STEP UP AND TAKE A CHANCE
I READ with interest (and agreement) your editorial piece around small hall shows. An important part of your excellent magazine, I use them to keep an eye out for news of any future stars. However, the constant 'three stars for the whole show' (which are probably generous) are in themselves an example of why things need to change. My own view is that we all continue to give too much importance to the 'undefeated fighter'. If instead every show had at least two well-matched fights, this would help to grow the sport and attendances at these shows. It should be the boxers who, after a short learning period, take frequent challenges. They should be the ones who receive the coverage, and thus the rewards, that this sport can offer. Gareth Hopkins
PUT THE PAGES TO BETTER USE
WELL DONE on the editorial comment about the small hall shows in last week's issue (March 24). When you can pick all the winners from most cards beforehand, is it really worth reporting on all fights? Perhaps a one-page round-up of the edited highlights from all over the country in BN and the other pages to be replaced by another outstanding article, such as those by Steve Bunce and Thomas Hauser, whose insight into Manny Pacquiao vs Antonio Margarito was truly outstanding.
Tim Farmer
MY BUDDY, PHIL MARTIN
I'M always interested to read about Phil Martin because I knew him in 1970/71 when he was known as Phil Adelagun and boxed as an amateur for BDS in Manchester. I met him at his home in Whalley Range and he encouraged me to go along to the gym with him and resurrect my schoolboy boxing experiences. I was a student at Salford University at the time, slightly out of my depth at BDS. Phil, however, was unfailingly supportive, sympathetic and encouraging, identifiable even at that young age as the man he would become.
I talked to him on assorted subjects, but one in particular remains clear in my mind. We were travelling to Liverpool for the West Lancs vs East Lancs preliminary stage of the ABAS. He was due to face a touted young chap called John Conteh. I tried to be as positive as I could about the prospect and the injustice of the circumstances. No need, he was philosophical and confident in equal measure. Phil challenged Conteh throughout the bout, losing but only narrowly. After a couple of years we went our different ways. I always imagined that he would fare well as a pro, and later in the sport in some role or other.
Little could I imagine the legendary status he would achieve, and how.
Mike Mclaughlin