During my boxing writing travels I have had the luxury of meeting some incredibly interesting individuals, with some fantastic anecdotes about boxing history. You know the type of person I’m talking about? The type of person who can tell you, ‘Do you remember so and so boxer? Do you want to know where they are now or how their career really ended?’ One of those people I’ve met is a gentleman called Raymond Lee – or Ray as he’s known to his friends.
Over the years, Ray has built up an incredible library of boxing photos, data and information and written a number of publications, which not only challenge most of the mainstream sources out there, but put the majority to shame in terms of accuracy. However – it’s not Ray’s pugilistic historical merits I wish to focus on today, it’s what he’s doing for he’s doing for boxers in Essex which has really got my attention….
Along with a good friend of his (Tommy Birling), they have formed the Essex Ex-Boxers Association (EEBA), to help former boxers who have fallen on hard times. Just to give you an idea of the level of interest and support the EEBA has already received, members include the likes of past and present champions such as Billy Joe Saunders, Freddie Turner, Kevin Mitchell, Ross Minter, Steve Collins and Jason Rowland.
It only costs £10 to be a member for the year and meetings are held every third Sunday of each month in Southend. You don’t need to be an Essex resident to be a member! I for one live in south west London and was delighted to join.
To find out how to join, the benefits involved with being a member or how to become a sponsor, please contact Ray on [email protected] or 07807739560.