Page 46 - Boxing News Magazine (January 2020)

YESTERDAY’S HEROES

THE BUSINESS

Pat McAteer OXING is so beset Pat turned pro alongside club mate Stadium. It was there in June 1955
with tragedies and Joe Bygraves, and Johnny Campbell that he wrested the British and Empire
was a success hard-luck stories left the amateur ranks to become their middleweight titles from Preston’s Johnny
both inside B that it’s pleasing to manager. McAteer made his paid debut Sullivan, albeit in less-than-ideal fashion,
and outside write about a fighter in September 1952 with a second-round with Sullivan disqualified for an alleged
who found success
low blow. In fight number 41, Pat’s
KO of Arthur Lewis of Oswestry. Instead
the ring in an entirely new of handing Pat his £10 purse money, remarkable unbeaten run was snapped
sphere after leaving the roped square. Campbell placed it in a savings account by South Africa’s Jimmy Elliott, who
Birkenhead-born Pat McAteer emigrated and gave his charge the book. He was won a 10-round decision in London in
to America in 1957, founded a successful steering Pat in the right direction and April 1956. McAteer avenged the loss 13
business there and enjoyed a sumptuous the young man took the hint. Aside months later on Jimmy’s home turf. But it
lifestyle, after winning a Lonsdale Belt from buying his parents their first TV was a fight the Liverpudlian would gladly
outright. set following his fifth fight, McAteer was have lost to change its tragic aftermath.
Liverpool fight fans who are in their frugal with his ring earnings. After a fiercely contested Empire title
twilight years will not need reminding One obstacle Pat would need to bout, Elliott was knocked out in the sixth
that McAteer was a quality boxer overcome – in common with other and died hours later from a blood clot to
who only lost to top-class men. Long British boxers of his generation – was the brain.
unbeaten runs were rare in the 1950s, National Service. This meant two years’ McAteer made the middleweight
but “Pat Mac”, as he was known, stormed compulsory armed forces service and Lonsdale Belt his own with successful
to 40-0 before tasting defeat as a pro. another four years as a reservist, with defences against Lew Lazar and Martin
Part of a well-known Liverpool fight the possibility of being asked to serve. To Hansen. He failed in a European title bid
family, several of Pat’s relatives punched avoid the call-up, McAteer worked as a when stopped in eight rounds in Paris by
for pay, including his cousin Les, a fellow gym instructor aboard the Britannic, the Charles Humez in 1957, and he lost his
British and Empire middleweight titlist. ship’s former instructor, Liverpool ex-pro Empire title to future world champ Dick
More recently, the McAteer sporting Dom Volante, kindly stepping aside to Tiger the following year. Pat’s next and
name was kept alive by Pat’s footballing allow Pat to take his place. “When we as it turned out final fight was against
nephew Jason, the former Liverpool and docked back at Liverpool my father was another future world titlist – a points
Ireland midfielder. on the quayside, waving and telling me defeat to Terry Downes in June 1958.
Pat’s first taste of pugilism arrived not to get off as there were two guys After moving to the US, Pat used
through a local boys’ club, after which waiting to grab me for National Service,” his ring earnings to set up a plumbing,
Alex he joined the Provincial ABC under recalled McAteer, who managed to heating and air-conditioning business
Daley trainer Johnny Campbell. As an amateur repeatedly miss the call-up. in Fairfax, Washington. By the 1980s the
@thealexdaley McAteer reached the 1952 ABA light- Unencumbered by military service, business was thriving and he had 30
Historian middleweight semi-finals, losing to Pat went from victory to victory, fighting employees on his payroll. He died, aged
& author the brilliant Bruce Wells. After that, almost exclusively at the Liverpool 77, in April 2009.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Best wishes to MAY I wish a very happy New Year Restaurant – and in respect of service the good crowd from Brighton – James Cook
all EBAs in 2020 to everyone connected with boxing, Association would like to thank Sheila came, and Ross Minter, and Gary Dunks,
including, of course, all EBA members. at The Cricketers on Windham Road for who’s just joined us. And there were quite
I hope all EBAs continue to thrive in hosting us throughout 2019.” a few from local amateur clubs, such as
2020. Many had highly successful That’s all good to hear, and I’m very Bushey and Harrow.”
Christmas ‘dos’. For instance, I was pleased there was such a good turn- That’s all good, too. EBAs need new
delighted to receive the following from out from Bournemouth. I’m constantly blood, and many actively support their
regular correspondent Richard Vaughan: stressing the importance of EBAs local fighters, pro and amateur – and if
“Bournemouth EBA enjoyed their supporting one another – but it’s also vital current boxers reciprocate, and attend
Christmas Dinner at the Bates Restaurant, to support one’s own Association. EBA functions (and hopefully join), that’s
Charminster, on Wednesday December Home Counties Membership Secretary wonderful.
11, and with very few exceptions, owing Terry Clarke described their party on Leicester’s current newsletter publicises
to illness, there was a full complement December 15 as “brilliant.” There was the recent session at Abbey Road, when
of members in attendance. In particular “a good turn-out – I’d say between 150 a number of boxing people (including
it was very pleasing to welcome our and 200,” Terry said. “The place was yours truly) turned up to record Simon
Simon Honorary Vice-President, Sparrow heaving! The raffle and auction went well Block’s song, Never Give Up, Never Give
Euan-Smith Harrison MBE, and his partner, Gemma, – Bob Williams, our Chairman, did his In, due to be released as a charity single
simonoldtimers who had travelled all the way from usual great job as auctioneer, and really to raise money for the Ringside Rest &
@googlemail.com Denbigh in North Wales. The food was drew the crowd out! And there was great Care Home. The newsletter has a photo
EBA of the highest quality, with excellent entertainment from singer Mick Mancini of former champions Jimmy Batten,
correspondent service provided by the staff of the Bates and DJ, The Pink Panther. There was a John H. Stracey, Duke McKenzie and

44 O BOXING NEWS O JANUARY 9, 2020 w w w . b o x i n g n e w s o n l i n e . n e t