THE 30th anniversary of the annual Dockers ABC boxing show against London’s Repton club on March 20 has been cancelled.
The popular and lucrative bill, first held at the York Hall in 1990, was the lifeblood of the club and Dockers clubman Paddy Fitzsimmons is now concerned that the loss of revenue will impact on the Belfast gym.
“All the tickets had been sold, all the hotels booked and the flights were all paid for but we’ve had to cancel the whole thing,” said Fitzsimmons.
“Dominic O’Rourke (IABA) told me they were closing down all boxing clubs until March 28.”
The Dockers were due to make a return visit to East End club Repton (whose notable alumni include underworld high-rollers Ronnie and Reggie Kray, world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno and actor Ray Winstone) on May 10 but even that is now in jeopardy.
“What do we do now?” asked Fitzsimmons, who represented Ireland at the Olympic Games in 1964 and fought five times as a professional.
“This is the type of show that keeps our club going.”
