Danny O’Sullivan shouldn’t have taken that final British title bout

uncle Joe met Danny and over the years the Boags and O’Sullivans formed a relationship of friendship and respect.

“When the title bout was announced, Dad said his support was torn between Scotsman Peter Keenan and friend Danny O’Sullivan.

“Win or lose, there was talk that this would be Danny’s last fight. He had trouble maintaining weight and was at an age when retirement from boxing was a smart decision.

“As the title date approached, my uncle

Joe was in contact with the O’Sullivans and the news wasn’t good.

“Danny’s wife and brothers wanted Danny to retire, they didn’t want him to take this fight. He was really struggling to shed pounds and was past his best.

“But his manager was interested only in the purse money.

“On the night of the fight, Dad and Joe went through to Glasgow and, when they saw Danny in the Firhill dressing-room, he looked tired.

“He had been working out all day, drinking little with no food. When he stepped on the scales, he just made the weight.

“My father said he took one look at Danny and knew he was in for a hiding.

“Keenan was match fit and O’Sullivan was a shadow of his former self. Danny did get a doing. Too many punches before he went down for that last time in round six.”

Rob said his father was upset watching a champion and a friend take an unnecessary beating and went on: “Dad said he had seen too many boxers develop health problems later in life from hits to the head and O’Sullivan was on the receiving end of too many punches from Keenan.

“When my father entered the ring, it was a reaction to frustration and anger. He was escorted out, but not before he told Danny’s people what he thought of them. Even a sanitised version couldn’t be printed.”

Rob then jumped to December 1960 and revealed: “On a 48-hour pass from my Army base, I was staying in London with Danny O’Sullivan and wife Lilian.

“I asked him about my father that night at Firhill.

“Danny said he was grateful for his anger and loyalty.

“After the Keenan fight, Danny retired later that year and discovered much of his career winnings were misappropriated.

“Danny said my dad and uncle Joe were two of his few true friends.”

This is the McAlpine AFC team which played in the Dundee Sunday Morning AFA. The year is unknown and there are no names for the players. Can any reader help?