Well here it is my versions of events on meeting TBG promising up & coming giant killer Jonp, during our own TBG get together in Birmingham on the 19th October 2005.
I arrived in Birmingham at about 1155am after a strange train Journey down from York (The Train Driver refused to Drive past Derby & there was no replacement! well once another driver was found I finally arrived) to be met by Jonp.
The rest of the day was spent chatting about various common interests & I even got to see one of Jp's FP's (Man no-wonder he's winning so many fights no one could predict his crazy Fight plans!). We even managed a game of chess which all I can say is the best man won (Honest) though the Pool didnt go as well during this time Jon introduced me to a couple of his mates who I can only referrer to as sound guys.
The evening was an experience which still doesnt seem real though I do have the photos to prove it so it must be true.
The Venue was The Holiday Inn, Birmingham City Centre
The Event An Evening With Former Five Division World Champion "Sugar Ray Leonard"
Prior to the Dinner & Speeches from Sugar Ray Leonard, Jp introduced me to a few guys he knows (Photos to follow) and his other friends who would be sharing the evening with us. Firstly before the dinner about ten present and former British/European/Commonwealth & World Champions in there own right were announced to the Crowed, Then came dinner which grand & we wont mention who had two helpings (JP).
After dinner the man himself Sugar Ray Leonard came out spoke to the crowd then allowed a Q&A session, (Very interesting especially how he talked Haggler into defending his title against him after a three year lay off). More autograph & photo opportunities came then a sports memorabilia auction (Some people have more money than sense!).
Once Sugar Ray finished I met another world Champion twelve times world Dart Champion Phil "THE POWER" Taylor all I can say about this guy is he is one of the nicest down to earth guy you could ever meet I got to chat to him for about 10 mins & like I said nice guy.
As the event ended we moved on to the after dinner party in a respectable Club Called "Sp******t R***o" (Dont think they need free advertisement) Well this place was amazing great atmosphere friendly staff etc. I got to bed at about 0345am after as already mentioned a brilliant night.
Next morning Jp picked me up we went for something to eat prior to me having to travel up back up to York to rejoin the real world again.
Id like to take this opportunity to thank JP again for being the perfect host & looking after me, his mates Macca, Juggsie, Gary to name a few were great guys also.
Now for the Photos.
Sugar Ray Leonard & Me
Former WBU Middleweight Champion Wayne Elcock & Me, (Note Wayne is still boxing so keep an eye out for this guy)
Richie Woodhall
Former Commonwealth/European Middle Weight Champion & WBC World Super Middle Weight Champion.
Scott Welch Former British & Commonwealth Heavy Weight Champion, also held the WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Title
Jim Rock Current "Irish Super Middleweight & IBO Champion", Steve Collins Former WBO Middle Weight Champion, European & WBO Super Middleweight Champion.
Joe Egan Former sparring partner of Iron Mike Tyson (a really nice polite guy)
Clifton Mitchell Former British & European Heavyweight Champion
Macca, Kevin Lueshing Former British & IBO Welterweight Champion, JonP & Me.
Macca & The Champ.
Phil "The Power" Taylor Twelve times World Darts Champion (Still going strong looking for WT Thirteen)
This is me with Steven Arnold who was once a highly rated Armature fighter on the verge of turning Pro, However he decided to become an actor you may recognise him from Coronation Street (Ashley Peacock).
John H Stracey Former British/European & WBC World Welterweight Champion, with Sugar Ray Leonard Former NABF Welterweight Champion, WBC/WBA Welterweight Champion, WBA Light Middle Weight Champion, WBC Middle Weight Champion, WBC Super Middle Weight Champion & WBC Light Heavyweight.
The Champ
More photos of The Champ
More Photos of the Champ.
The Gang
Macca,Dave,(TBC),JP,Juggsie,Errol,Me.
Well that was my mad visit to Birmingham, which I hope to revisit again soon, if you are ever passing threw Birmingham make sure you inform Jonp get to meet up with him and his mates you wont be disappointed.
As for this Commentary well who knows what the Crack will be next week?
WATCH THIS SPACE!