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Great Explanation by a
good Samaritan
A great crowd gathered at
the MCG Olympic Stand Dining Room to pay homage to many of
Australia's finest. With numerous Champs of all levels in
attendance, including family, friends and fans alike, the evening
was a great success overall. Taking the stage as M.C for the
night, Paul Upham
was superb and kept the show ticking like clockwork.
Starting off with unfinished business, footage of Mr. Arnold
Thomas (Australian Boxing Historian) in the USA, presenting the
family of Sam Langford with his induction award, set the scene for
a great night. Next to stage, all the way from Philadelphia, was
Freddie Dawson-Elston III to claim his fathers award also.
With the inductees, Tommy Burns and Bill Doherty (Pioneers), Dave
Smith and Hughie Meheghan (Old Timers), Clive Stewart and Bobby
Sinn (Veterans), Troy Waters and Henry Nissen (Moderns), plus John
McDougall and Will Lawless (Non-participants) being honoured, some
great speeches and stories were swapped.
Ronnie Wills, the son of Bobby Sinn, travelled from QLD with Alan
Moore to be there on the night. Unfortunately, Bobby Sinn passed
away just a few short months ago, a very proud Ron Wills was
presented his fathers award followed by a thunderous ovation. An
equal ovation was to follow Henry Nissens induction, deservedly
so, considering the tireless work for underprivileged and
destitute people throughout Melbourne.
'Colonel' Bob Sheridan, the larger than life (and almost as large
as John Candy for that matter) American commentator spoke with
great praises of the many Aussies he's witnessed from ringside
over the years. Pointing out the Troy Water vs Terry Norris
encounter as one of the top ten heart stoppers he's had the
pleasure of commentating.
Peter Fitzsimmons, Rugby giant, author and all round personality
was present to speak of LEGEND, Les Darcy. With the elevation to
'Legend' status of Les Darcy, a great contingent were at hand for
the event including Jimmy Clabby (Grand nephew of Jimmy Clabby),
Dr. Les Darcy (Grand nephew) and Dave Pritchard (Grand son of
Darcy trainer/ twice opponent Dave Smith).
Barry Michael made the stage for the presentation to the ANBHOF of
a miniature Lionel Rose statue. With the cost of $12,000/per
statuette, all monies go towards the erection of a 3 1/2 metre
statue of Lionel at his birth place of Waragal, Victoria. With the
presentation underway, a voice from the audience screams "Where's
mine"??? No, Fammo has not lost his touch and the laughter
reverberated around the room.
Those greats in attendance were too many to mention... Here's a
short list.
Johnny Famechon, Jeff Fenech, Lovemore Ndou, Phillip Holiday,
Trevor King, Clive Stewart, Craig Trotter, Barry Michael, Robbie
Peden, 'Big' Bob Mirovic, Billy Males, Eddie Ellston, Alan Moore,
Troy Waters, Henry & Leon Nissen, Athol McQueen, Lester Ellis and
many more. All moved freely around the room and invited
conversation from the guests at will. All in all, a great
opportunity to meet and greet our champs.
YVB thank the writer for
this post on ESBB
Should be forwarding his
writings to YVB. |
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