HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS
The Ex-boxers’ Hall of Fame are looking for nominations
HOME COUNTIES EBA Chairman Bob Williams contacted me to say that their Christmas Party takes place on Sunday, December 19, at Bricketwood Social Club, St Albans.
“Doors open at 12.30pm with the meeting starting at 1.30pm,” Bob said. “This will be followed by a fantastic disco from ‘The Pink Panther,’ aka Henry Boyce – an ex-amateur boxer with Bushey ABC. Mick Mancini will be singing live as our main attraction.
“There will be an auction and raffle, followed by a fantastic buffet. All for £5! We are limited in numbers, so first come, first served.”
Tickets will also be available from November 1 for the Ex-boxers’ Hall of Fame, which takes place on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at the Watermill Hotel, Bourne End, Hemel Hempstead.
Both events will no doubt sell out, so suggest you contact the following people for tickets:
Christmas Party tickets: Dave Evans, telephone 07840-427860
Hall of Fame tickets: Kymberly Taylor, telephone 07956-912741 (after 6pm).
Talking of the Hall of Fame, I was contacted by Hastings EBA Chairman Dave Harris, who originally got the project off the ground. Dave said the committee are already looking for nominations for 2023 (when the event will be held in Leeds).
“Any EBA that wants to put forward someone they feel deserves to be inducted can contact me on 07947084018,” Dave said. “Every name put forward will go into the ballot.
“Also, I’d love to hear from any EBA that would like to host the event in 2024 or 2025. This event really is the glue that keeps us all in the EBA movement together.”
Dave also gave me the sad news that former successful local amateur Freddie Frewin, whom I mentioned last week, has suffered a heart attack and is on a life-support machine. Freddie boxed for Hastings’ Westhill ABC (for which he is now a trustee). I’m sure everyone will join me in wishing him a swift and complete recovery.
I’m glad to hear EBAS are planning Christmas parties – another major step along the road back towards normality. The Central (Midlands) EBA have announced that they’re holding one – details to be finalised – and so have Essex. That’s all good.
I keep stressing the need for EBAS to show they support the current scene,
rather than simply reminiscing about the past. In their current newsletter Central (Midlands) report that they are supporting the Shaw Trust, whose aims include helping ex-offenders and promoting sporting activities, including boxing and football. There are also art workshops, music activities and advisers offering help on various topics. To quote Secretary Paul Nutting: “I was very impressed with the set-up, was given a warm welcome, and we will be discussing ways that CEBA can help with this very worthwhile cause at future meetings.”
There is also an in-depth piece by Craig Birch on Edinburgh’s world superlightweight champion, Josh Taylor.
Pat Thompson has stepped down as Essex EBA President after completing his two years, and his replacement is Stan Mcdermott, whom I remember as a hardhitting pro heavyweight in the late 1970s/ early ‘80s. I’m sure Essex will continue to flourish. Pat (whom I also saw, and covered, many times in the 70s), is also a keen member of London EBA – along with fellow-transplanted Scouser Billy Aird.
The current Punch Lines, the Essex monthly newsletter, has an interesting piece by Dave Porter on Tonga’s Kitione Lave, who campaigned at heavyweight between 1951 and 1964 and met several leading British fighters. In April 1956, he ended the career of former British and Commonwealth champion Don Cockell with a second-round KO.
There’s also a note that Essex’s stall at last month’s Memorabilia Fayre raised £340, which was shared equally between the Association and the Ringside Charitable Trust. I am sure the donations were very gratefully received.