GOODBYE, ERIC
Seccombe was integral in Michael Watson’s rise
THE latest Punch Lines – Essex EBA’S monthly newsletter – has an interesting article on Essex President Pat Thompson, a pro light-heavyweight from 1972 to 1977.
Pat was what you’d call an active fighter – in just over 65 months he packed in 72 contests, winning 37 and drawing five. Born in Liverpool, he boxed all over England – with 68 bouts there, three in Wales and one in Scotland.
I saw Pat box several times, mostly on London small hall shows. I covered him regularly for a Merseyside paper, and also reported on his January 1975 bout with Terry Armstrong for BN – topping the bill on the last-ever show at Shoreditch Town Hall. Pat won an eight-rounder on points, to go 2-1 up in their series – Armstrong having beaten Pat in Pat’s pro debut! They would meet three more times, final score being 4-2 to Pat – their final meeting bringing Pat the Central Area title at the second attempt.
Not surprisingly, Pat names Liverpool Stadium as his favourite venue. Today he’s an active member of both London and Essex EBAS, does a lot for charity and has fond memories of his boxing career. “I loved every minute of it and met some great people. Boxing people are great to be amongst.” My readers will relate to that.
Another interesting piece deals with the subject of boxing cigarette cards. These were first introduced in 1871 by the American firm, Allen and Ginter, simply as ‘stiffeners’ – to protect the cigarettes from damage. But the various companies quickly realised their potential as collectables, and a great incentive for brand loyalty – and today original sets go for a lot of money. The back cover bears some colour reproductions, including former world heavyweight champions John L. Sullivan and Max Schmeling.
Essex are hoping to be able to hold a meeting this month. I hope they do, and I’ll look forward to receiving details.
Like most EBAS, Essex know the importance of supporting today’s scene, and being seen to do so – and there’s a comprehensive preview of Ted Cheeseman’s bout with Sam Eggington. The front cover has a photo of Michael Watson, who has battled so valiantly after the injuries suffered in his 1991 bout with Chris Eubank. Watson was trained by Eric Seccombe, and I was so sorry to read in the latest Seconds Out – London EBA’S newsletter – that Eric had died. He was a very nice man. I well remember the build-up to Watson’s challenge to
Commonwealth middleweight champion Nigel Benn in 1989. “The Dark Destroyer” had won 22 straight, all inside schedule – but Eric was quietly confident his man had the beating of him and so it proved, with Benn floored and halted in six sensational rounds.
There’s also a fascinating article by member Mike Taub on colourful and controversial heavyweight Jack Doyle.
Sadly, the news on LEBA’S monthly meetings isn’t so good. Secretary/ Treasurer Ray Caulfield duly approached the manager of the Sports Bar and Grill – who showed him a list of 41 regulations laid down by the Government regarding the holding of meetings. It would be impossible to stage a LEBA meeting that complied with them all – and there’s also the question of the age of most of the members, and the risks in travelling by public transport. So no LEBA meetings just yet.
Home Counties, however, will be meeting in August (Sunday 30th) – and staging their Summer BBQ in September (Sunday 20th). Following the very successful July meeting at Watford Town Cricket Club, both events will be held there. For both events doors open at 12 noon. But please let a committee member know beforehand if you’ll be attending – “so we can keep everyone safe,” Chairman Bob Williams said. “Look forward to two great events.”
I was delighted the July meeting went so well – clearly HC have found a winning strategy. The BBQ is always a good event and I’m very pleased it’s going on again.