RECENTLY, over 100 former members of the South Norwood & Victory Amateur Boxing Club gathered in Croydon for a special reunion to honor the club’s founder and long-time coach, Terry Smith.

Now 85 years senior, Terry has devoted nearly six decades of his life to mentoring youthful boxers and helping them develop both in the ring and as individuals. The meeting was a heartfelt event, with participants coming from all over the UK and messages of support pouring in from all over the world, with everyone expressing their gratitude for the impact Terry had on their lives.

Terry founded South Norwood & Victory ABC in 1979 with the vision of not only training boxers, but also providing a safe and sound space where youthful boys and men could develop crucial life values ​​such as discipline, respect and perseverance. Over the years, he has become a mentor and role model for countless people, shaping their futures that reach far beyond the sport of boxing.

Through South Norwood & Victory, Terry and his co-coaches have produced numerous champions in both amateur divisions, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success at the professional level.

Among the participants of the reunion was Joshua Buatsi, the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and one of the club’s most famed graduates. Buatsi, who began boxing under Terry’s tutelage as a teenager, spoke highly of his former trainer. “Terry didn’t just teach us how to box; he taught us how to be better people. The values ​​he instilled in me – discipline, resilience, respect – are things I carry with me every day, both in and out of the ring. I owe him so much.”

Mark Gillespie, co-coach of the South Norwood & Victory Amateur Boxing Club and former multiple-time junior national champion who organized the reunion, paid tribute to Terry’s influence both in and out of the ring. He reflected: “Like many other members of the club, Terry was like a second father to me. In addition to his incredible commitment and knowledge as a boxing coach – helping us develop our technical skills and passion for the sport – Terry invested in us as people. He taught us life lessons that went far beyond boxing, instilling in us a sense of personal pride and self-worth.

Mark added that Terry’s influence extended to teaching valuable social and life skills that shaped the futures of many youthful boxers. “He taught us how to maintain discipline and respect, how to deal with failure and how to support each other both as athletes and as people. These were lessons in resilience, responsibility and leadership that stayed with us for life and positively impacted both our family and professional lives.”

This quote further illustrates Terry’s holistic approach to coaching, emphasizing that his legacy is not just about the sport itself, but how he helped shape confident and capable youthful men ready to face life’s challenges.

Other members shared similar sentiments, emphasizing how Terry’s influence helped them overcome personal challenges and grow as individuals. One long-time member recalls: “When I first joined the club as a kid, I was on the wrong path. Terry believed in me when no one else did and gave me a sense of direction. It’s something I will never forget.”

The reunion not only honored Terry’s sacrifice, but also highlighted the lasting impact South Norwood & Victory ABC has had on the local community. Former boxers, many of whom are now successful in their personal and professional lives, spoke about the club’s influence in shaping who they are today. Messages from former members who were unable to attend in person came from as far away as Spain and Thailand, highlighting the breadth of Terry’s legacy.

Reflecting on the evening, Terry, with his characteristic humility, expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. “I never expected something like this. I just always wanted to support these guys find their way, both in boxing and in life. Seeing them grow up and do well – that’s the best reward I could ask for.”

As Terry turns 86, his commitment to club members and their families remains as forceful as ever. South Norwood & Victory ABC is not just a boxing club – it is a community, a family and a testament to one man’s unwavering dedication to the betterment of others.

The meeting was a powerful reminder of Terry Smith’s enduring legacy, both in the sport of boxing and in the countless incarnations he has encountered.

In fact, the superfight between Beterbiev and Bivol was so close that either one fighter could have won by a slim margin or it could have ended in a draw. It was a great fight at the highest level. After an intense 12 rounds of high-level fighting, the feeling in the ring was that Bivol had done enough to secure a hard-fought victory.

Personally, seeing it up close and personal was something different than re-watching the broadcast the next day. From the ring, it was easier to see how economical Bivol’s moves were, and you really got a greater sense of Beterbiev’s constant pressure – although I felt it was more noticeable in person that he was having difficulty pinning down Bivol.

I didn’t score in the live fight, but as I say, I had a feeling Bivol did. However, after watching it again on TV and scoring round by round, I found that after the final bell the balance was 115-113 in favor of Artur Beterbiev.

Truth be told, there are about four rounds that could have gone either way, depending on what you like. For example, round seven, the most intriguing of the fight, along with round 12. Bivol controlled the first two minutes beautifully, landing immaculate shots and avoiding Beterbiev’s action with impeccable technique, but the shots never did any damage and although his work clearly did enough to win the first two minutes,

Beterbiev hurt him in return and fired much more damaging shots in the final minute of the round. Depending on whether you prefer polished boxing under pressure or brutal work that clearly influences the outcome of this round.

I’ve seen people suggest that Bivol ran too much. Nonsense! He boxed beautifully, his jab was on target and his movements were amazing, never wasted and always done with purpose. It’s basic to forget that Beterbiev knocks everyone out. Not with one punch, but with accumulating pressure, feints and never giving up.

Being forced to box perfectly against a hazardous, unrelenting boxer is exhausting, which is why no one has ever been able to go the full 12 points with Beterbiev. Bivol had to stay on the move, even though he had very little chance of escaping, he did it as best as anyone in his position could have done.

You can’t be greedy with Beterbiev. You jab, you string together pop combos, you earn his respect, and you move. There’s no point in tying him up all the time, because he’ll outrun you, and that’s his strength. Getting involved in a physical struggle with a man like that who can physically break you down will wear you out. There was nothing more Bivol could do. When he actually threw more in his combos, he was always hurt – his shots never really did damage.

While Arthur was firing intensely, Bivol actually pounced. He potentially could have responded more while being attacked, as it was in these moments that Beterbiev began to take control, but risked being eliminated. He took endless attacks from the man who knocks everyone out.

Similarly, with Beterbiev, people say he hit his gloves, which is true, but he hit them so firm that he damaged Bivol. In a post-fight interview, Bivol said that the bruise on his face was caused by Artur hitting his high guard.

They continued to deal damage that shocked Bivol, and with shots to the defender’s back and sickening body blows, his work was very effective. Artur started many rounds slowly and finished powerful.

He could have pressed the action earlier in the rounds to achieve a more spectacular victory, but once again Bivol is the most hard fighter to define in boxing and believe me, it was not basic for Artur.

In the end, both men countered perfectly and both gave their all, which ensured an intense chess match at the highest level, just as we expected.

It is also worth noting – although it is hard to imagine – that these two men are not perfectly functioning boxing robots, but people who, in addition to their excellent results and an attitude that never seems to show weakness, ultimately have to cope and fight experience adversity that they must find a way to overcome.

Riyad, Saudi Arabia: Dmitry Bivol in his locker room after a split decision. Lost to Artur Beterbiev.
October 13, 2024 Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing.

Both are experienced, disciplined and well-trained enough to stay in shape and never leave it, but undeniably in a fight of this magnitude where there was no time for rest, fatigue played a key role in their victory. boxing absolutely perfect.

Perhaps that’s why Beterbiev didn’t press relentlessly from the first minute of each round, as he did later in the fight, thinking about going the distance, which is uncharted territory. On the other hand, Bivol showed a lot of energy at the beginning of the match and that may be why he was unable to respond to all of Beterbiev’s attacks towards the end of the match due to exhaustion.

Either way, what a brilliant fight. One that every boxing fan desperately wanted to see. I was lucky enough to witness it in person and it ended up being the best fight that could ever be had in boxing. Either of them could have won, and hopefully both will have a chance to gain the upper hand in the head-to-head rematch.

Over the last forty years, there have been several fights between British and Irish fighters that have created a legacy that transcends fight nights and will long be remembered by fans as more than just a fight – becoming immortalized in the pantheon of great fights.

In lithe of what could become one of the most iconic British-British world title fights of all time between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois at Wembley, it seemed appropriate to look back to the history books and relive other monumental British clashes from the last 40 years. years.

In my opinion, this list will feature five of the most memorable, dramatic and fierce world title fights between British and Irish fighters in state-of-the-art history.

LEIGH WOOD has had a tough journey on his way to becoming the unlikely world champion, tasting defeat at the hands of Gavin McDonnell early in his career. He had to climb the ladder, winning every title, winning local trinkets as well as British, Commonwealth and European titles.

In the first defense of his recent WBA belt, he will face Irish Olympic superstar Michael Conlan, who did not choose the time-honored path to fight for the world title, using his amateur success to get into large fights. Deservingly so, he was an extremely talented, tricky southpaw shortstop who looked destined for world title glory.

There was real conflict between the two fighters – Wood called Conlan a “skinny little rat” and Conlan simply replied, “I’m going to destroy you.”

With all the trademark fire and competitiveness of a trans-Irish naval engagement, the fight was going to be a classic. However, no one could have predicted the upcoming showdown – a fight that would rank among the greatest world title fights of all time – not least in the British and Irish versions.

When the opening bell sounded, the clearly much larger Wood took the center of the ring in a tight shape, his right hand ready to be released from the chin at any moment, which was wise given the extraordinary amateur pedigree Conlan brought to the competition.

Conlan won almost everything as an amateur and only missed an Olympic gold medal in 2012, where he brought home a bronze medal. This experience was evident because he had a low, upright southpaw posture, with relaxed shoulders, and was in constant motion from head to toe.

The first round seemed like a miserable mistake for the rest of the fight, as Conlan peppered the fight with lightning-fast counters and such a varied attack line that Wood’s defense was easily broken down by southpaw feints, body shots, and angle changes. Then, just when Wood might have thought he had survived the initial onslaught, Conlan landed a stunning looping left hand that he set up all around with long body shots. It landed squarely on the chin of Wood, who tried to parry with a right hand while staying in range, but he was trapped and fell to the canvas, saving him only by ringing the bell before the fight. -end of Conlan’s attack.

The next eight rounds were not much different from each other and if you gave Wood more than two or three of those rounds, many would think you needed to see an optometrist. Conlan boxed authoritatively – constantly adjusting his line and length, staying just on the edge of his range and tempting Wood into quick combinations and exchanges in which he always had the last word, landing chopping shots to the body and back to the head.

As the championship rounds approached, Wood was losing points on the scorecards, but such is Wood’s indomitable spirit that he never wavered and pushed Conlan in a fight that seemed to be over after three minutes. As Wood continued to advance, Conlan seemed to get by with a few more shots, and each round he spent a little longer on the ropes until the pace began to wear on him.

Both Conlan and Wood were on autopilot, their warrior spirit only motivating them to keep throwing up their hands, and it seemed that Conlan was still doing enough in the final rounds to secure the victory and take home the belt.

An unforgettable finish. (Photo: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

As the fight moved to the 12th^vol all around, Wood seemed impervious to the shots that had previously given him trouble, marching ruthlessly towards the skillful Irishman, who happily obliged, exchanging multi-shot volleys back and forth. Until the unthinkable happened.

Wood, who at this point needed a miracle and a break to retain his title, once again dragged Conlan to the ropes, and a miniature right hand that was almost undetectable to those present left Conlan lifeless from the waist up to Then, unfortunately, he slipped through through the ropes and out of the ring into his brother’s concerned arms to signal the end of the fight.

There was pandemonium in Nottingham as the most unlikely and dramatic comeback took place before their eyes and Leigh Wood had just shot himself in the head and become a superstar.

Read the first part of James Hicken’s series here: Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno’s Cardiff heavyweight classic | Boxing News (boxingnewsonline.net)

Part Two: Chris Eubank and Steve Collins at the Battle of Millstreet | Boxing News (boxingnewsonline.net)