Clinton McKenzie recognised at Hall of Fame awards

By Simon Euan-Smith

MY thanks to Welsh EBA Vice-Chairman and Treasurer Wynford Jones for a comprehensive report on this year’s British Ex-Boxers’ Hall of Fame, held at the Mercure Holland House Hotel in Cardiff. A crowd of almost 400 turned out to enjoy a “special and truly memorable” afternoon, put together by Chairman Kevin Hayde, Wynford, Secretary Cyril Thomas and committee member Dave Furnish – and there was a warm reception for each of the inductees and/or their respective families and friends.

Mickey Carter was presented with his Amateur Boxer award by John H Stracey, MBE, his teammate from the 1968 Mexico Olympics, while Clinton McKenzie was presented with his Modern Era award by Colin Jones, MBE, one of his teammates at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. Clinton also enjoyed a special rendition of Happy Birthday (he turned 69 on Sunday, September 15).

President of the Hall of Fame, John Conteh, MBE presented James Cook, MBE with his Modern Era award, while in the same category there was huge support for Anthony Crolla and Derek Williams.

The families of David Pearce (Posthumous), Dai Dower, MBE (Modern Era), Dave Coldwell (Manager) and Alan Smith (Professional Trainer) were there in force – and, says Wynford, “it was great to see Harold Alderman, MBE and Miles Templeton (Lifetime Services to Boxing) honoured for their immense contribution to the sport.” Promoter Mark Neilson was presented with his award by Nicky Piper, MBE.

Essex EBA Chairman Tommy Burling and Leeds stalwart Vince Campbell (both Lifetime Services to EBAs) were described as “popular recipients.” Lewis van Poetsch, who has now begun a new career as a pro referee, was the inductee in the 100 Plus category.

“Other inductees,” Wynford said, “included the late, great Tommy Farr [Pioneer], Carl Frampton, MBE [Modern Era] and [Central (Midlands) EBA Secretary] Paul Nutting [Lifetime Services to EBAs], who were sadly unable to join us, while there was more amateur representation with the induction of Roy Williams [Boxer] and Freddie Barr [Trainer].

“The induction of the late Karen Knight [Lifetime Services to EBAs], who will never be replaced, proved to be extremely emotional and was greeted by a standing ovation which husband Terry found extremely moving.

“The final award, the Courage Award, went to Mark Goult. Again, this proved to be a hugely moving moment and was greeted by another standing ovation as he was presented with his award by Hall of Fame [and Hastings EBA] Chairman, Dave Harris.”

I’m delighted it went so well. When Dave Harris first mooted the idea of a British Hall of Fame some people doubted it would come off – but it certainly has.

Some sad news from Wales  – I was sorry to hear of the death of former Mountain Ash welter Phil Williams. He was 86.

Phil had 10 pro bouts between 1958 and 1960, winning the first four (three inside-schedule) but losing the rest. In February 1959 he went the full eight rounds with the late Wally Swift, who seven months later won the Midlands Area welter title and went on to become British champion at both welter and middleweight.

Phil’s last bout was his only one in Wales – a seventh-round cuts loss to Neville Axford in Carmarthen in March 1960.

My condolences to Phil’s family and friends.

No-one can go on for ever, and in the latest Leeds EBA newsletter Secretary/Treasurer Paul Abrahams writes: “After 15 years I am stepping down from my roles in the Leeds Ex-Boxers’ Association. I still hope to attend some meetings and events in the future and would like to thank everyone within the boxing family for the support and encouragement over the past decade and a half.”

Paul invites anyone interested in taking over the role as Newsletter compiler to let the committee know. I hope someone comes forward – Paul’s done a great job over the years, and it would be a real shame if the Newsletter were to discontinue (as has happened with some other EBAs).