Growing up as a kid in the 1970’s I used to be a Liverpool supporter, idolising the likes of Kenny Dalglish. However, living in West London, it became apparent that not only had I never been to Liverpool, I’d never seen Liverpool play in London. My brother soon pointed out to me that QPR were half a mile away from where we lived and the rest, as they say, is history.
My link as a kid is as close as I ever got to Merseyside – that is until I had the honour of being invited to an outstanding evening of white collar boxing in Southport on the 12th September 2014, organised by Mike Sullivan.
The primary focus of the evening was to raise funds for a fantastic charity which has achieved incredible results for the local area via the medium of sport. The charity is called the Benjamin Gautrey Foundation, which was set up by his mum (Lorraine) in 2011, after Benjamin was tragically killed in a superbike accident. My understanding is that provisional figures are indicating around £2,000 being raised on the evening – which is outstanding. A massive thank you to each and everyone of you who supported.
I strongly urge you to read about Ben’s achievements and also if you have the chance, to check out the donation link below.
(To make a donation, please visit) http://www.thebenjamingautreyfoundation.org.uk/pages/how-to-donate.php
http://www.thebenjamingautreyfoundation.org.uk/pages/bgf-25/about-benjamin.php
“The vision of ‘The Foundation’ is to support Young Riders’ who take the same route into Racing that Ben did. ‘The Foundation’ will support Sport from grass root level and will promote the Sports in which Ben was so passionate about.”
In order to get bums on seats and to support the efforts of the foundation, Mike Sullivan organised seven white collar boxing matches at the Prince of Wales hotel in Southport, kicking off at 7:30pm. The lovely ring girls were provided by Club Monroe and there was also support from a number of professional boxers, including Robin Reid, Karl Ince and Mike Stafford. Karl and Robin did an outstanding job of refereeing!
First up to fight over 3 x 2 minute bouts, was Adam Gallen versus Young Ali. First round Ali imposed with straight rights and a very silky smooth jab, demonstrating good timing, speed and distance. Second round, Gallen managed to get his jab going and started to build up in confidence, however, Ali started to cut the ring off and the balance of power was back in Ali’s hands. Third round was more of the same and a justified result came by way of Ali winning unanimously.
Next up was Darren Blackhurst against Cavan ‘The Hitman’ Hughes. First round was a slugfest, with the ex WBC and IBO world champ not needing to intervene as both fighters went hell for leather. This in fact summed up all three rounds. By the end of the fight, Cavan had a swelling under his left eye (the result of Blackhurst’s left hooks), but both fighters gave a great account of themselves. Blackhurst won the fight, albeit, it was a close and thrilling contest.
The third fight of the night was between Warren Greenhalsh and Danny Payne. Warren controlled the pace from the beginning and ended up hitting the canvas on a number of occasions. Warren won a clear decision and needs to be commended for the victory, but I also believe Warren will be the first to join me to applaud Danny on his warrior’s spirit. It takes guts and determination to step through the ropes and fight, and to get back on your feet after being knocked down to continue to fight shows massive heart. He did this more than once and showed that he is a genuine fighter. Perhaps a rematch at the next charity evening?….
We then had an interval were ex world champ and 1992 Olympic Robin Reid medallist took on two gentleman by the names of Adrian and Paul. Both had donated a tidy sum to the charity of the evening to spar with Robin – and Robin gladly obliged. Although I think his ribs may have reminded him the day after just how good these lads were!
I then had the pleasure of inviting a 12 year old lad by the name of Stephen Clarke to the ring to take a bow. Stephen has recently won the European Muay Thai title and is a very proud fighter from Southport. His ambition is to become world champion and I truly believe he will achieve that aim.
After a good feed, we all prepared ourselves for the fourth contest between Liam Riley and Ben ‘The Bull’ Roberts. First round, both fighters worked very well behind the jab, but Ben got the better of the exchanges, flooring Liam twice. Second round, Liam worked very well behind the jab, showing better lateral movement, but Ben was still the boss in there. Third round was the best for Liam in my eyes as he put together some great combinations and left everything in the ring. Unfortunately it was a little too late. Ben Roberts won the decision and I’d love to see these two go for it again in a few months time….
Fight number five was possibly the fight of the night (with close contenders for second, third and fourth place!). Danny Carter took on Ben Sharples and from the opening seconds of the first round started beating Ben all over the ring, causing Ben to take a standing count. Second round I would have put money on Ben getting stopped, but he wasn’t having any of it. I remember looking at Ben and thinking to myself, ‘That lad is here to fight!’ Both fighters exchanged some great flurries, but I edged that round to Ben. By the end of the third, I turned to Robin Reid and Karl Ince and asked them their scores and all three of us had unanimously, ‘A draw’. It was a justified result for two boxers who left it all in the ring.
Talking of boxers who leave it all in the ring – cue Leyton Carter and Richie Houghton. Robin Reid had any easy job for this one as he never once needed to step in to break them. Both fighters started very explosively….and never stopped being explosive! Richie was throwing some very heavy right hands, whilst Leighton was putting some great counters shots together and working behind a clinical jab. In addition, the sportsmanship from both of them was a template of how boxers should behave in the ring. I was glad that neither fighter won this one and the result was another draw, as they both deserved to be winners.
The seventh and final bout of the evening was between Tam Seddon and Joe Sharples. Tam had a clubbing right hand, reminiscent of Lennox Lewis and Joe had some smooth footwork showing a touch of the Sugar Ray, with a great counter defensive jab, which ensured he got out of harms way and back to the centre of the ring to give him four routes to escape or attack. This was a white collar event, but it reminds you just how high the quality of boxing can be outside of the pro circuit. Another draw announced and it sealed a fantastic night of boxing (especially compared to the Mayweaher v Maidana contest!). Looking forward to crossing paths with you all again soon.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NAOMI CALLAGHAN, WITH FULL COPYRIGHT