Young Denaby Boxer Issues Open Challenge to Fighters Of His Weight.

November 1966

South Yorkshire Times, November 5, 1966

Young Denaby Boxer Issues Open Challenge to Fighters Of His Weight.

An 18-year-old Denaby boxer is prepared to take on all-comers at his own weight, and his trainer has issued a challenge to any mature middleweight who wants a contest.

Alan Ward, of 9, Scawsby Street, Denaby, has been fighting for only three months, but has already shown so much promise that Pat O’Rorke, the professional welterweight who teaches the boxing classes at Tom Hill youth club, Denaby, believes that he can stand up to any amateur for three rounds.

“I have never fought competitively, but I have often sparred with Pat, and I would like the chance to try my luck against another middleweight,” Alan told me this week. “At the moment I am waiting for my medical form to come through to enable me to fight, and then we hope we can take our pick from anyone who accepts the challenge.”

His Ambition

“I have always wanted to be a boxer, and my ambition is to turn professional after about two years in the amateur ring,” added Alan, who is a sawyer with Conisbrough Woodworking Company.

Alan was a sprinter while at Conisbrough Northcliffe high school, but did no more training until Pat began the boxing club at Denaby three months ago. He trains at least three times a week at Tom Hill youth club, along with seven other members.

His chief supporter is his father, Mr Fred Ward, who helps with his training. Another relative, Walt Pratt, was one time army boxing champion.

Another promising recruit to the Tom Hill boxing club is 13 year old Keith Peart, of Blythe Street, Denaby, who weighs only six stone six lbs., but has shown a lot of skill. Keith is entered in the English schoolboy championships later this year.