SIBSON INDUCTED
Popular middleweight to enter the EBA Hall of Fame
“TONY HONOURED” is the headline in Leicester EBA’S November newsletter – the story being that Tony Sibson, “one of Leicester’s most famous sporting sons,” is to be inducted into the British EBA Hall of Fame (in the ‘Modern Era’ category). The date is September 22 next year, and the venue Orsett Hall Hotel, Orsett, near Southend.
The piece goes on to record that Tony – Leicester’s Vice-president – was “hugely popular” during his career, from 1976 to 1988. His 55-7-1 (31) record included three world title challenges. The big one eluded him, but he won European, British and Commonwealth honours at middleweight, and, to quote from the article, “his name on the bill drew capacity crowds.”
I saw Tony box several times. I certainly recall his win over Croydon’s Frankie Lucas for the vacant British middleweight title, at the Albert Hall in April 1979. Tony won in five rounds (which saddened me, as I was covering for the Croydon Advertiser!) But Tony deserved his win then – and his honour now.
Other inductees are: Pioneer: Jack “Kid” Berg; Posthumous: Joe Erskine, Walter Mcgowan; Early Modern Era: Dave Charnley, Johnny Clark, Paddy Maguire; Modern Era: Duke Mckenzie, Terry Marsh; Amateur Boxer: Chris Finnegan, Ronnie Cooper, Tony Bellew; Professional Trainer: Tony Sims; Amateur Trainer: Joe Lee, Joey Chapman; Services to Boxing: Raymond Lee, Mick Williamson; Manager: Harry Holland; Promoter: Jack Solomons.
What a terrific line-up. Raymond Lee is Essex EBA Secretary, and tickets for the event can be obtained from him – but at time of writing there are very few left. If you’re interested, call Ray on 0780-773-9560.
The Brighton EBA newsletter repeats that (as I recorded recently) the first meeting at the new venue, The Romans, went very well. Chairman Ernie Price writes: “Sixty members turned up, and a great day was had by all … The landlord, Lee, made us most welcome and the food he laid on was excellent. I think we will do very well at The Romans.”
Elsewhere, Secretary Jane Davison records that a party from Brighton attended Croydon EBA’S Luncheon, and thoroughly enjoyed it – but no other EBA attended. As Jane says, if we don’t support other EBAS in our area or nearby, we will lose them – so well done to Brighton, and others, who do make the effort. Brighton are planning to organise a minibus for Home Counties’ Christmas party on Sunday December 16 (entrance £5 per head), so well done on that too. Brighton’s own Christmas party is a
week earlier – December 9. Again, entrance is £5, and there will be a disco and karaoke, raffle and auction.
Talking of Croydon, this month’s meeting (this Sunday, November 25) is the AGM – so if anyone wants to stand for the Committee, or propose a motion, please contact me as Secretary. Usual venue – The Orchard, Cherry Orchard Road, starting at 11 o’clock.
Liverpool has a proud boxing history. I’ve great memories of covering shows at the famous Liverpool Stadium in the 70s and 80s, watching champions of the calibre of John Conteh, Joey Singleton, Pat Mccormack and Clinton Mckenzie.
One associates Anfield Stadium with football rather than boxing – but a fascinating article in Mug’s Alley (the Merseyside Former Boxers’ Association newsletter) records that major promotions were held there between 1931 and 1949, promoted by the legendary Johnny Best.
The first show, on October 1 1931, featured the return between Johnny Cuthbert and Nel Tarleton for the former’s British featherweight title. The previous year, at the original Liverpool Stadium in Pudsey Street (subsequently demolished), Cuthbert had retained with a draw. Best secured the rematch, but had no suitable venue – until Ernest “Bee” Edwards of the Liverpool Echo suggested he approach the directors of Liverpool Football Club. Reluctant at first, they were finally persuaded – and that promotion (which saw Tarleton win the title on points) led to a great run, featuring several Liverpool favourites.