Simon Euan-Smith
simonoldtimers@googlemail.comEBA correspondent
RECENTLY I praised Leicester EBA for plugging the Ringside Rest and Care Home in their monthly newsletter. Now it’s well done to the Merseyside Former Boxers’ Association for doing the same in March’s issue of Mug’s Alley. “Support Ringside Rest and Care” is the heading for a two-paragraph piece, and the back page reproduces the flyer encouraging people to set up a monthly direct debit. To quote from the piece: “This is a truly worthwhile endeavour, and we wish it every success.” I’m sure every EBA will agree.
As always, there’s plenty to read in Mug’s Alley, including an article on St Helens featherweight Johnny Molloy, who campaigned between 1943 and 1953, winning 39 and drawing two of 65 outings. In January 1948 he outscored reigning British, Commonwealth and European champion Ronnie Clayton in a non-title bout, and he went on to shock “Aldgate Tiger” Al Phillips in an official British title eliminator at the Albert Hall. He duly got his crack at Clayton (who had subsequently lost the European belt to the great Ray Famechon, who in turn beat Molloy in a non-title fight). Johnny put up a great show at Nottingham Ice Stadium but was cut over both eyes and lost on points over 15 rounds. After that it was ‘win some, lose some’, but Johnny met some good people. Although a sportsman who rarely complained about decisions, he described his 1952 points loss to the late Sammy McCarthy at Mile End Arena as “daylight robbery”. He finally retired the following year after being outscored by Denny Dawson for the vacant Central Area title.