THE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS
As restrictions ease, we must continue to be vigilant
I HAD a thought-provoking email from Home Counties EBA Chairman Bob Williams, as follows: “I believe we are approaching the ‘championship rounds’, in which we need to be extra vigilant and careful as the restrictions are slowly lifted. Social distancing and contact outside of your home is to be carefully considered. It’ll be some time away, but once social gatherings of 50 or more are allowed then we need to plan ahead for suitable meeting venues. We need to follow the experts’ advice and, when we finally get together, pay tribute to some fantastic people who have passed this year (some not of COVID-19), including Brian ‘Sonny’ Nickels, Ian Cahill, Les Stevens and Pat Brogan.
“I’ve recently been on the phone to Colin Lake and Jim Evans, who both send their best wishes and sound in great spirits. I’ve also been texting Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham, who is looking to get out to EBAS when they’re back up and running. Finally, for users of social media, there’s a page named Ex Boxers. com, run by Dave Hall. This is an open group that has thousands of followers, posting great pics and blasts from the past.”
What Bob says is so true. It’s wonderful that the lockdown regulations are easing, but it would be all too easy to go mad and fail to take proper precautions. With so many EBA members being in the ‘vulnerable’ age-group, we can’t take risks – even though it would be great to get back to having regular meetings. To have too many people too close, too soon, could spell disaster. Much better to avoid temptation and stick to the long-term view. The point about keeping in contact with members is so important, too – especially those who are on their own, and/or have health problems. Every phone call, every email, does so much good.
I was sorry to hear from Ipswich EBA Secretary Erik Roper that former Southern Area light-heavyweight champion Johnny Waldron is suffering from dementia. “I am sure your readers will join me in wishing him well in his battle with this debilitating disease,” Erik said. “I understand from his Facebook group that he is in good spirits and has the full support of his family and friends.”
Johnny was always billed from Poplar, so I asked Erik what his connection was with Ipswich. “Our club’s correct title is Ipswich & District Veterans Ex-boxers
Association,” Erik explained. “Beccles, where Johnny spent his formative years, is in the northern part of the county [Suffolk] – so, as with other local boxers, we like to ‘claim them’ as our own. Whilst at Beccles ABC, Johnny was trained by the late Gordon Holmes, who went on to train local professionals David Starie and Rory Burke.
“Johnny Pipe, who also boxed for Beccles, was a member of the nowdefunct Norwich EBA, but we made him an honorary member. I was thinking about proposing to our committee that we do the same with Johnny. Our member, Graham Moughton, was at Repton with Johnny after he had moved to London to further his career. Johnny’s autobiography, Big Bad, has just been reissued and is an absolute must for followers of boxing.”
Ipswich are very good at supporting ‘their own’ – in fact, the first time I met Erik was at Brentwood Leisure Centre, when he and some fellow members had driven down to support a local fighter.
Johnny Waldron boxed professionally between 1976 and 1979, with nine wins (six inside schedule), one loss and two draws. He won the vacant Area title by Ko’ing Bob Pollard in five rounds, avenging an earlier draw. I covered his sole loss, when he was forced to retire after 10 rounds against Dennis Andries in a title defence. Andries, of course, went on to become WBC champion – sadly, the eye injuries Johnny sustained in that bout cost him his licence. I know everyone will wish him well.