Home Counties Senior ABA Finals by Kerry Duffy Mar 12th 2008

It is good to know the current resurgence of British boxing is not only limited to the professionals. The excitement, enthralment and anticipation that now accompanies the British fight calendar shows no signs of abating and whilst this is great news for the greater good of the sport, the real excitement is quietly emanating from within the ranks of Britain's amateur boxing team. Britain's Olympic boxing team has swollen beyond expectation, the recent victories at the 1st European Olympic Qualification event in Pescara, Italy, taking the current number of boxers representing Britain in Beijing in six months time to seven. Head coach Terry Edwards optimism knows no bounds, as was evident when he predicted, “I truly believe that by the time the London Olympics come around, we will be the new Cuba of amateur boxing.” Heady sentiments indeed! So in these fruitful times for the boys in the vests, it is with great expectancy that I look forward to a wonderful evening of amateur boxing presented by three of my local clubs in Luton: Marsh Farm ABC, Hockwell Ring ABC and Dallow ABC, to be held on April 11th 2008 at the Auction House, Luton. The night promises to be a treat for boxing lovers and hedonists alike with the price of the tables including dinner and entertainment. The quality of boxing should not be in doubt being that it is the final of the Home Counties senior ABA's and it could be a chance to see a future Olympian, if our current success is anything to go by! It is hoped local boxers Graham Earl and Billy Schwer will be in attendance as well as a certain Frank Bruno. There are several choices of ticket available for the show, ranging from 'Gold Tickets'; which for £500 per table of ten includes ringside seating, three course meal, complementary wine, free programme, waitress service, entertainment and boxing, all the way through to 'Basic Tickets' which are £10 for the boxing alone. It should be a wonderful event and Marsh Farm, Hockwell Ring and Dallow ABC deserve nothing but a successful evening, hopefully exposing themselves to a wider, more appreciative audience within the borough. Money raised from the evening will be ploughed straight back into the club and the good work will continue as long as we enable it to. All three clubs are run by the same small group of dedicated men, among whom are Paul Webb, who I have previously spoken of in an article written for this website, 'In praise of an unsung hero'. I have touched upon the great work done by Paul and his fellow coaches but the more I find out about these selfless, spirited, aspiring men, the more I am left ashamed at my unrewarding laziness! Truly, - like almost all clubs throughout the country, I imagine - if it wasn't for the selfless devotion of the men and women who run these amateur clubs there would be no 'seeds' from which our future champions grow. Through my recent exploration into the local boxing scene, I have seen firsthand how a boxing club is so much more than just teaching a kid to box. In order for a club to flourish it needs funding, dedication, commitment and constant support. I think now more than ever we must utilise the facilities open within our communities, and encourage the positive aspects the sport has to offer. The current climate of fear currently taking over our front pages stems directly from the streets. The apparent lawlessness taking over our cities can reduce any normal person into a quivering shell of fear, pessimism and hopelessness. We see youths drinking themselves delusional, innocent people being kicked to death, alarming disregard for life and traditional family abandoned for the comfort and protection of street gangs. It is easy to read these headlines and give up hope, but not all kids on the street are planning their next assault, many are bored, aimless and misguided. Amir Khan has just opened his Gloves Community Centre in Bolton with the intention of getting the kids off the street and into boxing, and his high profile should ensure he is successful in his laudable endeavour. For the smaller clubs around the country the local communities must throw their support behind all such clubs and they will reap the benefits, which is why I hope Luton turns out in force for the Home Counties senior ABA finals. For more information or to book tickets: www.mfabc.co.uk www.theauctionhouse.uk.com E-mail events@mfabc.co.uk Tel: 01582 581236/01582 494417 Matty: 07985 196719 Paul: 07852 102162 Dylan: 07877 073344

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