Update

There will be NO MEBA meeting Sunday January 5th but will resume

Sunday 2nd February 25

I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2025.

Thank you for all of your support over the last 12 months and I look forward to seeing you on

Sunday 2nd February 25

Ian Harrison( Secretary and newsletter editor )

BREAKING! The finals of the Manchester Box Cup will be streamed live on Sky Sports on May 25 🥊

The amateur tournament will be looking to showcase the talents of future stars from the region and further afield �

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Now available!!!  M.E.B.A. Lapel Badges and Coffee Mugs....Please visit store to order...

*********NEXT MEETING, SUNDAY  1ST DECEMBER*********

PLEASE NOTE NEW VENUE

Unfortunately, we have to say goodbye to our long standing hosts at the Derby Brewery Arms, we would like to thank them for many years of hosting MEBA.  We have simply outgrown the venue and this is a testament to the strength of the Association, over the last 12 months membership has gone up significantly, and accordingly, so as attendance at our meetings.

With this in mind we have had to find ourselves a new home, which thankfully we have done in the form of The Irish World Heritage Centre in Cheetham Hill.

It has plenty of parking available and is easily accessible on the Metrolink system, using the Bury Line, exit out of the station using either the stairs or accessible lift, turn left and it is a few minute walk.

We will have access to an excellent first floor meeting room, which again is accessible by lift, complete with own bar.

The Committee look forward to welcoming you all on November 3rd, for the continuation of our great Journey!!!!!!!

POST SCRIPT .......The Irish Centre is also the venue for our annual Christmas Party on November 24th, so don't forget to buy your tickets!!!!!!!

Members General & Social meetings are held from 12.30pm on the first Sunday of each month at

THE IRISH WORLD HERITAGE CENTRE

1 IRISH TOWN WAY

CHEETHAM HILL

MANCHESTER

M8 0AE

Everyone is welcome, members and non-members alike, come along for a catchup and meet old and new friends.

The meetings are well-attended; often with great guest speakers all with a great interest in the "Noble Art", you will be blown away by the camaraderie, atmosphere, and welcome on show. Come and meet old and make new friends from the Manchester boxing fraternity.

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Eddie Copeland interview update

In case you missed Eddies interview on North Manchester Radio with John Cannon, you can listen to it here

https://podcast.canstream.co.uk/manchesterfm/index.php?id=53382

In part one, Eddie talks about his Boxing career.

https://podcast.canstream.co.uk/manchesterfm/index.php?id=53381

In the second half of the interview, Eddie talks about M.E.B.A. and other Ex-Boxers Associations, incl  The Ringside Charitable Trust, N.B.F. and the Boxing Hall Of Fame.

Well worth the listen if you have the time.

Regards

Stefan

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 #OnThisDay 50 years ago (30th October 1974) saw Muhammad Ali regain the heavyweight title with an astonishing victory over George Foreman in Zaire.

Afternoon everyone

I am just letting you know that Eddie Copeland will be on North Manchester Radio Tuesday 15th 106.6fm from 12/2pm talking about his boxing career and the Manchester Ex Boxers if your able to tune in.

Ian Harrison

NEXT MEETING

Sunday 6th October 24

Guest speaker will be Ex professional and Amateur Club Coach

Bacups Brian Roche

As an amateur Brian boxed for England many times

Brian had 22 bout as a professional winning 13 with five knockouts

He Boxed for the central area and the Commonwealth titles

It’s going to be a great meeting

Everyone welcome !!!!

Sunday 1st September Meeting update

Unfortunately Jamie Moore can’t make the MEBA meeting this Sunday 1st Sept as he is in Ireland with a boxer But Steve Foster has very kindly got us a brilliant replacement

Mr Tony Booth the great ex journey man from Hull Former Boxer Tony had 160+ Pro Fights and Fought the likes of David Haye, Derek Chisora, Maurice Core, Omar Sheika, Johnny Nelson to name but a few Tony’s Trainer/Manager was Brendan Ingle he was a

Former BBBofC Central Area Cruiserweight Champion this will be a great interview from a great character who had a great career

Hope everyone can still make it it will be worth it

Ian Harrison

newsletter editor

Congratulations to Pat Barrett!

We are thrilled to announce that Pat Barrett has been officially inducted into the British Ex-Boxers Hall of Fame as Manager of the Year 2025! This prestigious honor is a testament to Pat’s unwavering dedication, strategic brilliance, and profound impact on the sport of boxing.

From a remarkable career in the ring to becoming a guiding force outside of it, Pat’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. His commitment to nurturing and developing boxing talent is unparalleled, and his induction into the Hall of Fame as a manager is well-deserved recognition of his contributions to the sport.

Being named Manager of the Year is a testament to Pat’s strategic mind, his deep understanding of the sport, and his ability to mentor fighters to reach their full potential. His approach goes beyond just training; it’s about instilling discipline, resilience, and a champion’s mindset. This award is a celebration of all the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed, but is crucial to the success of any fighter.

This honor is not just a recognition of past achievements, but also a sign of even greater things to come. Pat Barrett’s influence on boxing continues to grow, and with this Hall of Fame induction, the world is acknowledging what many in the boxing community have known for years: Pat Barrett is a true legend, both in and out of the ring.

Here’s to many more victories and continued success in the future.

#Boxing #HallOfFame #ManagerOfTheYear #PatBarrett #BlackFlashPromotions #Champion#BoxingLegend #Congratulations

NEXT MEETING

Sunday 1st September 24

Guest speaker will be The one and only professional Coach / Trainer Salfords Jamie Moore

Jamie Moore is a British boxing trainer and former professional boxer who competed from 1999 to 2010. He held the British and Commonwealth super welterweight titles twice between 2003 and 2007, and the European super welterweight title in 2009

2018 he was named coach of the year by the British Boxing Board.

This will be great, everybody welcome

Ian Harrison

newsletter editor

Boxer Pat Brown in action.Credit: Andy Chubb

Pat Brown: Meet the former scaffolder turned boxer going for gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A former scaffolder and heavyweight boxer from Greater Manchester is hoping to bring back a gold medal home to the North West from the Olympics.

Qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris was "a dream come true" for Team GB's Pat Brown.

The boxer from Sale is feeling prepped and pumped and also has extra motivation when going for gold after losing his cousin in the build up to the Games.

The 24-year-old said: "He was my best mate and we did everything together. He came with me everywhere. He came to the qualifiers in Italy watching me, said that was his best weekend of his life. So that was good to know.

"Definitely got everyone on my shoulders, especially him and always inside me all the time. And he's gave me a lot actually. So yeah, I'm going to be a wrecking ball when I go there with with him in me."

The heavyweight hopes his success can be an inspiration to the next generation.

He continued: "The main thing for me is just getting in the ring and show me skills and show everyone back at home what I've made of and bring back that medal. So that's what I'm excited for the most of it."

Pat said that to win, it would mean "everything" to him and from boxing as a boy at the family run Sale West gym, to qualifying for the Olympics as a man, these are also special times for his dad.

Pat's dad, Mike Brown, said: "I'm over the moon. Very proud. Everyone in the family, his mum, his two brothers, myself, everyone I'm looking forward to Paris."

Pat will join a well-known list of North West fighters to box at the Olympics including, world champions Amir Khan, Natasha Jonas and Robin Reid.

Fighting his way through the ranks under Nigel and Kelvin Travis at the Moss Side Fire station boxing club, the 24 year old has always had plenty of Olympic pedigree to draw upon.

Kelvyn Travis - Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Gym: "We're very proud of him, I'm not nervous about anything at all with him. I think he's well capable of going out there and destroying some of these opponents."

Pat's boss, Dermot Craven said that he was an "exceptional, honest and hardworking" person and "if I could find more Pats in this world" he would have a far bigger scaffolding company.

Dermot said that if Pat wins gold, Well, he's going to "have to get them all over there, so I'm going to be a bit poor".

Pat said: "I do think back when I'm waking up the scaffolding and it's freezing cold and I've got that cold tube on the shoulder.

"And I just kept saying to myself, one day, I won't be doing this. I'll be doing what I love, and this is exactly what I'm doing now."

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Courtesy of British Boxing News

N.B.F. WEEKEND IS UPON US.

Well Gala weekend is here, we're looking forward to meeting everyone in attendance later at the Hotel Sheraton Blackpool.

Agenda... Check in Friday Afternoon, then an opportunity to meet the fellow associations attending followed by an evening of entertainment.

Saturday is Gala Night, including special guests Steve "The Viking" Foster , Steve Foster Jnr, Jane Couch, Dave Harris  and also a chance to meet all ex--boxers in attendance.

Followed by a 3 course dinner and entertainment into the night.

See you later.

@jackmasseyboxing wins the European and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles by unanimous decision @gallaghersboxinggym @boxxer @skysportsboxing

Credit to both men who showed incredible heart throughout @chamberlain_ #boxing #billamsmithriakporhe

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“Wythenshawe Warrior” an apt name for Macaulay McGowan who put in a Herculean effort in his European Title challenge this evening Accurate and hurtful punching from German Champion @abassbaraou who retains his title via UD 117-111 119-110 118-110

@wassermanboxing

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CONGRATULATIONS Ricky!

We’re very proud to share that Hatton Academy Founder Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame!

Sunday’s ceremony in New York marks a significant milestone in Ricky’s career of 45 wins, just 3 losses, and 32 knockouts

Ricky’s reflected on his standout win against Kostya Tszyu and heaped huge praise on coach Billy Graham, who has been with him since 16 years old.

Well deserved!

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On This Day In Boxing History, The World Lost Probably The Greatest Heavyweight of All Time. The Great Muhammad Ali, Who sadly passed away on June 3rd 2016.

GOD BLESS YOU MUHAMMAD

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A Note from Paul Fairweather and The Ringside Charity Trust

I’ve received this from David Turner,especially created this online along with a link for donations to Ringside Charitable Trust,please take a look and support him as he is supporting us

Hi Paul.

How are you doing?

I'm just getting in touch to say that issue 1 of The Spit Bucket is all finished and we're really happy with it. There's a page pointing readers in your direction as well as links on my website to your donation page so hopefully we can drum up a bit of cash for you.

The zine is available as a physical print but due to print costs we're not going to be able to produce too many of these. As I said before, our main drive will be to spread the free PDF versions which will be available to download here: https://writersonboxing.com/the-spit-bucket-a-boxing.../

Any help spreading the word would be much appreciated.

Keep up the great work, and I hope you like the zine!

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Altrincham company teams up with Anthony Crolla on pioneering scheme for aspiring boxers

Construction business FK Group has joined forces with Project Boxing.

May 29, 2024 . 10:24 AM  

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Such sad news hear the passing of British & Commonwealth Super Lightweight Champion Tony Ekubia .

Tony a gentleman & fighter out of Phil Martins Moss Side ABC & Champs Camp will be missed . An original day one Champion . Thoughts & prayers to his family at this sad time

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Some fun facts about the Amateur Boxing scene:

1. Coaches, Officials, boxers are NOT paid. (many of us miss big family and friends events) also most of the time end up out of pocket. 1 or 2 may make a few quid out of it or even a decent Living .

2. To put on a show it cost minimum around £2K (you would have to sell around 134 tickets priced at £15 each just to break even, this is why many clubs need sponsors, sometimes shows run at a loss which comes out of either clubs funds or peoples personal money)

3. It reduces knife crime and gang related crime.

4. Coaches end up becoming 2nd parents to many of the boxers. They are not just a coach they are unpaid therapist.

5. Officials, Coaches are volunteers we actually do have day jobs. Sometimes we are tired and run down from everything we take up but hey we wouldn't have it any of way. No better feeling than seeing the joys on the boxers faces when their hands are raised.

6. Supervisors spend countless evenings prior to a show doing all the paperwork and after the show as well. To ensure everything is in order and most of all to ensure boxers safety.

7. We all have to pay a yearly fee to register. Most of the time coming out of our own pockets

8. Roughly as a judge / Referee i spend around 20 hours a week giving up my time to volunteer sometimes less sometimes more this is ontop of my every day to day job and trying to fit everything else in. (There a lot more people out there that give up more time)

So when you are sitting at the big Pro boxing show all glammed up loving life just take a moment to think about the above and what people have given up to get the best boxers out there. The pro's are nothing without the hard work of the Amateurs.

Also please just come to some Amateur shows to support without any support the Amateur will die out then where will that leave the pro game.

From Trafford ABC Facebook page.

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Happy Birthday to Manchester Boxer Mike Whalley, who was the two time Central Area Featherweight Champion 1985-88 and European Super-Featherweight Title contender 1989. W12 L9 D5.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE, BORN 1ST MAY 1960.

(picture courtesy of Hamer ABC )

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Gill v Barrett - Saturday 13th April, Manchester Arena 

Who is on the Jordan Gill vs Zelfa Barrett undercard? 

We've got plenty of Manchester interest on the undercard. There's Anthony Crolla-trained Rhiannon Dixon, an unbeaten fighter from Warrington, looking to win her first world title when she takes on Argentina’s Karen Elizabeth Carabajal for the vacant WBO super-lightweight crown. Crolla's younger brother William is also on the card, the 25-year-old pencilled in for his fifth professional contest. And Michael Gomez Jnr, son of the 'Manchester Mexican' of the same name, defends his English super-featherweight title against Kane Baker.

• Jordan Gill v Zelfa Barrett
• Ellie Scotney v Segolene Lefebvre - IBF and WBO World super bantamweight titles
• Rhiannon Dixon v Karen Carabajal - vacant WBO World lightweight title
• Michael Gomez Jnr v Kane Baker - English super-featherweight title
• Jordan Flynn v Tampela Maharusi
• Brandon Scott v Rodrigo Matias Areco
• William Crolla v Fabio Cascone
• Jimmy Sains v Mateusz Kalecki
• Jack Turner v Abdul Kesi Ngaoma
• Stephen Clarke v Jensen Irving
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Next meeting - Sunday 5th May 2024.

Quiz and Buffet

Hope to see everyone there.

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Next meeting - Sunday 7th April 2024.

Quiz and Buffet

Hope to see everyone there.

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Next meeting - Sunday 3rd March 2024.

Guest speaker - NORTHSIDE’s Former Commonwealth Champion,

Craig Watson

Hope to see everyone there.

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Don't forget this months meeting, Sunday 4th February, at the Derby Brewery Arms, Cheetham Hill Road, from 12.30 with the legendary Joe Pennington .All welcome.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR MEMBERS

(Don't forget, our next meeting on Sunday, January 7th)

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Joe Pennington says enough is enough for Northside ABC as he reflects on three decades devoted to nurturing champions (full story in Spotlight section).

December 2023

Joe will be guest of honour at our monthly meeting in February, 2024, it is sure to be a very interesting and informative meeting, make sure you don't miss this one.

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TNT Sports and Queensberry host a Fight Night Live on Friday 01 December 2023, headlined by Gavin Gwynne vs Emiliano Marsili for the vacant EBU European Lightweight title.

The event takes places at York Hall in London, and is being broadcast by TNT Sports from 7:00 p.m. The card is being promoted by Frank Warren.

There are 4 different title fights on the card, and young heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma is in action once again.

Here is the full undercard for the event:

Gavin Gwynne vs Emiliano Marsili – EBU European Light (vacant)

Brad Strand vs Joshua John – WBO European Super Bantamweight title
Sam Noakes vs Carlos Perez – WBC International Silver Lightweight title
Raven Chapman vs Lucie Sedlackova – WBC International Featherweight title
Oronzo Biradi vs Israel Duffus
Sonny Ali vs Fernando Mosquera
Umar Khan vs Yin Caicedo
Moses Itauma vs Michal Boloz
Royston Barney-Smith vs Maicol Velazco

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𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲

27-0 meets 32-0 as world class duo David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade collide in Las Vegas.

Will Benavidez be too big and strong for Andrade, or can 'Boo Boo' slay the 'Mexican Monster'?

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Irish icon Katie Taylor sets out to avenge her sole career defeat at the hands of Chantelle Cameron.

Can Taylor have her revenge, or will Cameron silence the Dublin faithful once again?

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Former Liverpool star Jason McAteer throws down the gauntlet, challenging ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane to a £1 million boxing match to settle their long-standing feud. The callout adds a new twist to their history, leaving fans curious about a potential sporting showdown.

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HEANEY DOES IT

There was so much to go at on a crazy Saturday night of boxing in Britain as Frank Warren’s Magnificent Seven in Manchester show went head-to-head with Boxxer’s Wolves at the Door in, you guessed it, Wolverhampton.

But without doubt the story of the night took place up north, in the very last fight of Warren’s gargantuan bill, as Nathan Heaney claimed the British title via majority decision over Denzel Bentley. Firstly, an apology. In my preview for the show written in these pages, I suggested that Bentley would not only win, but win well inside the distance. I was not alone in such a pick.

But Heaney, with one of the most heartbreaking back-stories in British boxing, made us all look silly with a spirited display, roared on by his legion of fans at the Manchester Arena. These are strange times for boxing, with few crossover stars and widespread infection via unlicensed influencer fights, but on Saturday Heaney served up a reminder of what this sport is all about. There were goosebumps watching him celebrate the result, face down in the centre of the ring. Your old man would be so proud of you, and so should British boxing.  (courtesy of Boxing News)

Magnificent 7 Boxing Results

Queensberry boxing held The Magnificent Seven card in Manchester on 18 November 2023 at the AO Arena, headlined by Bentley vs Heaney. Here are the results from the event:

Nathan Heaney (17-0) defeated Denzel Bentley (18-2-1) – British Middleweight Championship & WBA Continental Middleweight Championship via Majority Decision. Scorecards read 114-114, 116-113 & 117-111.

Nick Ball (18-0) defeated Isaac Dogboe (24-3) – WBC Silver Featherweight title via Unanimous Decision. Dogboe was knocked down once in round 4. The scorecards read 119-108, 116-11 and 118-109.

Ema Kozin (23-1-1) defeated Hannah Rankin (13-6) – WBC Super Welterweight Championship via Split Decision. Scorecards read 94-96, 94-96, 98-92.

Liam Davies (14-0) defeated Vincenzo La Femina (13-0) – EBU European Super Bantamweight Championship via TKO in round 5.

There were three knockdowns in the bout, including Liam Davies being knocked down once.

Harry Scarff (12-2) defeated Ekow Essuman (19-0) – British, Commonwealth and IBF European Welterweight Championship via Unanimous Decision. Scorecards read 116-113, 117-112, 115-113.

Nathaniel Collins (13-0) defeated Zak Miller (13-0) British and Commonwealth Featherweight Championships via Majority Decision. Scorecards read 115-113, 115-113, 114-114.

Solomon Dacres (7-0) defeated Michael Webster (9-0) English Heavyweight Championship via Majority Decision. Dacres received a point deduction. Scorecards read 95-95, 96-93 and 96-94.

Amaar Akbar (5-0) defeated Christian Lopez Flores (14-32-2) via Points Decision 60-54.

Callum Thompson (7-0) vs Joshua Ocampo (8-19-5) via Points Decision 60-54.

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Where will you be watching from?

Expected fights this week

November 22, Newcastle.Nikita Tszyu - Dylan Biggs: for the Australian title.

November 25, Las Vegas.Hector Luis Garcia - Lamont Roach for the WBA (Regular) world title.

November 25, Las Vegas.David Benavidez - Demetrius Andrade: for the WBC interim world title.

November 25, Las Vegas. Jermall Charlo - Jose Benavidez Jr.

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