REST IN PEACE

Figures from the boxing world have passed away

BOXING coach at Pinewood Starr, Les Stevens has died after serious illness hospitalised him. He was an ABA heavyweight champion in 1971 and he won the Southern Area title as a professional. Stevens [pictured] was widely respected as a trainer and Pinewood, one of the most successful clubs in the country, has produced a host of champions. Tributes to him were paid across the boxing world, from amateur boxing stalwarts to world champions. Barry Mcguigan said, “Heartbreaking to hear that the lovely Les Stevens RIP has lost his life to this horrible coronavirus. Les was a fantastic man and was one of the main driving forces behind the hugely successful Pinewood Star ABC. My deepest sympathies to his family.”

Richard Williams, a wellliked and well respected figure on the amateur boxing scene, has also died. He held a number of posts on the London circuit. Williams served as assistant secretary to the region and was also secretary of the South East Division. For years he was secretary of Fisher Downside and also acted as a supervisor. He became chairman of the Double Jab amateur boxing club soon after it was founded in 2012, until last year when ill-health meant he had to reduce his involvement. He was also a long-serving member of England Boxing’s membership subcommittee.

“Richard was very calm and well-mannered, hugely respected and had an ability as a professor and lecturer to get on with all kinds of different people,” said Double Jab head coach Mike Harris. “I think what appealed to him more than anything was that it was a world away from his normal working life. But he was one of those people who just loved boxing.

“He was always on hand to help people out and offer them advice whenever they needed it and was regularly at the club to train, which helped with his Parkinson’s.

“I know he tried his hand in the ring himself, so he had a very good understanding of the sport, but it was in his administrative duties and out of the ring that he really excelled.”

Nemesis’ Terry Gillam, who worked with Richard [right] for many years in London, added, “He was a very nice chap – a gentleman. An educated man and a proper boxing man too.”

Mohammed Jeéracks, a young amateur boxer, died this month in a car accident. He was just 18 years old. He had recently signed with Gary Lockett in order to turn professional. Gary said, “[He] had a massive future in the sport. Another young man taken from us far too soon.”