For the second time the Scots Boxing Hall Of Fame opened it's doors to the public. It was held at The Palace Of Arts in Glasgow on 9th October, whereas on the previous occasion it was held in Coatbridge just outside Glasgow.
Secretary Charlie Sexton said the SBHOF was going from strength to strength and would be looking for a permanent building in which to host the event in the future.
Just a few of the names in attendance: Ernie Shavers (who some regard as the hardest hitter of all time), Reg Gutteridge the famous commentator was there with his unique brand of humour, referee and former boxer Billy Aird, slick southpaw Charlie Kane, former Commonwealth welterweight champion Scott Dixon, former British, Empire and world flyweight champion Walter McGowan, John "Cowboy" McCormack (former British and European middleweight champion) and former British, European and WBO flyweight champion Pat Clinton, who said it was a privilege to be in the company of so many great fighters.
Every age range was catered for with some sparring sessions in the ring by a few of the local amateurs, hopefully this will encourage some of the youngsters who witnessed this to go along to their local gym and get involved with the sport. There was also some memorabilia on sale and on show were the title belts of Pat Clinton, Walter McGowan and Benny Lynch.
The guest speaker Reg Gutteridge had more to say than virtually anyone on the day both on and off stage. "There's a great camaraderie between fighters it's really amazing, they knock the crap out of each other but at the end of the day they've all got huge respect for each other and will always support each other through hard times. I'm just so happy to be able to come up to Scotland to an event like this, not only to see the old fighters and faces from the past but the fans of the sport as well, it's a really great day out."
The days inductees for the following awards were:
ALL TIME GREAT - Walter McGowan ALL TIME GREAT (Posthumous) - Benny Lynch ALL TIME GREAT (Posthumous) - Jackie Patterson OUTSTANDING SERVICE - Bobby Neil OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT - Pat Clinton.
Following the awards ceremony there was to be an evening banquet which I dare say would be a lively night.
It was great to see these men being recognised for their achievements and it was a pleasure to be in attendance.
Hopefully the next event will get as good a turn out and the SBHOF will continue to grow.
