THE FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL
“ON the ropes … but still standing and battling on.”
That’s the defiant opening paragraph of the current Leicester EBA newsletter. No meetings for the foreseeable future, but the intention is (as with so many EBAS) to keep producing the monthly newsletter, reaching out to members that way. Anyone with news and views is encouraged to contact Secretary Alan Parr, e-mail alan.parr3@ btinternet.com
I’ve been glad to see how EBAS have been keeping going with their newsletters – so important while we’re in lockdown.
Leicester’s Down Memory Lane section recalls successes for two former Belgrave ABC boxers in the pro ranks. On April 10 1979 – the day after his 21st birthday – Tony Sibson won the vacant British middleweight title, halting Croydon’s Frankie Lucas in five rounds at the
Albert Hall. Sibson would go on to win a Lonsdale Belt outright and also capture Commonwealth and European titles – and take part in three world title contests.
On November 22 1983 Tony Mckenzie made a winning pro debut, halting Albert Buchanan in three rounds at Wolverhampton. Mckenzie went on to win the vacant British super-lightweight title, beating former champion Clinton Mckenzie (no relation) in three rounds. Tony would lose the title to Lloyd Christie – who in turn lost it to Clinton Mckenzie! That’s boxing.
There’s also an extract from the April 2011 newsletter, reporting that a party from Leicester attended Northampton EBA’S 30th anniversary celebration. “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we had a good sing-song on the bus coming home.” Sadly Northampton has since folded – but the piece reports that Brighton, Ipswich,
Home Counties and Croydon EBAS were all represented, and all are still going.
Hone Counties EBA has a similarly positive attitude in their newsletter. “Although it is unfortunate we have to cancel meetings, health is wealth and staying in is a must in these troubling times.
“If any of our members require any help at all, getting groceries or picking up prescriptions etc etc, please do not hesitate to contact one of [the committee].”
That last bit is so important. Many EBA members are in the vulnerable category – over 70 – and offers of help will be very much appreciated. It’s also cheering to know you’re not forgotten – so if you know someone who is self-isolating, and is on his or her own, why not give them a call? A friendly voice in these difficult times is a real tonic.
On the “Where are they now?” trail
I’ve been contacted by reader John Gray, who writes: “I’ve always wondered what happened to Sammy Mcspadden, a Scot who fought out of Fulham in the early 1960s. He was a very active and entertaining fighter with a name that was hard to forget!”
Mcspadden was born on May 16, 1941 in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire – birthplace of two fine flyweight champions, Walter Mcgowan and John Mccluskey. He boxed professionally (at welter) from 1960 to 1966, wining 27 and drawing one of 38.
He was a regular on the London smallhall circuit, twice outscoring the late Vic Andreetti - later British junior-welterweight (now super-lightweight) champion – at Shoreditch Town Hall. He also outpointed future British lightweight champion Maurice Cullen (also sadly passed on). Cullen was a very fine boxer, so to get a verdict over him was a real achievement.
In November 1965 Sammy challenged Welshman Brian Curvis (high in the world rankings) for the British and Empire (now Commonwealth) titles, but was halted in 12 rounds – and in October 1966 he announced his retirement following a sixth-round stoppage by West Ham’s Ralph Charles, later to become British, Commonwealth and European champion.
I contacted Scottish EBA Secretary Janice Craig, who told me Sammy’s not a member but promised to make enquiries. If Sammy, or anyone who knows him, reads this, please get in touch. And please keep those newsletters and e-mails coming. EBAS are keeping going during these difficult times, and so is this column!
EMAIL simonoldtimers@googlemail.com with your ex-boxer association news.