BN AMONG WINNERS
Simon Euan-smith reports from the LEBA Annual Awards Luncheon
THERE was a great turn-out, as always, for the London Ex-boxers’ Association Award Luncheon at the Connaught Rooms last Sunday (February 17).
LEBA President Stephen Powell praised Guest of Honour Sammy Mccarthy both for his fine career, amateur and pro – he won the British featherweight title, fought some of the best, and his name on a bill guaranteed the promoter a sell-out – and for the fact that, at 87, he still regularly visits LEBA members and ex-boxers in hospital. And he always greets everyone with that famous smile.
The Mancini Award, for services to boxing – in memory of Dennie, Len and Tony – went to Tony Sims. LEBA Secretary/ Treasurer Ray Caulfield said Tony had made a great contribution as a trainer over many years – he had trained three world champions. His fighters are always fit, Ray said – and he recalled Darren Barker, floored in the sixth round by IBF middleweight champion Daniel Geale with a wicked body-shot. Amazingly Barker got up and went on to take the title on points – and told Sims “You got me fit.” Accepting the award from Dennie’s daughter, Gina, and former heavyweight favourite Billy Walker, Sims said he was “doing a job I love, day in, day out.”
Once again, there was a Boxing News connection in the Reg Gutteridge Award, for someone in the media. This year’s winner was Editor Matt Christie. Ray Caulfield said Matt, “doesn’t pull any punches – he gives a breath of fresh air to our sport,” and he had “given ex-boxers back their voice,” by instigating the EBA column in BN. He is also President of Brighton EBA, attends EBA meetings and promotes the Ringside Rest and Care Home. Presenting the award was the firstever winner, Colin Hart. Matt said: “Reg Gutteridge was a hero of mine as I grew up.” On the subject of the Care Home he said, tellingly: “We need to realise that the moment a boxer retires doesn’t mean they cease to exist.”
The Alf Paolozzi Award, for services to LEBA, went jointly to committee members Joe Looker and Lee Rosen. Stephen Powell praised their loyalty, their willingness to take on any task, and the way they were always happy to give their time to the Association. The award was presented by former undisputed world middleweight champion Alan Minter.
Sadly former British super-welterweight champion Jimmy Batten couldn’t be there to collect the Jack Powell Award, for services to LEBA – but his son, Tony, accepted it on his behalf. Stephen Powell praised Jimmy for his support of LEBA – and if he heard of a boxer or ex-boxer falling on hard times, Jimmy would organise a fund-raising evening.
Two other winners couldn’t make it – the Johnny Kent Trophy, for the best London prospect, and the Pat Floyd Cup, for the best London amateur. The reason? The former went to Daniel Dubois, the latter to his sister, Caroline – and Caroline was boxing that weekend, and the family were there to support her. But they promised to attend a LEBA meeting to receive their trophies.
And there was a special award for EX-WBO featherweight champion Colin Mcmillan BEM, who has done so much since retiring – looking after young boxers, setting up a boxing academy, running boxing shows and dinners and supporting many charities (especially Down’s Syndrome). “I was fortunate to go out and achieve my dream,” Colin said. “And I’ve been fortunate to be able to support those less fortunate than myself.”
‘I WAS FORTUNATE TO GO OUT AND ACHIEVE MY DREAM’