26/04/2024

BBBofC Update : January-April

Since the turn of the year, we’ve already seen 75 tournaments held around the country, including nine British title contests and 6 new champions.

In January the BBBofC held a Ring Officials Seminar, in Birmingham, for all Referees, Inspectors, Council Members, Timekeepers and Area Secretaries, with around 100 attendees. Speakers included Head Office Medical Advisor, Neil Scott, on the signs, symptoms and biomechanics of concussion, Les Potts on the Role of the Inspector, and the application process for licence holders, and BBBofC UKAD Educator, Suzanne Potts, who outlined anti-doping and the testing procedure. Former international rugby referee, Nigel Owens MBE, also joined us as Guest Speaker.

The BBBofC Annual Awards were held on Sunday 17th March, where Leigh Wood picked up ‘Boxer of the Year’. ‘Contest of the Year’ went to Artur Beterbiev and Anthony Yarde, whilst other winners included Zhilei Zhang (Overseas), Sam Gilley v Louis Greene (Sportsmanship), Shane McGuigan (Boxing News Trainer of the Year).

As of April, BBBofC UKAD Educator, Suzanne Potts had already given training to over 300 licence holders, raising awareness on anti-doping procedures and responsibilities. This has included gym visits and online sessions.

We were pleased to hear Mail Sport’s Jeff Powell, received an MBE for his contribution to sports journalism. Congratulations to him on well-deserved recognition.

The BBBofC were saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former British and Commonwealth Champion, Willie Limond, as well as former European Championship challenger, John Westgarth. Our sincere sympathy and thoughts go to Willie and John’s families and friends at this difficult time.

Robert W. Smith