Paul Sykes v Lenny McLean

[Offal]

Offal - great stuff. Excellent insight

I had always suspected that Sykes might have taken a dive in that last fight. I mean, the bloke's had one fight outside the north of England and then next thing he's on a plane to Nigeria and getting stopped in 60 seconds. All sounds a bit fishy to me. Either way, I've always assumed that Sykes probably got nicked again and basically that put paid to his boxing career, although I'm just guessing really.

I wasn't aware of the proposed match-up with Terry Mintus but I know Mintus was losing that fight with Neil Malpass when Malpass stuck the nut on him and got disqualified. A mate of mine was at that one and said Malpass did him properly with the head. No half measures.

The thing about Joe Awome makes sense but ironically I think Sykes might have had a good chance with him. There was a big fuss when Awome turned pro but he was a bit of an 'up and down' fighter and got stopped by Malpass - who was a big hitter but going into journeyman mode by that stage. I think that more or less finished Awome's career.

Incidentally, (you might be aware) Joe Awome did security for the Jam, travelled all over with them in the early-80s.

Cheers, somehow making me feeling VERY old recalling all this stuff

I'm not sure if the proposed fight with Mintus was ever a reality, Sykes' challenge made the local press but I don't think he actually held a BBBoC license after his abortive 'defection' to the dark side?

Good pro Terry he would have been an ideal Cruiser if the division had been about in his day, ironic as well that Malpass should chuck his title away by butting when you consider his first fight with Sykes.

Didn't know about Joe Awome's involvement with the Jam , I did know he worked for/managed the Specials at some point. Joe was just one of a number of (no disrespect here) 'chinny bangers' around at that time, there was also the likes of Andy Palmer, Stan McDermott, Larry McDonald, Ron McClean, they all seemed to take it in turns to flatten each other, must say Awome's loss to Malpass was still a shock though.

Just had a peep at Awome and Palmer's record, incredibly neither of them ever went the distance win or lose.

[Offal]

Yeah, I know what you mean about feeling old, mate Still, carry on regardless, I reckon...

That period, late-70s/early-80s, is one of my favourite periods of British history actually. I don't necessarily man in terms of boxing because it was a bit of barren period, at least in terms of heavyweights - but, yeah, you had all those 'chinny bangers' beating each other so at least it kept things interesting (Malpass himself is probably another you could put in that category).

More generally though, in terms of politics, music, youth culture, etc. I just think that was a very interesting time for the UK. That period between, say, the Winter of the Discontent and the Falklands War was a very edgy turbulent time in lots of ways. Depressing and grim in many ways but a lot going on, lots of possibilities as well.

Yes I agree mate interesting times in many ways, never had it so good with music/youth culture as you say, everything seems a bit bland and colourless now (or is that an age thing again?)

A lot of the heavyweight encounters we evoke took place on the undercards of Duff/Barrett bills, the main events used to shown on the BBC midweek and often undercard bouts were shown on Saturday's Grandstand, I'm always checking YouTube in the forlorn hope that some of these will show up. One fight I'd love to see is the British Title Eliminator between Stan McDermott and Neville Meade, it's supposed to be a 'classic' (of it's kind)

[Offal]

Yeah, that's right. I used to love boxing on a Saturday afternoon and remember seeing Neville Meade a few times on Grandstand, although I can't recall the McDermott fight specifically. Maplass v Kris Smith is one of those Saturday afternoon fights that is on Youtube, which is worth checking out. Shows what a right hand Malpass had.

I remember a 'Yorksport' programme (a regional TV thing, shown on a Friday night I seem to remember) on Sykes back in the day, when he was a big noise (would have been the period in which 'Sweet Agony' is set), but I've never seen it again. They did one on Malpass too, I think. Malpass was seen as a rising star early in his career and clocked up a series of stoppage wins before Tommy Kiely - I think - his burst his bubble.

Malpass vs Smith which was billed as a meeting between the tallest and heaviest fighters in Britain, imagine 6ft 5in and 16st 9lbs .... GIANTS.

I think Smith was once a top Water Polo player, hell of a change of sport that.

I'm from Wakefield originally so I was in the YTV area but I don't recall the Sykes/Malpass shows. You're right about Kiely, made Malpass look a bit clueless (he also took Kris Smith's unbeaten record as well)

Here's a smart publicity snap of Malpass when he was getting the star treatment

[evrenb]

Yeah, that's right. I used to love boxing on a Saturday afternoon and remember seeing Neville Meade a few times on Grandstand, although I can't recall the McDermott fight specifically. Maplass v Kris Smith is one of those Saturday afternoon fights that is on Youtube, which is worth checking out. Shows what a right hand Malpass had.

I remember a 'Yorksport' programme (a regional TV thing, shown on a Friday night I seem to remember) on Sykes back in the day, when he was a big noise (would have been the period in which 'Sweet Agony' is set), but I've never seen it again. They did one on Malpass too, I think. Malpass was seen as a rising star early in his career and clocked up a series of stoppage wins before Tommy Kiely - I think - his burst his bubble.

Malpass vs Smith which was billed as a meeting between the tallest and heaviest fighters in Britain, imagine 6ft 5in and 16st 9lbs .... GIANTS.

I think Smith was once a top Water Polo player, hell of a change of sport that.

I'm from Wakefield originally so I was in the YTV area but I don't recall the Sykes/Malpass shows. You're right about Kiely, made Malpass look a bit clueless (he also took Kris Smith's unbeaten record as well)

Here's a smart publicity snap of Malpass when he was getting the star treatment

Wow. Look at the girl!

[Offal]

Wow. Look at the girl!

Miss South Elmsall 1978

[Offal]

Ha, what a photo, I wonder what the American gangster thing was all about? Good photo of Malpass in his prime though, that - tall, lean, mean-looking geezer (look at the eyes...)

ps. I'm sure my memory isn't doing tricks about the Yorksport thing though. It used to come on after Calendar on a Friday night and focused on local sports stories and personalities. There was definitely one on Malpass and I think one on Sykes too, although it might have been a preview to one of their Central Area fights, I dunno. Like you say, it's all a long time ago now, mate...

I know, a bloke from a South Elmsall in Yorkshire as a Chicago mobster!!

I recall Yorksport just don't recall seeing a feature on Sykes or Malpass (wish that would turn up on YouTube) if you're from the YTV area like me you'll remember this 'classic' I'm sure?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed1IchWKsYI

The theme music, the production values, the .... brown clothing.



Sykes and Malpass never featured but Richard Dunn was a regular in the audience.

Sent you a PM by the way

[Offal]

Oh yes, I remember Indoor League alright. I used to like the arm wrestling in particular, I remember a massive Black bodybuilder, Bill Richardson, from Bradford, arm wrestling on it a few times. He was Mr Universe one year, I think

I think I might start an Indoor League thread in the Lounge, sure that will be very popular?

Bill Richardson was a Mr. Universe winner along with a few other titles, he runs a gym in Belgium now. Funny (well not so funny really) story about Richardson; his dad died and Richardson didn't come back to the UK for his funeral as he was 'preparing for a competition' some time later HE did come back to the UK for a friends wedding (presumably no competition on the horizon) Richardson's army of bother (lead by the loathsome Martin) gatecrashed the wedding (at the Church) and gave Bill a fearful kicking in front of everyone.

Oh dear ...

[Offal]

Never been a fan of weddings at the best of times but that just about outdoes the shambolic Sykes wedding on that First Tuesday documentary

Oh I don't know that was one of the most uncomfortable 'events' I've ever seen, think I'd rather have a had a beating from the Richardson clan?

Still confused to this day regarding Sykes attitude towards Christianity:

'We're not fu*cking Christians either'

'I'm not playing at f*cking Christian pretending sh*t'

But then

'She can't f*cking divorce me and I swear that by God'

[Offal]

Back OT - It's a pity Sykes couldn't behave himself really because he did have talent and things might have been different had he been able to turn professional earlier, and be more carefully managed/built up more slowly. Then again, that was never going to happen

I think he had his pro license when he was around 26/27, then he went inside (really?) he reapplied on release and the venerable old Central Area Council told him if he could behave for a year he could have his license back .... he didn't behave.

It's significant that he went pro with Tommy Miller (who with disrespect wasn't exactly 'big time' ) ... like the Terry Mitchell story two versions of why he went with Miller:

1. A number of top London managers were all after Sykes but he was refused a license, he went with Miller because he had 'influence' with the Central Area Council and he was guaranteed a license if he signed with him.

2. He was too old, seen as a liability, no one other than Tommy would touch him.

I think he was 'fast tracked' partly due to his age and also because Miller and Manny Goodall his Promoter wanted to make a few bob off him before he inevitably went down again.

[palooka]

From all accounts Mr Malpass still trains regularly at his home gym, he's still pretty good on the bag and hasn't lost his punch, not seen him in town for a long time though.

[Offal]

Mind you, I'm surprised that Tommy Miller was able to get him a British title fight so early because Miller, as you say, was hardly a big-time player.

As far as I recall that was down to the BBBoC, Sykes was supposed to meet Les Stevens in an eliminator, Stevens lost to Tommy Kiely for the Southern Area title, Sykes had already beaten Kiely so the BBBoC made Sykes mandatory for Gardner.

[palooka]

From all accounts Mr Malpass still trains regularly at his home gym, he's still pretty good on the bag and hasn't lost his punch, not seen him in town for a long time though.

I was told he coaches at some MMA place in town nowadays, dunno if that's true though.

Neil Malpass sometimes comes on here but rarely posts, he could have a very interesting thread and am sure would have some stories to tell.

[Offal]

I was told he coaches at some MMA place in town nowadays, dunno if that's true though.

Scroll to bottom

http://www.doncastermartialartscentre.c ... structors/

[Tomasino]

How about the guy Dennis Flint with the big house and crazy desk? Sykes seemed on his best behaviour around him...on camera at least.

[Offal]

How about the guy Dennis Flint with the big house and crazy desk? Sykes seemed on his best behaviour around him...on camera at least.

He does demand a beer quite forcefully ... and yes that is SOME desk.

[Tomasino]

How about the guy Dennis Flint with the big house and crazy desk? Sykes seemed on his best behaviour around him...on camera at least.

He does demand a beer quite forcefully ... and yes that is SOME desk.

The way he asked for a beer was more 'begging junkie' than forceful demand. He was a proper sad case. Was Flint his boss?

[Offal]

The way he asked for a beer was more 'begging junkie' than forceful demand. He was a proper sad case. Was Flint his boss?

But there was an underlying tone of menace ... as if he could turn nasty when refused.

Dennis Flint was a big man in used cars, Sykes was running a 'Debt Collection Service' around that time and Flint used his services he also put in some money for the publication of Sykes book.

[Tomasino]

The way he asked for a beer was more 'begging junkie' than forceful demand. He was a proper sad case. Was Flint his boss?

But there was an underlying tone of menace ... as if he could turn nasty when refused.

Dennis Flint was a big man in used cars, Sykes was running a 'Debt Collection Service' around that time and Flint used his services he also put in some money for the publication of Sykes book.

Thanks Offal. Your right his first few pleas were desperate then he 'insisted' just watched a bit of it again.

[Offal]

'Mule'

What a nickname

[palooka]

'Mule'

What a nickname

A homage to his unique combination of physical strength, bucolic intellect and somewhat unsophisticated persona

It's paid off for him, I'm pretty sure he's got a few jui Jitsu schools in Australia with hundreds and hundreds of students.

[palooka]

A lot of the better martial artists are pretty easy going, there are a few at the gym my son and I train and they are good company and not at all bombastic but they are pretty tough and know a few tricks.

It is good to hear when people are doing well, shows the world isn't all shite.

[Offal]

Where do you find these images, Offal?

Here and there

I do hope you were not a personal recipient of Mr Sykes' business card back in the day...

No I'd (thankfully) distanced myself from Sykes by the time this 'business' was established.

[Offal]

Thanks Offal. Your right his first few pleas were desperate then he 'insisted' just watched a bit of it again.

Begging Junkie or menacing (bit of both really) he's was still a pretty 'sad case' as you said earlier. Has to be said though it's better than his other method of getting a free drink; this basically involved Sykes spitting into someone's drink, then awaiting their response:

1. They sensibly capitulated at surrendered the drink - Sykes get a free drink and he's humiliated someone.

2. The person objects - Sykes gets to hit someone, THEN gets a free drink.

Sykes wins both ways ... usually anyway I know this plan backfired on one occasion when a gang of young rugby players came to the aid of some bloke who's had his drink polluted and gave Sykes a kicking.

[Offal]

'A Brilliant Sense Of Atmospheric Changes'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxRvqtWD-fA

(Picture shows Sykes after he'd been set ablaze by some kids while asleep on the steps of Wakefield Cathedral)

[palooka]

A lot of the better martial artists are pretty easy going, there are a few at the gym my son and I train and they are good company and not at all bombastic but they are pretty tough and know a few tricks.

It is good to hear when people are doing well, shows the world isn't all shite.

That's a refreshing attitude. Because all I seem to hear is folk criticising those who make a go of something. That and reveling in their downfall when something goes wrong.

Oh, life's too short to be jealous to death or begrudge someone's hard won success, I like to see people happy, it cheers me up.