ANBHoF Dinner last Saturday.

A great crowd gathered at the MCG Olympic Stand Dining Room to pay hommage to many of Australia's finest. With numerous Champs of all levels in attendance, including family, friends and fans alike, the evening was a great success overall. Taking the stage as M.C for the night, Paul Upham
was superb and kept the show ticking like clockwork.

Starting off with unfinished business, footage of Mr Arnold Thomas (Australian Boxing Historian) in the USA, presenting the family of Sam Langford with his induction award, set the scene for a great night. Next to stage, all the way from Philadelphia, was Freddie Dawson-Elston III to claim his fathers award also.

With the inductees, Tommy Burns and Bill Doherty (Pioneers), Dave Smith and Hughie Meheghan (Old Timers), Clive Stewart and Bobby Sinn (Veterans), Troy Waters and Henry Nissen (Moderns), plus John McDougall and Will Lawless (Non-participants) being honoured, some great speeches and stories were swapped.

Ronnie Wills, the son of Bobby Sinn, travelled from QLD with Alan Moore to be there on the night. Unfortunately, Bobby Sinn passed away just a few short months ago, a very proud Ron Wills was presented his fathers award followed by a thunderous ovation. An equal ovation was to follow Henry Nissens induction, deservedly so, considering the tireless work for underprivelaged and destitute people throughout Melbourne.

'Colonel' Bob Sheridan, the larger than life (and almost as large as John Candy for that matter) American commentator spoke with great praises of the many Aussies he's witnessed from ringside over the years. Pointing out the Troy Water vs Terry Norris encounter as one of the top ten heart stoppers he's had the pleasure of commentating.

Peter Fitzsimmons, Rugby giant, author and all round personality was present to speak of LEGEND, Les Darcy. With the elevation to 'Legend' status of Les Darcy, a great contingent were at hand for the event including Jimmy Clabby (Grand nephew of Jimmy Clabby), Dr. Les Darcy (Grand nephew) and Dave Pritchard (Grand son of Darcy trainer/ twice oponent Dave Smith).

Barry Michael made the stage for the presentation to the ANBHoF of a miniature Lionel Rose statue. With the cost of $12,000/per statuette, all monies go towards the erection of a 3 1/2 metre statue of Lionel at his birth place of Warragul, Victoria. With the presentation underway, a voice from the audience screams "Where's mine"??? No, Fammo has not lost his touch and the laughter reverberated around the room.

Those greats in attendance were too many to mention... Here's a short list.

Johnny Famechon, Jeff Fenech, Lovemore Ndou, Phillip Holiday, Trevor King, Clive Stewart, Craig Trotter, Barry Michael, Robbie Peden, 'Big' Bob Mirovic, Billy Males, Eddie Ellston, Alan Moore, Troy Waters, Henry & Leon Nissen, Athol McQueen, Lester Ellis and many more. All moved freely around the room and invited coversation from the guests at will. All in all, a great opportunity to meet and greet our champs.

With Craig Trotter presenting Troy Waters with his induction award, the ANBHoF President Brett McCormick disallowed Trotter to take microphone for the sake of a joke being told. The joke went as follows:

Q? Did you hear about the Chinese who entered a look alike competition??
A!! They all came first!


For those not yet to have been to this event before, I can only suggest it more value than money out layed.

 

Its OK with me. My 7 year old niece wrote it mate.

Just joking Victor. Welcome to ESB.

 

My plan worked..... and my shoes are spotless.

 

I wasn't dressing to win your heart Princess. "***** Eye for an Austin Guy"

I'd be better off leaving half a kilo of regurgated Chicken on my shoes.. you'd be at it like a Pig-to-**** ya barge arse poof.