BoxRec

Just got back from the Midlands annual awards dinner in Birmingham. Given there was virtually no press there (only Britishboxing.net's Kevin Taylor as far as I could see) I'll give you a little rundown. Midlands Boxer of the Year award went to Carl Froch (who was there with portly Mick Hennessy and Robert McCracken). Froch looked in good shape and put a brave face on his forthcoming 'fight' with Matthew Barney, though to be honest the Hennessy lot didn't really mix and spent most of the night sitting stone-faced in the corner. Les Potts, who organised the do, gave them a pretty naff table. I later got a great snap of Hennessy standing alone at the bar swigging out of a beer bottle. He stood there for several minutes and looked like a wino. Just in case it didn't come out, I also got Kev to snap him.
Nottingham was well represented at the do. The Shinfields were there (Jason and Mike) along with Jawaid Khaliq and Jason Booth (whom I had quick chat with in the bog...he's a nice guy). Best Fight of the Year award went to Booth for his cracking 12-rounder with Dale Robinson at Huddersfield in March. Dale wasn't there, regrettably, but it's a long old haul from Huddersfield.
All the Midland's faces were there of course: Roy Rutherford, Carl Allen, John Coyle, John Keane, Peter Buckley (who, and I hate to say this, looked a bit shaky on his legs), Pat Cowdell, Dave Roden, Alec Kirby, Nobby Nobbs and Johnny Griffin. Carl Allen received a special - and much-deserved - award for professionalism in the sport. He was seated on our table and is a true gent and a very dangerous pro. He butchered Dazzo Williams in three rounds, for example. He was also robbed of a merited win against Lee Meager (they called it a draw).
Midlands Boxer of the Past award went to Chris Pyatt, who looked in a terrible state. He was either really drunk or really punchy. He also has a nice scar running down his left cheek. He wasn't scruffy or anything, it's just his eyes were really glazed. Board man Robert Smith, who fought Pyatt twice as an amateur, was there to present his award.

Thanks for the info, although alot of sad observations (Pyatt and Buckley).

What do you mean by Froch's forthcoming "Fight" with Barney. I know there has been talk and rants but its not on. Not according to Dodson anyway, he seemed sure HE's fighting Froch in October. Although Barney has his criticisms, I think they are a little harsh - he is the John Ruiz of British boxing and deserves a big fight.

Another great night. Had a great chat with Dave Roden who has loads of stories to tell I hope he will share more with me in the future. Also pleasure to meet Les Potts who organised the event.

As for Mike looking like a wino, I think that's a bit strong, it was a dinner and he was having a few beers so what?, and no I didn't get a snap I didn't zoom in enough and you couldn't see anything.. Spoke with Mike at the end of the evening, and he said his next show has been pencilled in for September 11th, no venue confirmed as yet.

A full report plus photos I hope, first time trying out my new camera will appear on BritishBoxing.net tomorrow. Just arrived home at 2.15, so won't do it now!!

Kev

Sorry about the red eyes in the above pictures, new camera, still learning how to use it.

A full report and more pics of the awards dinner will be on BritishBoxing.net later today

Kevin
http://www.britishboxing.net

bennie wrote: Peter Buckley (who, and I hate to say this, looked a bit shaky on his legs),


Midlands Boxer of the Past award went to Chris Pyatt, who looked in a terrible state. He was either really drunk or really punchy. He also has a nice scar running down his left cheek. He wasn't scruffy or anything, it's just his eyes were really glazed. Board man Robert Smith, who fought Pyatt twice as an amateur, was there to present his award.

Thanks for the info Bennie

I do hope Buckleys shaky legs were due to the Beer.

Also shame to here about Pyatt, something of a forgotten fighter in British Boxing I feel, at light-Middle would have beated Alexander, Takaloo, Williams IMO. About 6 months ago he opened a Gym in Leicester so I assumed he was doing ok.

Yes, they did mention he had opened a new gym.

The Nobbs lads were enjoying the night, champagne and buds were a plenty on their table..

Good on them, they deserve it for what they give to the sport

Kev

Kevin wrote:Yes, they did mention he had opened a new gym.

The Nobbs lads were enjoying the night, champagne and buds were a plenty on their table..

Good on them, they deserve it for what they give to the sport

Kev

Very true, many a Boxing card would have collapsed without the Nobbs camp coming to the rescue over the years.

What is the venue where the pictures were taken actually called?

Eaton Hotel, Birmingham

More pictures at http://www.britishboxing.net

Thanks.

Kevin wrote:Eaton Hotel, Birmingham

More pictures at http://www.britishboxing.net

The big guy you were sitting next to is former southpaw heavyweight Dave Roden.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=033171

I know, a record of 11-8. Boxrec is not complete..

A great guy, he has some great stories.

Kev

So why are you calling him Dave Rohan?

Thanks just spotted that, had Dave Roden in my initial report. I blame spell check

Talking about Matthew Barney, what happened to his trip to Australia to defend his WBF "Title" against Jason Delisle? Did i miss something

Is it just me, or does Booth remind anyone else of a certain russian light welterweight in that picture?

Funny you should mention Chris Pyatt, for some reason he popped into my mind the other day, I remember being very impressed with him when I was younger, a mean looking bastard, and very strong at the weight, would have done well in today's climate I feel.

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Is it just me, or does Booth remind anyone else of a certain russian light welterweight in that picture?

Funny you should mention Chris Pyatt, for some reason he popped into my mind the other day, I remember being very impressed with him when I was younger, a mean looking bastard, and very strong at the weight, would have done well in today's climate I feel.

Booth was well over the super-flyweight limit, for sure. I asked him why he had given up the British flyweight title when he was two notches away from winning it outright (one of those notches could have come against Dale Robinson), and he told me, like Dale, he just can't make eight stone any more.

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Funny you should mention Chris Pyatt, for some reason he popped into my mind the other day, I remember being very impressed with him when I was younger, a mean looking bastard, and very strong at the weight, would have done well in today's climate I feel.

My mates sister went out with Pyatt about 15 years ago!

A peak Pyatt in my opinion would beat any of our 154lbs fighters and most of our 160lbs fighters.

Pyatt v Vargas, know there's a thought.

I bumped into Chris Pyatt in a pub off Leicester square a few years back. I think he was pretty pleased to be recognised by someone, and we talked about a few of his big fights.
He was buying drinks left right and centre, and by the end of the evening we were all a bit worse for wear.
At this point I had the great idea of asking him if he used to be a hair dresser ( I think he did ).............he was starting to get a strange look in his eye at this point, and I decided it was time to get the tube, quickly

I very briefly met Chris Pyatt at a soul music weekender about 15 years back. It was one of those times where you see someone semi-famous and you are the only one who recognises them, just like MW's tale.

Again, he seemed pleased to be recognised and was a nice lad.