin Hart and Jeff Powell, and is the first winner to be under 40 years old.
This year, for the first time, we had a Guest of Honour – Frank Warren, IBHOF inductee and LEBA Vice-president. His contribution to LEBA’S cause over the past 40 years was described as “immense.” It was noted how he put on the charity show for Nordoff Robbins every year, with LEBA providing many champions – the event raises hundreds of thousands of pounds. In a short speech of acceptance Frank said “LEBA has been a part of my boxing journey” – and he praised the Association for all it does.
There was a special presentation to LEBA member Peter Cragg. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his winning the Southern Area welterweight title from old rival Chris Jobson. It was their third meeting, with Peter winning all three, but the second was a debatable verdict – but Peter made no mistake in the all-important title clash, winning in 69 seconds. Peter was presented with a replica championship belt – and, thanks to Liam Mccolgan, a special book dealing with his career.
Liam is a member of the Scottish EBA (and chief Board of Control Inspector for the Scottish Area), and generously presented similar books to former world light-heavyweight champion John Conteh and to Barbara O’sullivan and her son Jamie. The latter dealt with the career of Barbara’s late husband, Micky – LEBA’S former Chairman – who passed away recently.
Liam also presented a special belt to LEBA Secretary and Treasurer, Ray Caulfield, commemorating his amateur triumphs as a bantam and featherweight – Western District Champion, Scottish ACF (Army Cadet Force) champion, British ACF champion. “Great surprise,” Ray said the day after. “I’ve always tried to do all I can to help them in Scotland, and Liam said the belt was to thank me for that.”
Other champions in attendance were Charlie Magri, Colin Mcmillan, Barry Jones, Colin Dunne, Billy Schwer and Maurice Hope. And we were delighted to welcome representatives of other EBAS, including Tommy Burling and Raymond Lee from Essex, Robert and Janice Craig from Scotland, Hastings Chairman Dave Harris, Michael Lordan from Home Counties, Brighton PRO Harry Scott, and former British light-heavyweight and heavyweight champion Bunny Johnson, Paul Nutting and Shaun Messer from Central Midlands.
‘IT TAKES SOME AMAZING COURAGE TO STEP IN THE RING’