Jim loved Spurs and horse racing but nothing could compete with boxing
Maidenhead trainer and promoter, Jim Evans, who has died at the age of 85 after suffering from Prostate Cancer, had many sporting passions, including Tottenham Hotspur, cricket and horse racing, but nothing could compete with his lifelong love for boxing.
Throughout his life he was a passionate advocate for the sport and would often stand his ground if he felt it was being damaged in any way by its own rules and regulations.
Jim achieved some notable successes as a fighter, trainer, and promoter, and was involved in putting on some big Boxing fight nights in Monte Carlo and America.
But he is probably best remembered for his skills as a coach and ringside trainer. He trained Reading’s Michael Sprott when he knocked out Audley Harrison in a much-hyped British heavyweight clash in 2007 and trained Geoff McCreesh to the British Welterweight championship.
He also loved watching the sport in his later years and was a big fan of Anthony Joshua, who he saw as the ultimate pro and role model for young fighters, however, he also had a fair amount of respect and admiration for Tyson Fury, despite acknowledging his troubles.
“It was his life and took up 90 per cent of his time. He was also a lifelong Spurs fan and he used to take us when we were younger as well. He also loved cricket and horseracing. He took a real interest in watching fights.
“He liked Anthony Joshua, he liked the way he carries himself, how he behaves and thought he was a good role model. But he also like Tyson Fury and remembered him from his amateur days. Fury has had his troubles, but he’s come out of it very well and he thought ‘fair play to that’.”
Jason added: “He also wanted the sport to be seen in its best light, and some of the time the rules and regulations surrounding the sport didn’t’ sit well with him.
“Rather than walk away though he’d stand his ground and say his peace.”