A MESSAGE FOR 2024
The EBAS battle on but let’s make this a year of genuine progress
A VERY happy New Year to all my readers. I hope the EBA movement goes from strength to strength in 2024, with new members joining. This is so vital.
It hasn’t been the easiest of times for EBAS for quite a while, but it’s great that so many keep going. And, as I’ve mentioned before, there’s talk of Torquay EBA starting up again. I do hope so – and I’d ask anyone involved to keep me updated with news, so I can publicise it. What a statement that would be, if an EBA that had had to fold could be revived. Maybe others could be inspired to do the same.
We’re still in the party season, so if your Association held one, do let me know how it went, how many people were there, and any interesting details of what happened. I’ll happily publish whatever I get.
I was very pleased to hear from Hastings EBA Chairman Dave Harris that their party went well.
“It was great,” Dave said. “Lots of people there – lots of ex-boxers happy to talk about their careers.
“The entertainment was good, and the food was excellent. For that, special thanks must go to Lou Waller and Brenda Edgeworth – neither lives that close to Hastings but they did so much, and it was a really good spread.”
Dave went on to say he’d also attended the Brighton party, and that too was highly enjoyable. Maybe someone from Brighton could give me a report?
Dave, of course, is the prime mover behind the British Ex-boxers’ Hall of Fame, and the committee are already looking ahead to the 2025 weekend.
“I’d ask every EBA to think, and get in touch with me, with nominations,” Dave said.
“These must be people who have actually made a real, positive contribution to boxing in some form.”
Dave can be reached via email (tedandlils@hotmail.co.uk) or mobile (07947 084018). These awards carry a lot of prestige, so do get thinking. And Dave would also love to hear from any EBA who’d like to host the 2025 event. This year’s will be hosted by the Welsh EBA in Cardiff.
Normally, Karen Knight would also be heavily involved with these matters too, but sadly she is still in hospital.
“Karen’s wonderful – she does so much,” Dave said.
I’m sure everyone will join me in wishing Karen a speedy recovery.”
The current Scottish EBA newsletter
spotlights two controversial world title bouts from the past – Amir Khan v Lamont Peterson for Khan’s WBA and IBF super-lightweight titles in December 2011, and Joe Louis’ heavyweight title defence against sole conqueror Max Schmeling in June 1938.
A lot of British writers, and fans, were concerned about Khan facing Peterson in his home state (Washington) – and those fears were justified when Khan lost a disputed split decision. Khan was particularly angry at being deducted two points for pushing, and that proved crucial – two judges favouring Peterson by one point. The other had Khan up by five.
Khan continued boxing for another 10 years, and took part in some highprofile bouts, but would never be ‘world’ champion again.
The piece on Louis vs Schmeling goes into detail of the political scene at the time, with Adolf Hitler and the rise of Nazism – and Hitler’s championing of Schmeling, enjoining Max to bring the world title back to Germany and prove the superiority of the Aryan race.
Legendary trainer Emanuel Steward is quoted as saying: “It was more than a sporting event. It was good against evil. Hitler had created the situation surrounding this rematch, and there was so much drama and emotion in the air that I don’t think there will be another event that will equal the tension that was in the world that particular night.” Louis, of course, won in the first round. Scotland’s first meeting of 2024 takes place on Sunday week ( January 14) at the Hutchesontown Bowling Club, 9 Oatlands Gate, Glasgow – 12.30 for 1pm.