Bell rings in respect for boxing stalwart Fred, 86

NORTH East boxing stalwart Fred Potter passed away this week, aged 86. Fred dedicated more than 50 years of his life to the sport, first as a referee and then as a director at the British Board of Control. He was chief steward in charge for Matchroom’s NXTGen Walker card in June, but suffered a heart attack before the show.

Although he was released from the RVI in Newcastle, he never fully recovered and died on Wednesday at the University Hospital of North Tees.

Tyneside boxing promoter Steve Wraith paid tribute to Fred, saying: “I am sure I speak for the boxing family in the North East when I say we have lost a leading light in the sport.

“In my five years in the sport, he was always there for help and advice and he was the first to let you know if you had not followed procedure! He once said to me ‘I like you Steve’, I said ‘Do you Fred, why’s that?’. He said ‘Because once I tell you that you have made a mistake, you never do it again!’

“The sport will be a lot quieter without him.

“My thoughts are with his family. We will ring the bell as a mark of respect for Fred at our next shows in Newcastle on November 24 and Darlington on December 2.”

Fred’s contribution to boxing cannot be understated.

He was ever-present at every North East show, as part of his role on the Northern boxing board.

Before that, he’d served as a referee where he’d shared the ring with the likes of Lennox Lewis, Jim Watt and John Conteh, Glenn McCrory and Billy Hardy.

Fred will be a big miss at upcoming shows.