PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
LEBA and CEBA show that they support today’s scene
AS I keep stressing, it’s vital that EBAS show they care about today’s boxing scene, and don’t simply reminisce about the past. London EBA have their ‘Young Guns’, and in the current Seconds Out, LEBA’S monthly newsletter, Mike Taub has a two-page feature on one of them, former British super-welterweight champion Ted Cheeseman, who meets James Metcalf in Gibraltar on March 27 in a bid for his old title (currently vacant). There are also full-length tributes to two LEBA members who recently passed away – Kenny Field and George Hollister (the former after a brave battle with cancer, borne without complaint). My condolences to the friends and family of both.
In his ‘Round and About’ section, committee member Bob Cheeseman (Ted’s uncle) gives the good news that members Peter Mccann and his wife Beth, Harry
Holland and Will Hudson are making progress after being hit by the COVID virus. My good friend Harry – well-known as a promoter and manager – has had a particularly bad time, so I’m delighted to hear he’s on the mend. Best wishes to all of them and Will Hudson’s wife, who I’m sorry to say is not progressing as quickly as Will. I hope she’ll feel a lot better soon. And Bob reports that Freddie Cooper, who was in hospital and in a coma for four days, is now back home and on the mend. That’s good news.
Sadly, unlike some EBAS, London won’t be able to start monthly meetings again until August at the earliest. That’s frustrating, but we need to look at the long game. The London committee had an informal meeting via Zoom last month, and another’s booked for March 31. It was great to see Chairman Charlie Wright, President
Stephen Powell, Secretary/treasurer Ray Caulfield and fellow committee members Bob Cheeseman and Peter Stanley, and chat about various Leba-related topics. Phone calls, emails and the like are very nice, and it’s good – in fact it’s vital – to keep in touch. But actually seeing people on screen adds a whole new dimension, and it’s something I’d recommend other EBAS consider.
The Central (Midlands) EBA is another that actively supports today’s scene, and in fact Chairman Gary Bate is Wolverhampton ABC Club Secretary. CEBA’S current newsletter reports that Wolverhampton will be reopening their doors next month (April 12) – more good news.
EBAS, and boxing people generally, are well known for giving help when it’s needed, and in his ‘Secretary’s Notes’ Paul Nutting reports being contacted by a representative from TKO (Training
Knowledge & Opportunities) asking if he knew of any ex-boxers, footballers and the like who would be interested in becoming involved and possibly employed in this very worthwhile cause, to cover the Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Stoke areas.
Paul explains: “TKO, in partnership with the Shaw Trust, work nationally with a network of prisons through their inmate intervention program, working with those who have been recently released, as well as people on community orders. They also work with schools, colleges and universities to help students unlock their true potential… Central Midlands Ex-boxers Association are now fully committed to helping this organisation whenever possible.” Well done, CEBA, and what a boost for their image, and boxing’s in general.
Manchester EBA’S newsletters normally include a story from yesteryear by Lawrence Yearsley. These are always interesting, but this month’s, on “Iron Man” Joe Grim, is downright disturbing. Italyborn Grim (real name Saverio Gianonne) was tough and brave, but lacking in skill. He would meet anybody, and got knocked down many times, but he rarely failed to last the distance. He went the full six with future world champions Bob Fitzsimmons and Jack Johnson. Boxrec records that Johnson had him down “more than a dozen times”, while Fitzsimmons scored three knockdowns in the fourth round, six in the fifth and eight in the sixth. It’s not surprising that these constant beatings affected Grim’s health, and he died at just 48.