Simon Euan-Smith
simonoldtimers@googlemail.com EBA correspondent
LONDON’S East End has always had a great boxing tradition, which lives on today via the iconic York Hall, Bethnal Green. From 1911 to 1930, Whitechapel’s Premierland enjoyed a similar reputation, and the famous venue is the subject of a comprehensive new book, Premierland, by Essex EBA Secretary Raymond Lee. Included are the traceable results of every show staged there (the author notes that Boxing [forerunner of BN] and The Sporting Life did not always publish full results), an in-depth overview by noted author Bob Lonkhurst and loads of photos and reproductions of handbills. There’s also a reproduction of a BN piece from 1969. How many people thought the recent set-to between YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul set a worrying new trend? According to the article, around 1930 two taxi drivers climbed into the ring to settle a dispute over territory poaching! Both were woefully unfit, both quickly abandoned any pretence of sticking to the rules, and the whole thing ended in chaos.
The great Ted “Kid” Lewis boxed there several times, and in the only European title bout staged at Premierland, Lewis successfully defended his featherweight belt against Paul Til of France, winning via 12th-round disqualification in February 1914. Lewis even took over the promotional side for a time, before finding it impossible to combine with his boxing career and handing over to his brother-in-law, Manny Lyttlestone. Interestingly, the show featuring the only British title bout staged there was promoted by one of the participants – and he won! Al Foreman challenged Fred Webster for the British lightweight title at Premierland in May 1930, with the vacant Empire belt also at stake. And Foreman won in 65 seconds! It’s a fascinating read, and all profits are going to the Ringside Rest & Care Home – a wonderful gesture. The cover price is £15, and for more information you can contact Raymond Lee at raymond.lee9@btinternet.com.