Issue #18

Welcome to issue #18 of Hastings Westhill ABC's newsletter.

The newsletter is published on an, as and when basis so check back on a regular basis .

We are always happy to publish editorials from guest authors, so if you wish to assist us with this newsletter, simply email us your suggestions:

"Ask The Ref"

Referee brothers Rees and Peter Hopcraft are on hand to answer your questions.

Between Rees and Peter there is very little that will go unanswered so don't hesitate to send your questions via email

All questions and answers will be published in this, our regular newsletters for the benefit of all.

Here is this month's question submitted by Bob J:

Are there any significant changes to ABA rules now in affect or about to be implemented that coaches should be aware of prior to the championships in 2008?

Reply:

Thanks for your question Bob, which I have also passed by my brother for his thoughts. Sadly, and I make no excuse for this, neither of us are aware of any rule changes. This may be that there are no rule changes. Hopefully this is the case. However, if there are any then the officials at grass roots level always seem to be the last to know.

My brother cites the story of head guards being checked in the ring, which he was not aware of until refereeing the London ABA finals. And I, was unaware of the 2 standing counts in a round for juniors rule until the Golden Gloves championships.

Referees have to learn to adapt to constant rule changing within the ABAE and AIBA, but sometimes we don’t know until a few minutes before we get into the ring. I will only suggest coaches such as yourself approaching the official in charge on the day and asking him outright.

Rees.

"Happy New Year"

To all our readers - Everyone at Hastings West Hill ABC would like to wish you all a "Happy and Healthy New Year":

"Boxing Trivia"

In a historic boxing match in 1882, John L. Sullivan knocked out Paddy Ryan - and knocked himself into the record books as the world's last heavyweight bare-knuckle boxing champion. Sullivan also made history in America's last professional bare-knuckle bout, going an incredible 75 (yes, 75) rounds before beating boxer Jake Kilrain.

Another record-setting bout occurred on April 6, 1893, in New Orleans, Louisiana, when Jack Burke and Andy Bowen fought for 110 rounds, the contest lasted 7 hours and 19 minutes.

Bare-knuckle bouts were fought in the true spirit of the earliest boxing matches (introduced at the 23rd ancient Olympiad in 776 BC). There were no rounds or other breaks and competitors simply boxed until one man was knocked out or raised an arm to concede defeat.

"Boxing Action "

Crawley ABC Show, Crawley - Dec 16th:

On the penultimate show we visited in 2007 Steve Hill was matched against Pete Murphy of home club Crawley ABC. Steve got back to winning ways with a unanimous points victory, which was the catalyst for Steve to let his hair down and get into the festive spirit, as seen below:

Lynn AC Show, Dartford - Dec 18th:

The final show that we attended in 2007 was the Lynn AC Show held in Dartford on the 18th Dec where Shaun Attrell rounded the year off in fine style.

Shaun was at his very best and needed to be as his opponent was highly rated Sam Gregory of Nemesis ABC. Shaun boxed superbly in each of the 4 rounds and secured a unanimous points victory.

The two lads met again in January 2008 and enjoyed top billing. Shaun boxed superbly once again to take the decision, this time by majority.

CYP championships SE Prelims, Aldershot - Jan 12th:

The club only entered 5 boys into the CYP championships as a flu bug that swept through the club accounted for James McMahon and Luke Destin.

Enrik Rrukaj U54 Class B and Ben White U60 class B were both awarded a bye to the Southern area final, while Dennis Buchanan and Bruce Lawson both U64 class C were drawn against each other, while Jake Towse U60 Class B, who had been ill up until the Thursday prior to the competition was drawn against international Joe Winson of Finchley ABC.

Jake was very much the underdog, giving away 40+ bouts in experience, and boxing less than 100% fit, however he did himself and the club proud taking Joe to a paper thin majority points loss.

CYP championships SE Finals, Heathfield - Jan 20th:

Three boys in the finals but not a victory in sight on what turned out to be a day that didn't quite go to plan - It happens.

First up was Enrik Rrukaj against Brett Colebourne of St Marys ABC. Enrik, like Jake the week before was giving away a great deal in terms of experience to Brett, which ultimately took its toll.

After three hard fought rounds there was no question that Brett was the clear winner on points, on a positive note Enrik gained valuable experience. Good luck in the future rounds Brett.

Second to box was Ben White who was up against Joe Winson of Finchley ABC. After a very close 1st round, Joe used his vast experience to land some telling blows and eased ahead to secure a unanimous points decision' putting paid to a 2nd West Hill boy's chances of progressing. Good luck in the next rounds Joe.

Last but not least was Dennis Buchanan, who was pitched against another Finchley Boy, Billy Moy. After a slow start Dennis got into his flow in the 2nd round and gave Moy all he could handle. Things changed however in the 3rd when the hard hitting Moy got through with some big shots that forced a standing count. In the 4th Dennis started brightly but some big shots got through to a more stationary Dennis than usual which prompted the referee to stop the contest. Again we wish Billy all the best for the next rounds of the competition.