Amateur And professional Boxing History
Name: Alan WorthingtonBorn: 1959-06-05
Nationality: United Kingdom
Hometown: Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
Boxing Record: click
Alan was born in Liverpool on the 6th June 1959 and clocked up some 300 amateur fights and another 16 as a professional. He started boxing at the age of 7 at Kirby ABC where he had his first fight aged 11 against Paul Dennet. His coach and trainer were Charles Aktinsons snr and Tucker Edington.
He then went to The Kingsway ABC Widnes, then to Runcorn ABC and finally Wavertree ABC. He was three times a NORTH WEST CHAMPION and also ABA Finalist. When asked about his many fights he fondly recalls the great battles he had with Brian Snagg, George Schofield , David Jenkins, Tommy Connelly , Derek Wall, Herol Graham and his favourite venue, not much of a surprise, was the Liverpool stadium. Alan said that he remembers well selling boxing programs outside Liverpool stadium with John Hyland.
He would often turn up at shows but wasn’t on the card , got weighed in and boxed. Alan has many of the programs although, obviously , they haven’t got his name listed. His son ( Alan ) said “when speaking to my dad he said that he wishes he had put as much effort at being a pro as he did when an amateur fighter. He felt disheartened really, he explains, that he had to travel places like Yorkshire, Wolverhampton, and Dudley by himself on a train with no directions and having to find the venue and box . He would be out in the pub on a Friday night drinking then get a call the next day to fight , but he still enjoyed his pro career. We have a laugh about the Clifton Wallace fight when he turned up at the Queen Mary Ballroom, Dudley, hours early and ended up having six pints of larger before the fight ha ha, so he looks back and wishes he would of put the same dedication into it as his amateur career.
Alan says that his hardest ever fight was against David Jenkins, Birkenhead, when he lost to Jenkins in Wales . He evened the score when he beat him on next show in Liverpool. Which shows why it was his favourite venue. The most fights he had in one night was in the Dockers club Liverpool where he had no less than four fights in the junior ABA’s.
Alan was such a busy fighter that he was going to shows and they wouldn’t let him fight because he had that many fights in a season. he boxed all over the country week in week out, and as a senior he couldn’t get a fight in Liverpool.
Alan says that he can still feel the noise from the crowd when he was in the changing room at the Liverpool Stadium. Which is common amongst the many fighters who plied their trade at the Stadium. Alan is still a big boxing fan and in keeping with many an ex boxer tries to keep fit, and spends many an hour on his allotments and spending time with his grandchildren.
As this fascinating story unfolds Alan Worthington Snr in speaking with his namesake son tells us more of his memories as a fighter.
He never did any training for the pro fights he was just called last minute to fight so he feels that if he would of had more advance notice for the fights he could have been much fitter ,ready for the fights, and done a lot better . He also went sparing round all the gyms in Liverpool with all the champions some off the clubs golden gloves, Holly name, Maple Leaf , and he often sparred with Robbie “Dynamite” Davies.
Some of the venues he fought at were, the Adelphi hotel Liverpool, the Florence Institute Liverpool ,Romeo and Juliet’s Liverpool, boxing was in the blood in the Worthington family having three brothers, all boxers, but Alan was the one with the natural talent from being an amateur champion then turning pro. His father Ted Worthington was a big part off his boxing life following him all over the country and buying him all his boxing gear and playing a big part in his training. He would drive him to Kirkby from Runcorn 3 and 4 times a week , same again when he went to Wavertree.
There is a very well-known pub in Runcorn called the “Tanners” were supporters would often come to watch Alan Worthington and club mate Micky Flynn fight. Two or three buses full traveling round the country to watch when boxing for Wavertree ABC. The Wavertree coach was Tony Derby, Runcorn coach was Les Herbert. Also other things Alan Worthington won 3x The West Lancs & West Cheshire ABA champion. He packed in amateur boxing after he was at a boxing tournament in wales and dropped the lad 3 times in every round and still got beat on the decision vote he says he easily won the fight but was boxing on “their home turf”. He felt like he was robbed and had enough. He told his dad Ted I’am not doing it no more this has happened a few times now and he hung his gloves up. Some 18 months later he got a phone call from one of his previous trainers from Widnes who said the boxing promoter Billy Macdonald wants to sign him up as a pro. When Alan Worthington was a junior fighter he was boxing that well that Jackie Turpin , the brother off the late champion Randy Turpin said he had high potential in boxing and was a joy to watch,
Alan also says
His coach in Kingsway ABC was Billy Evans and he boxed for the Kingsway ABC in Widnes for 3 years , for Runcorn ABC for 2 years , for Wavertree ABC 8 years , and was at Kirkby ABc for 4 years , as a pro he never had a gym ,he was just left to get on with it.
He said he has boxed at probably every boxing venue and every amateur boxing club in Liverpool , boxed every lad in Liverpool at his weight in the years he was boxing. He had hundreds of Trophies and the ones that didn’t have his name on he donated to Runcorn ABC for the kids ( what a better testament to the quality of this man I have yet to hear ) . When his dad passed away he put his best trophy his favourite one in the coffin with his dad Ted Worthington to rest. From the age of 7 boxing was his life training and sparing every day all round clubs in Liverpool.
Runcorn and Widnes
19 March 1997
TWO Runcorn brothers turned out champion performances in the Warrington ABC boxing tournament at the Parr Hall last week.
Before a packed house, Robert and Glynn Turner from Windmill Hill, both won their contests in convincing fashion.
Light-middleweight Robert, 28, stopped West Lancs ABA finalist, Scot Garrett, after controlling the action with his cool, calm approach.
The former Norton Priory pupil shook Garrett to such an effect that the doctor terminated the action following an eye injury in the second round.
Younger brother Glynn, 19, had a more demanding examination of his talents in his heavy weight encounter with the powerful Alan Byrne, alias the 'Preston Red Rose.'
For the first time in his career, the teenager was called upon to do four two-minute rounds. Coach Mike Rowan said: "The strong, bustling Byrne pushed the fight all the way, but the speed and versatility of Glynn saw him win with a unanimous decisions in the most convincing fashion.
"Time is on Glynn's side in his quest for honours and he is capable of making rapid strides."
15 May 1997
ROBIN Reid punched a huge hole in the cynics' argument that he was "just a pretty face" with a magni
In front of an 11,000 crowd at the Manchester Nynex Arena on Saturday, the Runcorn boxing hero took challenger Henry Wharton the full 12 rounds, beating him on points. And the critics who thought - or perhaps hoped - that Robin was purely a champion by luck rather than by ability were treated to a spectacle that must have made them eat their words at last.
Robin, 12 stones of extraordinary fitness, was defending his title for the second time and was considered to be the underdog against Yorkshireman Wharton, making his third bid for the title prize following defeats by Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank.
One critic, describing Wharton as being blessed with the heavier single punch and having too much strength for his opponent, believed a late stoppage was likely.
Another wondered whether Reid might have reached his boxing heights too early. Even Wharton's manager, Mickey Duff, was so confident of victory that he challenged Reid's mentor Frank Warren to a £25,000 bet. But certain of a Reid triumph, Warren was prepared to double it.
His belief in his protege paid off - and the boxer, whose main "disadvantage" appears to be that he looks good and is a nice sort of guy as well, treated the crowd to an exhilarating spectacle which should go down as one of the most exciting bouts of the year.
The crowd-puller at Nynex was ostensibly the Naseem Hamed-Billy Hardy billing - but with that only lasting 93 seconds, it was the Reid v Wharton clash which turned out to be the fight of the night. The 12 rounds were, for the most, gruelling and - at times - brutal. A brave Wharton had blood spurting from a cut on his nose which may have been broken for the last four rounds.
He took his punishment like a hero from a cool Reid who dealt some devastating shots at the Yorkshireman who did not take long to realise that this was probably the toughest challenge he had ever faced. Keeping Wharton at arms' length, Reid was the one in charge and appeared to dictate which way the fight was going. But the undaunted challenger kept pushing and was a constant danger - until the eighth round when a series of Reid shots sent him reeling just before the bell. Still, Wharton came back for more and a right cross in the ninth would surely have laid out a lesser fighter.
The tenth had him in serious trouble yet he fought back against another crashing right hand and pushed Reid against the ropes, constantly throwing punches.
At the end, both were on their feet and it was a clear decision by the judges - or at least two of them - that Reid was still the champ.
Amazingly, Mexican judge Ray Solis made it a 114-114 draw. Londoner Richie Davies put Reid ahead at 118-111 and Daniel Van De Viel, of Belgium, made it 117-113. After the fight, Robin announced: "I have now proved that I am prepared to go to war to retain my title.
"Critics have called me Pretty Boy. But I was born with this face - and there is nothing I can do about it!
"Perhaps I will now be judged on what I can do."
18 March 1998
BOXING
WIDNES Boxing Club, sponsored by Grice Haulage and Ceramics By Design, took part in a Charity Boxing Dinner with a cabaret show on behalf of the Children's Adventure Farm Trust Charity at The Village Hotel, Warrington. For the second time in a month David Heaton was let down, his opponent failing to0. turn up. John Kelly making his debut lost by a majority vote against a local boy who was on the retreat most of the time after John hurt him in the second-round. The highlight for the club was when the officials asked Jack Ryan and coach Paul Booth to enter the ring through a cloud of smoke with Kevin Grice. Kevin won on points after a thrilling contest against a tough boy from Manchester.
18 March 1998
CHARITY
WIDNES Boxing Club, sponsored by Grice Haulage and Ceramics By Design, took part in a Charity Boxing Dinner with a cabaret show on behalf of the Children's Adventure Farm Trust Charity at The Village Hotel, Warrington. For the second time in a month David Heaton was let down, his opponent failing to0. turn up. John Kelly making his debut lost by a majority vote against a local boy who was on the retreat most of the time after John hurt him in the second-round. The highlight for the club was when the officials asked Jack Ryan and coach Paul Booth to enter the ring through a cloud of smoke with Kevin Grice. Kevin won on points after a thrilling contest against a tough boy from Manchester.
Wednesday, 1 April 1998
BOXING CLEVER
RUNCORN Boys Boxing Club's most promising star, Ritchie Prescott, takes on the best of the north east later this month in the National Championships.
Ritchie, 18, the current light-welter weight champion of the north west, was given a bye into the next round after his next opponent, the cream of Manchester, dropped out.
Ritchie goes into the fight on the back of a resounding victory against highly-acclaimed Wavertree boxer, Neil Bradshaw, 20, in Warrington last week.
The Murdishaw teenager, who also gave away three pounds in weight, won on a unanimous decision. He had already beaten his Liverpool opponent in a contest earlier this year.
Runcorn Boys coach, John Lally, said: "Ritchie is really making a name for himself on the circuit and the fight against the north east champion, who has yet to be decided, should be exciting.
"He's earned a lot of respect for beating Bradshaw twice because he already had a good reputation." John is also delighted with another promising young hopeful from his Boston Avenue club. Frannie McHugh, 15, took to the ring in his first ever competitive fight against Warrington's Alan Webb. He gave away four pounds in weight but still went on to win on a unanimous decision.
"The lad was brilliant and is a real hope for the future," said John. "He only joined the club 12 months ago so it shows how much progress he's made in such a short space of time."
6 May 1998
BOXING CLEVER
TWO boys from the Widnes Boxing Club made their debut on Friday night at Ellesmere Port. Eddy Nolan gained a comfortable points win and nearly pulled off a knockout win in the second round when he hit his opponent with a left and right to the chin that made him very groggy, but the bell saved him.
Another lad, young David Hull lost on points, many thought he had won and coaches Jack Ryan and Paul Booth where so pleased with his performance are trying to get a return contest.
15 October 1998
BOXING CLEVER
THREE boys from Widnes Boxing Club have gained representative honours - two representing the North West against Knowsley and Merseyside and one Merseyside against Yorkshire at the Kirby sports centre.
David Hull won unaminously against a local boy P Flynn. He proved he had the fighting spirit but it was his nice footwork and boxing skills that proved to be the winner at the end. David Heaton was way ahead on points boxing another local boy but, in the last 20 seconds of the last round, he hurt his hand and had to retire but everyone said David had won. Lee Bennett was representing Merseyside and he did not let them down.
He proved he had no intention of losing by showing his true boxing skill and stamina to win by a unanimous decision against B Rogers from Bradford (rep) decision against B, Rogers Bradford (rep) Yorkshire. This proves that boxing is still alive in Widnes and hoping for higher honours in the future, so come on lads, training nights for under 15, 6pm-7.30pm, 15 and over 7pm-9pm.
We also welcome anyone who just wants to do their own fitness training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday above the Cornerhouse Pub.
25 November 1998
BOXING CLEVER
UP-AND-COMING young boxer David Dowman was pleased as punch after winning his bout at last week's schoolboy open championships at Orrell Park Ballroom.
David, age 14, beat Alan Higgin of Cavendish, Wirral who threw in the towel after the second round. Both fighters went into the ring having only one previous fight under their belt, which they both won.
Runcorn Boys Boxing Club coach, John Lally, who rates his young prodegy as a bright prospect for the future, said: "David fought so well the other lad decided not to come out for the third round!
"David weighed in at 7st 3lbs and Higgin was five pounds heavier. Normally I wouldn't have let the fight go ahead with such a big weight difference but David's a good lad and I decided to let him have a go.
"David did really well. He's a bright propsect for the future."
Runcorn ABC at Blackpool
Wednesday, 22 September 1999
BOXING BOYS ARE A REAL KNOCKOUT
IT's gumshields in and gloves at the ready at Runcorn Boys Club as they prepare for the start of their new boxing season.
The Boston Avenue-based club re-opened this week, and as well as training the more experienced members for competitions, coach John Lally is looking for newcomers.
"What we are interested in promoting here is the art of self defence, rather than the idea of people fighting," explained John.
"If parents are worried about their kids being bullied then they can come here and we will teach them how to defend themselves.
"We've had lads come here in the past who have been getting picked on and they have been able to walk out with their heads held high.
"All the lads are insured as soon as they start. It takes between 10 to 12 months to train them depending on their level of fitness, and the lads receive loads of support from us even if they just want to get fit rather than compete."
John points out that the club has achieved many success stories, most notably Robin Reid, the former WBC world super-middle weight champion.
More recently, Richie Prescott, 20, went to Yorkshire last year to compete in the semi-finals of the National Amateur Boxing Championships (NMBC), Robbie Shearer, 19, competed in the senior NABC Championships in Liverpool and Manchester.
And 17-year-old Franny McHue still remains unbeaten since the NAMC Junior Novice Championships last year. He's fighting fit as the moment as he prepares to join the Royal Marines. Club secretary Rab Shearer said: "At the end of the day we know we're doing a good job because it's keeping kids of the streets, giving them an interest, keeping them fit and letting them get rid of their adrenaline.
"But we still want more lads to come forward. We're here four times a week and we ideally want about 35 lads to be attending from the age of nine upwards."
John and Rab are also looking for coaches to help out
Thursday 13th Apr 2000
ROBBIE'S SHEAR DELIGHT
ROBBIE Shearer delivered a sucker punch to the boxing world last week - beating Liverpool's biggest hot-shot.
The 20-year-old Runcorn pugilist was the definitive underdog against Ricki Eccleston at last Friday's ABA championships at the Everton park centre.
But the light-welterweight beat the tournament favourite 9-8 in a thrilling four-round encounter. Robbie now meets Bootle's Jamie Matthews from Stanley ABC in the final this Friday.
John Lally, Robbie's coach at Runcorn Boys Club on Boston Avenue said: "Ricki has won every title going and was the favourite for the title.
"Robbie caused a major upset. It was a cracking contest and Robbie got a standing ovation at the end from the crowd. It was close. The rounds are judged by computer scoring.
"I don't think anyone gave Robbie a chance before the fight - except us at the club, of course." Robbie's win was even more significant because it was his first competitive fight for two years.
The youngster has had a long-running 'battle-of-the-bulge' in a bid to attain his ideal fighting weight. John explained: "When Robbie was first boxing at 10 stone he won 10 contests on the trot.
"He's quite a hefty lad and he ballooned up to 11 stone 4 pounds and went on a really bad run. It just wasn't his best weight.
"We decided to take him out of the game for a while.
"We weren't sure that he would be able to get his weight down but, after a lot of hard work and dedication, he did it.
"He's now reaping the rewards for all his determination."
Runcorn ABC with John Hyland
18 October 2000
ROBBIE DAZZLER
HOT shot Robbie Shearer heads off to Canada next week after being chosen to represent the region in an international boxing tournament.
The 20-year-old welter-weight from Windmill Hill was picked ahead of hundreds of young hopefuls to fight for the North West Counties Select against a Canadian Select in Vancouver.
A member of Runcorn Boys Boxing Club, Robbie made his mark on the sport last year when he beat tournament favourite Ricky Eccleston in the ABA Championships. Coach John Lally said: "Robbie really come of age after that victory.
"Ricky, who is well respected on the circuit, was a certain for the championship and Robbie beat him in style. "Ricky has turned professional since then and remains unbeaten - that's how good he was. "I think that win had a lot to do with the selectors picking Robbie for this trip."
John continued: "Robbie will stay in Canada for a week and if he does well, which I'm sure he will, it could open a lot of doors for him.
"Over the years Robbie has struggled with his weight and I wouldn't let him fight for two years because I thought the extra few pounds were hampering his progress.
"He worked so hard in the gym and lost over a stone and it's paid off. He's his ideal fighting weight now at 10st 4lb. "Not only will Canada be a great experience for him, but it will also prepare him for this season's ABA Championships which start in February." Also doing well at the club are 19-year-old Ritchie Prescott from Murdishaw and Robbie's 15-year-old brother Thomas.
Ritchie won the Senior Novice ABA Championship at Everton Park recently and is described by John as a 'special talent'.
Thomas, meanwhile, was due to take part in the NABC Championships in Speke tonight (Wednesday). Thomas, who turns 16 next week, was hoping for an early birthday present in the shape of a victory.
Wednesday, 21 March 2001
BOXING CLEVER
RUNCORN heavyweight Glynn Turner is into the ABA National Senior Final. He is the borough's first ever boxer to do so.
The 23-year-old from Windmill Hill, who boxes for Liverpool's Golden Gloves Club, won his quarter final at Everton Park Sports Centre last Friday.
He beat on points the London area champion J Zikic from the famous Repton Club who is also a Yugoslavian international and has boxed in the USA.
Then the next afternoon in the semi final he beat, also on points, the south west champion Patrick Lewis from the Taunton ABC.
Glynn now travels to the Barnsley Metrodome on Friday, March 30 for the final.
But whatever the result, Glynn has proved that he is currently one of the country's top amateur heavyweights.
20 March 2002
ROB NOSED OUT OF BOXING BOUT
WIDNES amateur middleweight boxer Rob Devany was stopped on Saturday night at Woolston Leisure Centre, in Warrington, in only his second bout.
The youngster, a member of Widnes Amateur boxing Club, was pulled out of the contest by the referee in the dying seconds of the final round after sustaining a nose injury.
Devany gave a good account of himself in the first round but the height and reach advantage of his opponent S Lithgoe, of Hartlepool Catholic Club, began to tell in the second and third.
Trainer Jack Ryan told the World: "Rod had a slight weight advantage but his opponent was 6ft 2 and had a much longer reach and managed to keep Rob at a distance. In the third round he caught Rob with a couple of solid lefts and his nose started bleeding. It looked a lot worse than it was but the referee stopped the fight. I think Rob could have finished the fight but the referee had the lad's interests at heart."
Devany was the only representative from the Widnes Club fighting on the card after the opponents for three other WABC fighters pulled out of their contests.
30 October 2002
Reid still on track for title shot
RUNCORN boxing star Robin Reid will finally return to top of the bill next month in a bid to stake his claim for a shot at the WBC championship, World Sport can reveal.
He will be back in action for a 10-round international match-up at the Liverpool Olympia on Friday, November 29.
His opponent has yet to be decided but it has been announced that he will share the limelight with former WBU flyweight champ, Paul Culshaw.
It will be only the fourth fight in a year for Reid who still has his sights set on challenging Eric Lucas for his WBC super-middleweight belt in the new year.
It was originally hoped that The Reaper, current WBF champ and ranked fifth in the Independent World Boxing Rankings, would face the French Canadian before Christmas.
But the showdown was set back so that Lucas could defend his title against the promising German youngster, Markus Beyer.
"Lucas has to face Beyer and once he's got that out of the way we can sit down and negotiate," said Reid's promoter Jess Harding, who also told World Sport he was still in talks with the BBC over a deal to increase the his televised coverage.
The 31-year-old fighter - a 1992 Olympics bronze medallist - last fought in a tough 12-round bout in July on Audley Harrison's undercard against Argentinean challenger, Francisco Mora. It was his first match-up following a throat operation in May.
But Harding now wants him top of the telly bill, too. "We're getting there slowly but surely," he said, "but it's not a sports channel, it's a public broadcaster, so we have to deliver fights of quality as opposed to quantity. "Robin needs his own vehicle. With us he's had seven fights and seven wins so we're heading in the right direction. But he needs a big fight - and he needs it now."
l Liverpudlian Paul Culshaw looks set to become the city's first two-weight champion when he takes on South African flyweight champ Ncedo Cecane for the vacant WBF Super-flyweight title.
"To become world champion in separate weight divisions is a feat very few boxers achieve and to be given this opportunity in a fight in my home town is incredible," he said.
Others on the undercard include mandatory challenger for the British middleweight championship, Delroy Leslie, Tony Moran and Gary Davis who have been fighting on Audley Harrison's bill, Bootles Ray Wood and fellow scouser, Lee Molloy.
19 December 2002
Champ at last
AS WIDNES boxer Liam Kavanagh stepped up for round two in the National Senior Novice Championship final, he turned to his long-time coach Jack Ryan and vowed: "I'm going to win this."
Two minutes later, he had, ending months of preparation and disappointment that have seen him receive walkovers in every round of the competition.
The 23-year-old light welterwight has not had to fight one opponent in the run up to the final, last Saturday, against the Army's Dean Hardy, but made his patience pay-off - and a dream come true.
His coaches at Widnes Boxing Club, Ryan and his assistant Wayne Booth, will have had fears that their fighter would be a little ring rusty going into the bout, fears that were no doubt compounded when Kavanagh hit the floor halfway through the first.
"He was a bit cold when he went out there and he got caught in the middle of the round," explained Ryan. "He took the count and got up, but you could see his legs were like rubber. "We just shook our heads, we'd thought he'd had it. How he survived that was through sheer fitness.
"At the end of the round, we got him back in our corner and had him cleared up - and when he went back out, he turned around and said, 'Jack, I'm going to win this'."
What followed was the most important three minutes of Kavanagh's amateur career so far. Noticing his opponent was open to body shots, he pummelled Hardy with a combination of clever body punches before unleashing a right hook to the chin to leave the soldier out for the count.
Liam told World Sport on Monday: "I was absolutely made up. It was a great fight.
"He Hardy told me after the fight that he knew I hadn't fought for a bit and he'd tried to catch me cold...but I didn't rush I just gave him enough rope to hang himself. "He was one of the biggest hitters I have been in with and I've now proved I can mix it with the best of them. I ended the final with a knock out - and you can't do much better than that."
The win was testament to the hard work the boxer has put in during the season, working with Booth practically every day. And, despite the constant disappointment of walkovers, Ryan still believes there is no one fitter in the amateur sport.
"Wayne on the pads has been amazing and both he and Jack have had to deal with all the ups and downs. There have been times when I've asked myself if it's all worth it - and it was," added the jubilant boxer.
"Apart from winning the title, which I've now done, I've always wanted to represent England. Hopefully this win will raise my profile. The lads in the team have been fighting at that level for years, I've got to just get in there."
And as well as recognition on a national level, Jack Ryan also feels the local one should be just as great. "Widnes should be proud of its champ," he said. "The kids at the club go mad to have a spar with him - he's a hero to them."
8 January 2003
Jack honoured for his dedication to boxing
LOCAL boxing supremo Jack Ryan this week spoke of his delight after being presented with a special Lifetime Achievement Award by Halton Council.
The coach was handed the prize by Halton councillor, Eddie Jones, while watching his beloved Widnes Vikings during their Boxing Day friendly clash with Warrington Wolves.
It comes after more than 40 years of work in the community by Jack, now 74, who runs the Widnes Boxing Club, off the newly renovated Victoria Square.
"I was very proud to receive it. It made my Christmas," Jack told the World. "The club and the work we do there is what keeps me going."
The award brought to an end an unforgettable year for the former prizefighter.
Just weeks earlier he had seen his top student - 23-year-old light welterweight Liam Kavanagh - romp to victory in the National Amateur Championships. "It has been the highlight of my career," added Jack.
29 January 2003
Liam KO'd by tropical punch
WIDNES boxer Liam Kavanagh tasted defeat in his first representation match last week when he took on teenager Kitson Julie.
The 23-year-old was knocked out in a disasterous first round at the Huddersfield Civic Centre last Friday.
The light welterweight bout, in which Kavanagh represented the north west, was part of a national tour by 19-year-old Julie and fellow fighters from the Seychelles.
His defeat came after an apparent trip by the British novice champion, who was more than surprised when he was given a standing count by the referee.
"Liam was upset and started to argue with the ref, which you shouldn't do, so the ref told him off," his coach, Jack Ryan, told World Sport.
He said that the row seemed to distract Kavanagh, who was immediately caught with "a lovely right cross on the chin. It was beautiful," explained Ryan.
And after another standing count, Julie took his chance and charged his opponent with three swings, one landing directly on Kavanagh's temple for the knock out blow.
The Widnes Boxing Club star was later cleared by ringside doctors but was still barred from competing or sparring for 28 days.
Ryan added: "It's a shame he got beat but he should be proud he was a representative. There is a long way to go but it is a step up the ladder.
"He should put it down to experience."
23 April 2003
Kid gloves
YOUNG Widnes boxer, Robert Crew, who followed his father's footsteps into the ring, has won his first bout on points. The 14-year-old successfully out-punched his Birkenhead opponent for a unanimous verdict at a recent show at Stockbridge's Heatwave Leisure Centre.
It was third time lucky for the teen, who had already missed out on chances to make his debut in Warrington and Wallasey.
Coached by Jack Ryan at Widnes Boxing Club, Crew remained undeterred though and continued to spar with am champ, Liam Kavanagh, in preparation.
"There must have been 15 friends and relatives there to shout him on," said Ryan. "It was his first contest but he showed he's got it in him."
He went on: "In the first round they were fighting each other out, so there wasn't much action. I told him he had to do a lot more and throw a lot more punches.
"In the last round he threw punches non-stop and I think that what got him the verdict."
Malcolm Crew, Robert's dad, also fought at amateur level under coach Derek Strong at his La Porte club in the 1960s and 1970s.
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."
Wednesday, 18 May 2005
Boxing Clever
BOXING in Runcorn has never been better!
That's the message coming out of Runcorn Boys Boxing Club after a highly successful fight night in which youngsters of all ages showed off their skills.
"It was a great night," said club coach John Lally, who helped organise the event with match-maker Rab Shearer.
"We had a full house and got lots of support and all the lads showed they are coming along well."
Among the highlights were 15-year-old Paul Jackson adding to his already impressive unbeaten record by winning every round of his bout, and 17-year-old Stuart Lee forcing a stoppage against Brian Fallbrick of Leyland ABC, Blackburn.
There were narrow defeats for youngster Declan Garaven, 11, of St Clement's, against Brian Leahy of Kingscoat ABC, and Robbie Prince, 13, of The Grange who lost on points to another Leyland ABC fighter.
Meanwhile 14-year-old Lewis Mogg, also of The Grange, was praised as the club's 'most improved boxer' by his coaches after a brave display against his more powerful opponent, and James Hignett, 15, showed his commitment by battling on with a bleeding nose before being withdrawn.
There were disappointments for Tom Cavanagh of Bankfield school after his opponent forgot his licence and could not fight, and Darren Lally of Halton High whose opponent weighed in too heavy.
Wednesday, 18 May 2005
Boxing Clever
BOXING in Runcorn has never been better!
That's the message coming out of Runcorn Boys Boxing Club after a highly successful fight night in which youngsters of all ages showed off their skills.
"It was a great night," said club coach John Lally, who helped organise the event with match-maker Rab Shearer.
"We had a full house and got lots of support and all the lads showed they are coming along well."
Among the highlights were 15-year-old Paul Jackson adding to his already impressive unbeaten record by winning every round of his bout, and 17-year-old Stuart Lee forcing a stoppage against Brian Fallbrick of Leyland ABC, Blackburn. There were narrow defeats for youngster Declan Garaven, 11, of St Clement's, against Brian Leahy of Kingscoat ABC, and Robbie Prince, 13, of The Grange who lost on points to another Leyland ABC fighter.
Meanwhile 14-year-old Lewis Mogg, also of The Grange, was praised as the club's 'most improved boxer' by his coaches after a brave display against his more powerful opponent, and James Hignett, 15, showed his commitment by battling on with a bleeding nose before being withdrawn.
There were disappointments for Tom Cavanagh of Bankfield school after his opponent forgot his licence and could not fight, and Darren Lally of Halton High whose opponent weighed in too heavy.
November 2006
Champ crowned
A RUNCORN schoolboy has been crowned area boxing champion after overcoming a tricky opponent in Liverpool.
Paul Larkin, aged 15, will fight his Manchester counterpart after extending his undefeated record to three bouts with a comprehensive victory over Luke MacDonald of Long Lane ABC.
Cheered on by dozens of friends and family, Paul, a pupil at The Grange, won every round to the delight of his coach, John Lalley.
"Paul boxed fantastic. He boxed a good lad, a southpaw, and I was apprehensive, but he handled it exceptionally well,"said John, who runs Runcorn Boys Boxing Club, said.
The victory at the Golden Belt Championships in Liverpool, means Paul is Liverpool and Runcorn Area Champion.
Also in action for the club have been youngster Ryan Potter and adult amateur, Danny Wells.
Ryan, aged 11, from Victoria Road, Runcorn, was unlucky to narrowly lose to Neil Hughes of Maelor ABC at an event in Wrexham, last Friday night.
Danny, aged 22, from Hallwood Park, boxed brilliantly to win every round against Ally Jones, also from Maelor ABC in his first contest.
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Jersey boxing trip for club
RUNCORN Amateur Boxing Club had a mixed time of things when they travelled to Jersey at the weekend.
Lee Carrington failed to win over the judges in only his second bout as the 22-year-old welterweight fell to a majority decision against Pisces ABC's Alan Begbie in a three-rounder.
However, 19-year-old light heavyweight Lee Simpson was in stunning form to defeat Pisces' Jan Poleszczuic in three rounds.
Friday also saw a victory for 12-year-old debut boxer Jack Whittingham against Dominic Shepherd, of Nottingham's Bilbora ABC at Kidsgrove Working Men's Club in Stoke.
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Runcorn boxer Simpson wins
RUNCORN boxer Lee Simpson continued his recent form with a points win at the weekend. The 20-year-old Runcorn ABC fighter beat Chris Hilton, of Irlam Boxing Academy, at Irlam Recreation Centre.
Hilton was given a standing count in the first round before losing on points over three rounds. Meanwhile, Runcorn ABC will be staging a fight night at Pavilions, in Sandy Lane, Runcorn, on May 7. The 12-bout show costs £8 for adults and £4 for concessions.
Name: Jimmy Stubbs
Born: 1920-01-01
Birthplace: Runcorn, Cheshire, United Kingdom
Died: 1997-01-01 (Age:77)
Nationality: United Kingdom
Hometown: Runcorn, Cheshire, United Kingdom
Boxing R
Record: click
JIMMY STUBBS
the Pride of Runcorn
You can count the top class professional fighters who have come out of Runcorn on one hand. Jimmy, who quit the game in 1947, was once rated in the world's top ten at flyweight and bantamweight, but somehow found himself a sidetracked fighter where titles were concerned. Not that he wasn't good enough to fight for the British crown. He beat Dundee's Jim Brady when Brady was British and Empire Bantamweight champion. He also beat Johnny Molloy and Kid Tanner, who fought respectively for British and Empire titles and he also beat that great little Liverpool fighter, Joe Curran, who fought Jackie Paterson for the world title. Three other big names he met included Peter Kane, Tiny Bostock and 'Tiger' Al Phillips –yet he never realised his ambition of a title shot.
Jimmy started his boxing life at the age of ten when he joined the Runcorn ABC. He was rated a miniature Nel Tarleton with his lanky, thin frame and long reach and as a youngster he was runner-up for the Lancs. and Cheshire 5st. and 5st. 4lbs. titles in 1934 before winning the 6st. title in 1935 and the 6st. 71b. title the following year.
Jimmy often used to travel to Liverpool to train at the Kensington club under Les Douglas, but it was an expensive business in those days, with his fare being 2s. 6d. and his gym subscription 2s. a week. Eventually he was told he was frightening a lot of members away with his big punching, and what with the club deciding to increase his subscription to 2s. a night, his training trips were virtually ended and he decided to turn professional aged just 15.
Before he made his official ring debut however, he and a friend, Ronnie Britland, decided to chance their arm in a boxing booth at a Runcorn fairground. Jimmy recalls boxing a black fighter at least two stone heavier than himself, but he got 15s. for staying three rounds, with the promise of 30s if he could come back the next night and last six – which he duly did.
Jimmy had a lot of his early contests at Runcorn Baths, a popular venue in those days, and for his debut in 1936, when he still wasn't quite 16, he managed to stop 29 year old Young Drummer in the first round. Jimmy
gave away almost half a stone in this contest. "For a ten rounder in those days, you got £2 10s. and admission to the show was 2s. ringside I remember my father putting on a show at the Baths Hall when the entire bill, and the referee, cost less than £19 – yet he still lost money."
Jimmy looked so good on his debut that Liverpool Stadium promoter Johnny Best immediately signed a seven year option on his services. Jack (Three Star) Hennessy, a Liverpudlian who had spent quite a few years in America, managed him. Jimmy started training at the old Metropolitan Club, where he recalls a heavy punch bag inscribed with the phrase, `Fighters come and fighters go, but I go on forever.'
As a professional Jimmy invariably trained at the Greenside Gym and he had a brilliant opening run, winning his first 33 contests. He was rapidly becoming the scourge of flyweights and bantamweights alike, and Jimmy himself felt that, "1 was unbeatable." However, he came unstuck against a substitute, Haig Bowers, to whom he was conceding 101b. Jimmy won the first five rounds easily enough, but then in the seventh, he ran on to a real KO punch and was counted out.
Jimmy also dropped a debatable points decision to Jackie Paterson in 1941, a time when the Glaswegian was rated the best flyweight in the world as Peter Kane's World title was in abeyance due to the war. Their contest was on the Whit Sunday show in Liverpool, and the Stadium roof was sporting a hole due to the May blitz and some of the ringside seats were also missing because of bomb damage. The 10 round decision for Paterson was hotly disputed by Stubbs and the crowd, and even though Jimmy immediately challenged Paterson for a return with a massive £5000 sidestake, he never got the rematch.
Jimmy stopped highly rated Tiny Bostock in four rounds, the same Bostock who held a decision over ex-World flyweight champion Small Montana. Jimmy was also stopped in seven by Peter Kane, then lost to him again, this time on points, in a £100-a-side return. Jimmy also recalls that in 1945 he suffered three defeats on disqualification – with Teddy Waltham, later to become Board of Control Secretary, the referee on each occasion.
The first contest was against Tommy McGlinchey, the second against Al Philips, and the third against Cliff Morris. "These were the only disqualifications I ever suffered. I got off with the first two, but the Board fined me £45 the third time. I reckon Philips pinched it off me. I had dropped him about five times on a show at Willenhall, but didn't feel I hit him low when I got disqualified in the seventh. The crowd didn't like it either and created uproar."
Jimmy twice announced his ring retirement because of the "rigours of training", but came back each time, finally quitting after being forced to retire in eight rounds by Stockton's Tommy Burns at the Stadium in October 1947. Altogether Jimmy had about 100 professional contests,
winning the majority. He rates his defeat of Empire champion Brady as a big achievement, along with his close tussle with Paterson, but reckons his two best bouts were his all-action draw and points win over Joe Curran in 1940. "It is remarkable to think that another six years were to elapse before Curran fought and lost to Paterson for the World title."
Robbie davies
Runcorn and Widnes
19 March 1997
TWO Runcorn brothers turned out champion performances in the Warrington ABC boxing tournament at the Parr Hall last week.
Before a packed house, Robert and Glynn Turner from Windmill Hill, both won their contests in convincing fashion.
Light-middleweight Robert, 28, stopped West Lancs ABA finalist, Scot Garrett, after controlling the action with his cool, calm approach.
The former Norton Priory pupil shook Garrett to such an effect that the doctor terminated the action following an eye injury in the second round.
Younger brother Glynn, 19, had a more demanding examination of his talents in his heavy weight encounter with the powerful Alan Byrne, alias the 'Preston Red Rose.'
For the first time in his career, the teenager was called upon to do four two-minute rounds. Coach Mike Rowan said: "The strong, bustling Byrne pushed the fight all the way, but the speed and versatility of Glynn saw him win with a unanimous decisions in the most convincing fashion.
"Time is on Glynn's side in his quest for honours and he is capable of making rapid strides."
15 May 1997
ROBIN Reid punched a huge hole in the cynics' argument that he was "just a pretty face" with a magni
In front of an 11,000 crowd at the Manchester Nynex Arena on Saturday, the Runcorn boxing hero took challenger Henry Wharton the full 12 rounds, beating him on points. And the critics who thought - or perhaps hoped - that Robin was purely a champion by luck rather than by ability were treated to a spectacle that must have made them eat their words at last.
Robin, 12 stones of extraordinary fitness, was defending his title for the second time and was considered to be the underdog against Yorkshireman Wharton, making his third bid for the title prize following defeats by Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank.
One critic, describing Wharton as being blessed with the heavier single punch and having too much strength for his opponent, believed a late stoppage was likely.
Another wondered whether Reid might have reached his boxing heights too early. Even Wharton's manager, Mickey Duff, was so confident of victory that he challenged Reid's mentor Frank Warren to a £25,000 bet. But certain of a Reid triumph, Warren was prepared to double it.
His belief in his protege paid off - and the boxer, whose main "disadvantage" appears to be that he looks good and is a nice sort of guy as well, treated the crowd to an exhilarating spectacle which should go down as one of the most exciting bouts of the year.
The crowd-puller at Nynex was ostensibly the Naseem Hamed-Billy Hardy billing - but with that only lasting 93 seconds, it was the Reid v Wharton clash which turned out to be the fight of the night. The 12 rounds were, for the most, gruelling and - at times - brutal. A brave Wharton had blood spurting from a cut on his nose which may have been broken for the last four rounds.
He took his punishment like a hero from a cool Reid who dealt some devastating shots at the Yorkshireman who did not take long to realise that this was probably the toughest challenge he had ever faced. Keeping Wharton at arms' length, Reid was the one in charge and appeared to dictate which way the fight was going. But the undaunted challenger kept pushing and was a constant danger - until the eighth round when a series of Reid shots sent him reeling just before the bell. Still, Wharton came back for more and a right cross in the ninth would surely have laid out a lesser fighter.
The tenth had him in serious trouble yet he fought back against another crashing right hand and pushed Reid against the ropes, constantly throwing punches.
At the end, both were on their feet and it was a clear decision by the judges - or at least two of them - that Reid was still the champ.
Amazingly, Mexican judge Ray Solis made it a 114-114 draw. Londoner Richie Davies put Reid ahead at 118-111 and Daniel Van De Viel, of Belgium, made it 117-113. After the fight, Robin announced: "I have now proved that I am prepared to go to war to retain my title.
"Critics have called me Pretty Boy. But I was born with this face - and there is nothing I can do about it!
"Perhaps I will now be judged on what I can do."
18 March 1998
BOXING
WIDNES Boxing Club, sponsored by Grice Haulage and Ceramics By Design, took part in a Charity Boxing Dinner with a cabaret show on behalf of the Children's Adventure Farm Trust Charity at The Village Hotel, Warrington. For the second time in a month David Heaton was let down, his opponent failing to0. turn up. John Kelly making his debut lost by a majority vote against a local boy who was on the retreat most of the time after John hurt him in the second-round. The highlight for the club was when the officials asked Jack Ryan and coach Paul Booth to enter the ring through a cloud of smoke with Kevin Grice. Kevin won on points after a thrilling contest against a tough boy from Manchester.
18 March 1998
CHARITY
WIDNES Boxing Club, sponsored by Grice Haulage and Ceramics By Design, took part in a Charity Boxing Dinner with a cabaret show on behalf of the Children's Adventure Farm Trust Charity at The Village Hotel, Warrington. For the second time in a month David Heaton was let down, his opponent failing to0. turn up. John Kelly making his debut lost by a majority vote against a local boy who was on the retreat most of the time after John hurt him in the second-round. The highlight for the club was when the officials asked Jack Ryan and coach Paul Booth to enter the ring through a cloud of smoke with Kevin Grice. Kevin won on points after a thrilling contest against a tough boy from Manchester.
Wednesday, 1 April 1998
BOXING CLEVER
RUNCORN Boys Boxing Club's most promising star, Ritchie Prescott, takes on the best of the north east later this month in the National Championships.
Ritchie, 18, the current light-welter weight champion of the north west, was given a bye into the next round after his next opponent, the cream of Manchester, dropped out.
Ritchie goes into the fight on the back of a resounding victory against highly-acclaimed Wavertree boxer, Neil Bradshaw, 20, in Warrington last week.
The Murdishaw teenager, who also gave away three pounds in weight, won on a unanimous decision. He had already beaten his Liverpool opponent in a contest earlier this year.
Runcorn Boys coach, John Lally, said: "Ritchie is really making a name for himself on the circuit and the fight against the north east champion, who has yet to be decided, should be exciting.
"He's earned a lot of respect for beating Bradshaw twice because he already had a good reputation." John is also delighted with another promising young hopeful from his Boston Avenue club. Frannie McHugh, 15, took to the ring in his first ever competitive fight against Warrington's Alan Webb. He gave away four pounds in weight but still went on to win on a unanimous decision.
"The lad was brilliant and is a real hope for the future," said John. "He only joined the club 12 months ago so it shows how much progress he's made in such a short space of time."
6 May 1998
BOXING CLEVER
TWO boys from the Widnes Boxing Club made their debut on Friday night at Ellesmere Port. Eddy Nolan gained a comfortable points win and nearly pulled off a knockout win in the second round when he hit his opponent with a left and right to the chin that made him very groggy, but the bell saved him.
Another lad, young David Hull lost on points, many thought he had won and coaches Jack Ryan and Paul Booth where so pleased with his performance are trying to get a return contest.
15 October 1998
BOXING CLEVER
THREE boys from Widnes Boxing Club have gained representative honours - two representing the North West against Knowsley and Merseyside and one Merseyside against Yorkshire at the Kirby sports centre.
David Hull won unaminously against a local boy P Flynn. He proved he had the fighting spirit but it was his nice footwork and boxing skills that proved to be the winner at the end. David Heaton was way ahead on points boxing another local boy but, in the last 20 seconds of the last round, he hurt his hand and had to retire but everyone said David had won. Lee Bennett was representing Merseyside and he did not let them down.
He proved he had no intention of losing by showing his true boxing skill and stamina to win by a unanimous decision against B Rogers from Bradford (rep) decision against B, Rogers Bradford (rep) Yorkshire. This proves that boxing is still alive in Widnes and hoping for higher honours in the future, so come on lads, training nights for under 15, 6pm-7.30pm, 15 and over 7pm-9pm.
We also welcome anyone who just wants to do their own fitness training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday above the Cornerhouse Pub.
25 November 1998
BOXING CLEVER
UP-AND-COMING young boxer David Dowman was pleased as punch after winning his bout at last week's schoolboy open championships at Orrell Park Ballroom.
David, age 14, beat Alan Higgin of Cavendish, Wirral who threw in the towel after the second round. Both fighters went into the ring having only one previous fight under their belt, which they both won.
Runcorn Boys Boxing Club coach, John Lally, who rates his young prodegy as a bright prospect for the future, said: "David fought so well the other lad decided not to come out for the third round!
"David weighed in at 7st 3lbs and Higgin was five pounds heavier. Normally I wouldn't have let the fight go ahead with such a big weight difference but David's a good lad and I decided to let him have a go.
"David did really well. He's a bright propsect for the future."
Runcorn ABC at Blackpool
Wednesday, 22 September 1999
BOXING BOYS ARE A REAL KNOCKOUT
IT's gumshields in and gloves at the ready at Runcorn Boys Club as they prepare for the start of their new boxing season.
The Boston Avenue-based club re-opened this week, and as well as training the more experienced members for competitions, coach John Lally is looking for newcomers.
"What we are interested in promoting here is the art of self defence, rather than the idea of people fighting," explained John.
"If parents are worried about their kids being bullied then they can come here and we will teach them how to defend themselves.
"We've had lads come here in the past who have been getting picked on and they have been able to walk out with their heads held high.
"All the lads are insured as soon as they start. It takes between 10 to 12 months to train them depending on their level of fitness, and the lads receive loads of support from us even if they just want to get fit rather than compete."
John points out that the club has achieved many success stories, most notably Robin Reid, the former WBC world super-middle weight champion.
More recently, Richie Prescott, 20, went to Yorkshire last year to compete in the semi-finals of the National Amateur Boxing Championships (NMBC), Robbie Shearer, 19, competed in the senior NABC Championships in Liverpool and Manchester.
And 17-year-old Franny McHue still remains unbeaten since the NAMC Junior Novice Championships last year. He's fighting fit as the moment as he prepares to join the Royal Marines. Club secretary Rab Shearer said: "At the end of the day we know we're doing a good job because it's keeping kids of the streets, giving them an interest, keeping them fit and letting them get rid of their adrenaline.
"But we still want more lads to come forward. We're here four times a week and we ideally want about 35 lads to be attending from the age of nine upwards."
John and Rab are also looking for coaches to help out
Thursday 13th Apr 2000
ROBBIE'S SHEAR DELIGHT
ROBBIE Shearer delivered a sucker punch to the boxing world last week - beating Liverpool's biggest hot-shot.
The 20-year-old Runcorn pugilist was the definitive underdog against Ricki Eccleston at last Friday's ABA championships at the Everton park centre.
But the light-welterweight beat the tournament favourite 9-8 in a thrilling four-round encounter. Robbie now meets Bootle's Jamie Matthews from Stanley ABC in the final this Friday.
John Lally, Robbie's coach at Runcorn Boys Club on Boston Avenue said: "Ricki has won every title going and was the favourite for the title.
"Robbie caused a major upset. It was a cracking contest and Robbie got a standing ovation at the end from the crowd. It was close. The rounds are judged by computer scoring.
"I don't think anyone gave Robbie a chance before the fight - except us at the club, of course." Robbie's win was even more significant because it was his first competitive fight for two years.
The youngster has had a long-running 'battle-of-the-bulge' in a bid to attain his ideal fighting weight. John explained: "When Robbie was first boxing at 10 stone he won 10 contests on the trot.
"He's quite a hefty lad and he ballooned up to 11 stone 4 pounds and went on a really bad run. It just wasn't his best weight.
"We decided to take him out of the game for a while.
"We weren't sure that he would be able to get his weight down but, after a lot of hard work and dedication, he did it.
"He's now reaping the rewards for all his determination."
Runcorn ABC with John Hyland
18 October 2000
ROBBIE DAZZLER
HOT shot Robbie Shearer heads off to Canada next week after being chosen to represent the region in an international boxing tournament.
The 20-year-old welter-weight from Windmill Hill was picked ahead of hundreds of young hopefuls to fight for the North West Counties Select against a Canadian Select in Vancouver.
A member of Runcorn Boys Boxing Club, Robbie made his mark on the sport last year when he beat tournament favourite Ricky Eccleston in the ABA Championships. Coach John Lally said: "Robbie really come of age after that victory.
"Ricky, who is well respected on the circuit, was a certain for the championship and Robbie beat him in style. "Ricky has turned professional since then and remains unbeaten - that's how good he was. "I think that win had a lot to do with the selectors picking Robbie for this trip."
John continued: "Robbie will stay in Canada for a week and if he does well, which I'm sure he will, it could open a lot of doors for him.
"Over the years Robbie has struggled with his weight and I wouldn't let him fight for two years because I thought the extra few pounds were hampering his progress.
"He worked so hard in the gym and lost over a stone and it's paid off. He's his ideal fighting weight now at 10st 4lb. "Not only will Canada be a great experience for him, but it will also prepare him for this season's ABA Championships which start in February." Also doing well at the club are 19-year-old Ritchie Prescott from Murdishaw and Robbie's 15-year-old brother Thomas.
Ritchie won the Senior Novice ABA Championship at Everton Park recently and is described by John as a 'special talent'.
Thomas, meanwhile, was due to take part in the NABC Championships in Speke tonight (Wednesday). Thomas, who turns 16 next week, was hoping for an early birthday present in the shape of a victory.
Wednesday, 21 March 2001
BOXING CLEVER
RUNCORN heavyweight Glynn Turner is into the ABA National Senior Final. He is the borough's first ever boxer to do so.
The 23-year-old from Windmill Hill, who boxes for Liverpool's Golden Gloves Club, won his quarter final at Everton Park Sports Centre last Friday.
He beat on points the London area champion J Zikic from the famous Repton Club who is also a Yugoslavian international and has boxed in the USA.
Then the next afternoon in the semi final he beat, also on points, the south west champion Patrick Lewis from the Taunton ABC.
Glynn now travels to the Barnsley Metrodome on Friday, March 30 for the final.
But whatever the result, Glynn has proved that he is currently one of the country's top amateur heavyweights.
20 March 2002
ROB NOSED OUT OF BOXING BOUT
WIDNES amateur middleweight boxer Rob Devany was stopped on Saturday night at Woolston Leisure Centre, in Warrington, in only his second bout.
The youngster, a member of Widnes Amateur boxing Club, was pulled out of the contest by the referee in the dying seconds of the final round after sustaining a nose injury.
Devany gave a good account of himself in the first round but the height and reach advantage of his opponent S Lithgoe, of Hartlepool Catholic Club, began to tell in the second and third.
Trainer Jack Ryan told the World: "Rod had a slight weight advantage but his opponent was 6ft 2 and had a much longer reach and managed to keep Rob at a distance. In the third round he caught Rob with a couple of solid lefts and his nose started bleeding. It looked a lot worse than it was but the referee stopped the fight. I think Rob could have finished the fight but the referee had the lad's interests at heart."
Devany was the only representative from the Widnes Club fighting on the card after the opponents for three other WABC fighters pulled out of their contests.
30 October 2002
Reid still on track for title shot
RUNCORN boxing star Robin Reid will finally return to top of the bill next month in a bid to stake his claim for a shot at the WBC championship, World Sport can reveal.
He will be back in action for a 10-round international match-up at the Liverpool Olympia on Friday, November 29.
His opponent has yet to be decided but it has been announced that he will share the limelight with former WBU flyweight champ, Paul Culshaw.
It will be only the fourth fight in a year for Reid who still has his sights set on challenging Eric Lucas for his WBC super-middleweight belt in the new year.
It was originally hoped that The Reaper, current WBF champ and ranked fifth in the Independent World Boxing Rankings, would face the French Canadian before Christmas.
But the showdown was set back so that Lucas could defend his title against the promising German youngster, Markus Beyer.
"Lucas has to face Beyer and once he's got that out of the way we can sit down and negotiate," said Reid's promoter Jess Harding, who also told World Sport he was still in talks with the BBC over a deal to increase the his televised coverage.
The 31-year-old fighter - a 1992 Olympics bronze medallist - last fought in a tough 12-round bout in July on Audley Harrison's undercard against Argentinean challenger, Francisco Mora. It was his first match-up following a throat operation in May.
But Harding now wants him top of the telly bill, too. "We're getting there slowly but surely," he said, "but it's not a sports channel, it's a public broadcaster, so we have to deliver fights of quality as opposed to quantity. "Robin needs his own vehicle. With us he's had seven fights and seven wins so we're heading in the right direction. But he needs a big fight - and he needs it now."
l Liverpudlian Paul Culshaw looks set to become the city's first two-weight champion when he takes on South African flyweight champ Ncedo Cecane for the vacant WBF Super-flyweight title.
"To become world champion in separate weight divisions is a feat very few boxers achieve and to be given this opportunity in a fight in my home town is incredible," he said.
Others on the undercard include mandatory challenger for the British middleweight championship, Delroy Leslie, Tony Moran and Gary Davis who have been fighting on Audley Harrison's bill, Bootles Ray Wood and fellow scouser, Lee Molloy.
19 December 2002
Champ at last
AS WIDNES boxer Liam Kavanagh stepped up for round two in the National Senior Novice Championship final, he turned to his long-time coach Jack Ryan and vowed: "I'm going to win this."
Two minutes later, he had, ending months of preparation and disappointment that have seen him receive walkovers in every round of the competition.
The 23-year-old light welterwight has not had to fight one opponent in the run up to the final, last Saturday, against the Army's Dean Hardy, but made his patience pay-off - and a dream come true.
His coaches at Widnes Boxing Club, Ryan and his assistant Wayne Booth, will have had fears that their fighter would be a little ring rusty going into the bout, fears that were no doubt compounded when Kavanagh hit the floor halfway through the first.
"He was a bit cold when he went out there and he got caught in the middle of the round," explained Ryan. "He took the count and got up, but you could see his legs were like rubber. "We just shook our heads, we'd thought he'd had it. How he survived that was through sheer fitness.
"At the end of the round, we got him back in our corner and had him cleared up - and when he went back out, he turned around and said, 'Jack, I'm going to win this'."
What followed was the most important three minutes of Kavanagh's amateur career so far. Noticing his opponent was open to body shots, he pummelled Hardy with a combination of clever body punches before unleashing a right hook to the chin to leave the soldier out for the count.
Liam told World Sport on Monday: "I was absolutely made up. It was a great fight.
"He Hardy told me after the fight that he knew I hadn't fought for a bit and he'd tried to catch me cold...but I didn't rush I just gave him enough rope to hang himself. "He was one of the biggest hitters I have been in with and I've now proved I can mix it with the best of them. I ended the final with a knock out - and you can't do much better than that."
The win was testament to the hard work the boxer has put in during the season, working with Booth practically every day. And, despite the constant disappointment of walkovers, Ryan still believes there is no one fitter in the amateur sport.
"Wayne on the pads has been amazing and both he and Jack have had to deal with all the ups and downs. There have been times when I've asked myself if it's all worth it - and it was," added the jubilant boxer.
"Apart from winning the title, which I've now done, I've always wanted to represent England. Hopefully this win will raise my profile. The lads in the team have been fighting at that level for years, I've got to just get in there."
And as well as recognition on a national level, Jack Ryan also feels the local one should be just as great. "Widnes should be proud of its champ," he said. "The kids at the club go mad to have a spar with him - he's a hero to them."
8 January 2003
Jack honoured for his dedication to boxing
LOCAL boxing supremo Jack Ryan this week spoke of his delight after being presented with a special Lifetime Achievement Award by Halton Council.
The coach was handed the prize by Halton councillor, Eddie Jones, while watching his beloved Widnes Vikings during their Boxing Day friendly clash with Warrington Wolves.
It comes after more than 40 years of work in the community by Jack, now 74, who runs the Widnes Boxing Club, off the newly renovated Victoria Square.
"I was very proud to receive it. It made my Christmas," Jack told the World. "The club and the work we do there is what keeps me going."
The award brought to an end an unforgettable year for the former prizefighter.
Just weeks earlier he had seen his top student - 23-year-old light welterweight Liam Kavanagh - romp to victory in the National Amateur Championships. "It has been the highlight of my career," added Jack.
29 January 2003
Liam KO'd by tropical punch
WIDNES boxer Liam Kavanagh tasted defeat in his first representation match last week when he took on teenager Kitson Julie.
The 23-year-old was knocked out in a disasterous first round at the Huddersfield Civic Centre last Friday.
The light welterweight bout, in which Kavanagh represented the north west, was part of a national tour by 19-year-old Julie and fellow fighters from the Seychelles.
His defeat came after an apparent trip by the British novice champion, who was more than surprised when he was given a standing count by the referee.
"Liam was upset and started to argue with the ref, which you shouldn't do, so the ref told him off," his coach, Jack Ryan, told World Sport.
He said that the row seemed to distract Kavanagh, who was immediately caught with "a lovely right cross on the chin. It was beautiful," explained Ryan.
And after another standing count, Julie took his chance and charged his opponent with three swings, one landing directly on Kavanagh's temple for the knock out blow.
The Widnes Boxing Club star was later cleared by ringside doctors but was still barred from competing or sparring for 28 days.
Ryan added: "It's a shame he got beat but he should be proud he was a representative. There is a long way to go but it is a step up the ladder.
"He should put it down to experience."
23 April 2003
Kid gloves
YOUNG Widnes boxer, Robert Crew, who followed his father's footsteps into the ring, has won his first bout on points. The 14-year-old successfully out-punched his Birkenhead opponent for a unanimous verdict at a recent show at Stockbridge's Heatwave Leisure Centre.
It was third time lucky for the teen, who had already missed out on chances to make his debut in Warrington and Wallasey.
Coached by Jack Ryan at Widnes Boxing Club, Crew remained undeterred though and continued to spar with am champ, Liam Kavanagh, in preparation.
"There must have been 15 friends and relatives there to shout him on," said Ryan. "It was his first contest but he showed he's got it in him."
He went on: "In the first round they were fighting each other out, so there wasn't much action. I told him he had to do a lot more and throw a lot more punches.
"In the last round he threw punches non-stop and I think that what got him the verdict."
Malcolm Crew, Robert's dad, also fought at amateur level under coach Derek Strong at his La Porte club in the 1960s and 1970s.
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."
Wednesday, 18 May 2005
Boxing Clever
BOXING in Runcorn has never been better!
That's the message coming out of Runcorn Boys Boxing Club after a highly successful fight night in which youngsters of all ages showed off their skills.
"It was a great night," said club coach John Lally, who helped organise the event with match-maker Rab Shearer.
"We had a full house and got lots of support and all the lads showed they are coming along well."
Among the highlights were 15-year-old Paul Jackson adding to his already impressive unbeaten record by winning every round of his bout, and 17-year-old Stuart Lee forcing a stoppage against Brian Fallbrick of Leyland ABC, Blackburn.
There were narrow defeats for youngster Declan Garaven, 11, of St Clement's, against Brian Leahy of Kingscoat ABC, and Robbie Prince, 13, of The Grange who lost on points to another Leyland ABC fighter.
Meanwhile 14-year-old Lewis Mogg, also of The Grange, was praised as the club's 'most improved boxer' by his coaches after a brave display against his more powerful opponent, and James Hignett, 15, showed his commitment by battling on with a bleeding nose before being withdrawn.
There were disappointments for Tom Cavanagh of Bankfield school after his opponent forgot his licence and could not fight, and Darren Lally of Halton High whose opponent weighed in too heavy.
Wednesday, 18 May 2005
Boxing Clever
BOXING in Runcorn has never been better!
That's the message coming out of Runcorn Boys Boxing Club after a highly successful fight night in which youngsters of all ages showed off their skills.
"It was a great night," said club coach John Lally, who helped organise the event with match-maker Rab Shearer.
"We had a full house and got lots of support and all the lads showed they are coming along well."
Among the highlights were 15-year-old Paul Jackson adding to his already impressive unbeaten record by winning every round of his bout, and 17-year-old Stuart Lee forcing a stoppage against Brian Fallbrick of Leyland ABC, Blackburn. There were narrow defeats for youngster Declan Garaven, 11, of St Clement's, against Brian Leahy of Kingscoat ABC, and Robbie Prince, 13, of The Grange who lost on points to another Leyland ABC fighter.
Meanwhile 14-year-old Lewis Mogg, also of The Grange, was praised as the club's 'most improved boxer' by his coaches after a brave display against his more powerful opponent, and James Hignett, 15, showed his commitment by battling on with a bleeding nose before being withdrawn.
There were disappointments for Tom Cavanagh of Bankfield school after his opponent forgot his licence and could not fight, and Darren Lally of Halton High whose opponent weighed in too heavy.
November 2006
Champ crowned
A RUNCORN schoolboy has been crowned area boxing champion after overcoming a tricky opponent in Liverpool.
Paul Larkin, aged 15, will fight his Manchester counterpart after extending his undefeated record to three bouts with a comprehensive victory over Luke MacDonald of Long Lane ABC.
Cheered on by dozens of friends and family, Paul, a pupil at The Grange, won every round to the delight of his coach, John Lalley.
"Paul boxed fantastic. He boxed a good lad, a southpaw, and I was apprehensive, but he handled it exceptionally well,"said John, who runs Runcorn Boys Boxing Club, said.
The victory at the Golden Belt Championships in Liverpool, means Paul is Liverpool and Runcorn Area Champion.
Also in action for the club have been youngster Ryan Potter and adult amateur, Danny Wells.
Ryan, aged 11, from Victoria Road, Runcorn, was unlucky to narrowly lose to Neil Hughes of Maelor ABC at an event in Wrexham, last Friday night.
Danny, aged 22, from Hallwood Park, boxed brilliantly to win every round against Ally Jones, also from Maelor ABC in his first contest.
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Jersey boxing trip for club
RUNCORN Amateur Boxing Club had a mixed time of things when they travelled to Jersey at the weekend.
Lee Carrington failed to win over the judges in only his second bout as the 22-year-old welterweight fell to a majority decision against Pisces ABC's Alan Begbie in a three-rounder.
However, 19-year-old light heavyweight Lee Simpson was in stunning form to defeat Pisces' Jan Poleszczuic in three rounds.
Friday also saw a victory for 12-year-old debut boxer Jack Whittingham against Dominic Shepherd, of Nottingham's Bilbora ABC at Kidsgrove Working Men's Club in Stoke.
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Runcorn boxer Simpson wins
RUNCORN boxer Lee Simpson continued his recent form with a points win at the weekend. The 20-year-old Runcorn ABC fighter beat Chris Hilton, of Irlam Boxing Academy, at Irlam Recreation Centre.
Hilton was given a standing count in the first round before losing on points over three rounds. Meanwhile, Runcorn ABC will be staging a fight night at Pavilions, in Sandy Lane, Runcorn, on May 7. The 12-bout show costs £8 for adults and £4 for concessions.
Name: Jimmy Stubbs
Born: 1920-01-01
Birthplace: Runcorn, Cheshire, United Kingdom
Died: 1997-01-01 (Age:77)
Nationality: United Kingdom
Hometown: Runcorn, Cheshire, United Kingdom
Boxing R
Record: click
JIMMY STUBBS
the Pride of Runcorn
You can count the top class professional fighters who have come out of Runcorn on one hand. Jimmy, who quit the game in 1947, was once rated in the world's top ten at flyweight and bantamweight, but somehow found himself a sidetracked fighter where titles were concerned. Not that he wasn't good enough to fight for the British crown. He beat Dundee's Jim Brady when Brady was British and Empire Bantamweight champion. He also beat Johnny Molloy and Kid Tanner, who fought respectively for British and Empire titles and he also beat that great little Liverpool fighter, Joe Curran, who fought Jackie Paterson for the world title. Three other big names he met included Peter Kane, Tiny Bostock and 'Tiger' Al Phillips –yet he never realised his ambition of a title shot.
Jimmy started his boxing life at the age of ten when he joined the Runcorn ABC. He was rated a miniature Nel Tarleton with his lanky, thin frame and long reach and as a youngster he was runner-up for the Lancs. and Cheshire 5st. and 5st. 4lbs. titles in 1934 before winning the 6st. title in 1935 and the 6st. 71b. title the following year.
Jimmy often used to travel to Liverpool to train at the Kensington club under Les Douglas, but it was an expensive business in those days, with his fare being 2s. 6d. and his gym subscription 2s. a week. Eventually he was told he was frightening a lot of members away with his big punching, and what with the club deciding to increase his subscription to 2s. a night, his training trips were virtually ended and he decided to turn professional aged just 15.
Before he made his official ring debut however, he and a friend, Ronnie Britland, decided to chance their arm in a boxing booth at a Runcorn fairground. Jimmy recalls boxing a black fighter at least two stone heavier than himself, but he got 15s. for staying three rounds, with the promise of 30s if he could come back the next night and last six – which he duly did.
Jimmy had a lot of his early contests at Runcorn Baths, a popular venue in those days, and for his debut in 1936, when he still wasn't quite 16, he managed to stop 29 year old Young Drummer in the first round. Jimmy
gave away almost half a stone in this contest. "For a ten rounder in those days, you got £2 10s. and admission to the show was 2s. ringside I remember my father putting on a show at the Baths Hall when the entire bill, and the referee, cost less than £19 – yet he still lost money."
Jimmy looked so good on his debut that Liverpool Stadium promoter Johnny Best immediately signed a seven year option on his services. Jack (Three Star) Hennessy, a Liverpudlian who had spent quite a few years in America, managed him. Jimmy started training at the old Metropolitan Club, where he recalls a heavy punch bag inscribed with the phrase, `Fighters come and fighters go, but I go on forever.'
As a professional Jimmy invariably trained at the Greenside Gym and he had a brilliant opening run, winning his first 33 contests. He was rapidly becoming the scourge of flyweights and bantamweights alike, and Jimmy himself felt that, "1 was unbeatable." However, he came unstuck against a substitute, Haig Bowers, to whom he was conceding 101b. Jimmy won the first five rounds easily enough, but then in the seventh, he ran on to a real KO punch and was counted out.
Jimmy also dropped a debatable points decision to Jackie Paterson in 1941, a time when the Glaswegian was rated the best flyweight in the world as Peter Kane's World title was in abeyance due to the war. Their contest was on the Whit Sunday show in Liverpool, and the Stadium roof was sporting a hole due to the May blitz and some of the ringside seats were also missing because of bomb damage. The 10 round decision for Paterson was hotly disputed by Stubbs and the crowd, and even though Jimmy immediately challenged Paterson for a return with a massive £5000 sidestake, he never got the rematch.
Jimmy stopped highly rated Tiny Bostock in four rounds, the same Bostock who held a decision over ex-World flyweight champion Small Montana. Jimmy was also stopped in seven by Peter Kane, then lost to him again, this time on points, in a £100-a-side return. Jimmy also recalls that in 1945 he suffered three defeats on disqualification – with Teddy Waltham, later to become Board of Control Secretary, the referee on each occasion.
The first contest was against Tommy McGlinchey, the second against Al Philips, and the third against Cliff Morris. "These were the only disqualifications I ever suffered. I got off with the first two, but the Board fined me £45 the third time. I reckon Philips pinched it off me. I had dropped him about five times on a show at Willenhall, but didn't feel I hit him low when I got disqualified in the seventh. The crowd didn't like it either and created uproar."
Jimmy twice announced his ring retirement because of the "rigours of training", but came back each time, finally quitting after being forced to retire in eight rounds by Stockton's Tommy Burns at the Stadium in October 1947. Altogether Jimmy had about 100 professional contests,
winning the majority. He rates his defeat of Empire champion Brady as a big achievement, along with his close tussle with Paterson, but reckons his two best bouts were his all-action draw and points win over Joe Curran in 1940. "It is remarkable to think that another six years were to elapse before Curran fought and lost to Paterson for the World title."
Robbie davies
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