2 July 2003

Eviction could KO boxing club

BUDDING boxers in Widnes could next week see their beloved club close for good - unless coach Jack Ryan can find new premises.
Ryan has been given just two weeks to move Widnes Boxing Club out of its base above the Cornerhouse pub, in Victoria Square.
It will mean around 20 regulars, mainly teenagers, could be turfed out into the cold while the coach struggles to find new accommodation.
World Sport has discovered through estate agents, Jeremy Rubin & Co, that a caretaker served the eviction notice after an unnamed buyer made an offer on the disused pub - under the condition it was empty.

"It was a real shock. They've given me just two weeks notice - but it's going to take a week to dismantle all the stuff," Ryan told World Sport.
"If they had given me until the end of August, then I would have had a chance to find somewhere else."

The club, which was set up in the early 1980s, has been based in Victoria Square for seven years. It has recently spawned a local champion in Liam Kavanagh, who won the British Amateur Novice Championships last year, and young hopeful, Robert Crew.

Ryan broke the news to the youngsters this week. He went on: "They were devastated. Apart from boxers, I get a lot of footballers and rugby players all using it to train.

"Who owns it now, I don't know. We have no choice but to move out. I have nowhere to put any kit. I'm going to try and make enquiries and we'll have to wait and see if the lads have any ideas."

The identity of the potential buyers could not be released but when contacted by World Sport, the owner of the estate agents, Jeremy Rubin, said he would be happy to forward them a letter from Jack Ryan asking for more time while he attempts to find new premises.
In the meantime, anyone with any ideas where Widnes

10 December 2003

I DID IT FOR YOU GRANDAD

THE grandson of tragic Don Rennie has dedicated his first boxing victory to his beloved Grandad.
Mr Rennie, 73, collapsed and died of a heart attack on Halloween after chasing youths who had thrown eggs at his house on King James Court, Hallwood Park.

Brave Paul Jackson, 13, took part in his first fight on Thursday - just two days after Mr Rennie's funeral.
And his Dad, Tony, said: "When the referee raised his hand in the ring to show Paul had won, he turned to me and said 'that was for my Grandad'."
Paul, from the Glen, Palacefields used to go to his Nan and Grandad's house every Sunday after training for Runcorn Boys Boxing Club on Boston Avenue.

His Nan Betty, 71, would cook his Sunday dinner and Paul would tell his Grandad all about his boxing. Mr Jackson said: "Don took a keen interest in Paul's boxing. He would have been there at his first fight without fail.

"Paul did brilliant because it's been a very upsetting time for him. He was absolutely devastated by what happened to his Grandad," he said.
Paul fought Richard Doyle of Fincham ABC at the Fur and Feather Social Club in Huyton and stopped him in the second round.
Boys Club coach John Lally, said: "Paul was brilliant. To take part in his first fight only two days after the funeral takes a lot of courage and strength of character. I'm really proud of him."

Mr Jackson said Paul, a pupil at Brookvale High School, has been tipped as a future star by everybody who has watched him box.
He said: "I would say what happened to his Grandad made Paul more determined. He said 'there's no way I'm going to lose because it's for my grandad.'

"We are all very proud of him because he has conducted himself very well."   Boxing runs in the family because Mr Jackson used to be a champion boxer for the combined forces team while he served in 29 Commando.   Doting grandson Paul Jackson dedicated his first fight to his Grandad Don Rennie

 Wednesday, 26 May 2004

Cav's on cloud nine

A FULL house at the Pavilions saw a great night of amateur boxing with Runcorn Boxing Club flying the flag for Halton.
Talented teenagers Paul Jackson, Tom Cavanagh, James Hignett, and Darren Lalley all picked up trophies to conclude a successful season.
A large crowd saw a committed Paul Jackson narrowly lose to Carl Cook on points, and Tom Cavanagh remain undefeated in nine after taking on John Conway.

Hignett fought the highly-respected Billy Nixon, who stepped in at the last minute, and despite a great display, lost narrowly.
Darren Lalley weathered early pressure from opponent Steve Buchanan, to land three convincing right hands in quick succession to take the victory. The 15-year-old from Brookvale high school was awarded the George Lalley trophy for fight of the night.

In a senior bout, Kieran Nolan took on Merseysider, John Hedge, and despite an eye injury, did well boxing behind his left jab.
Club coach, John Lalley, who organised the event along with Andy Cooney, his assistant coach, said: "It was a very well supported night and the crowd enjoyed themselves in a great atmosphere.

"The lads did themselves proud and I would like to thank everyone who helped us put the night on and supported us.
"It has been a great season and the lads were rewarded with memorial trophies for their achievements."