Sportsman’s Evening

Cardiff Boxing Clever

At the dinner after Cardiff Circle’s meeting on 17 September 2012, members were joined by male friends and family members and were treated to after dinner speeches by ex-professional boxers Nicky Piper and Kevin Hayde who regaled the audience with stories, both humorous and serious, from their boxing careers. They were joined by Ricky Porter another ex-professional, a member of the audience, who talked about fighting in the 1960’s and how things had changed since then for current boxers. Kevin, now a boxing columnist for the South Wales Echo, was a Welsh amateur international before turning professional and was the first boxer in Britain to promote his own fights. Nicky, a former Intercontinental and Commonwealth Light Heavyweight champion, is currently the fundraising and events manager for Cardiff President Mark Johnson’s charity, George Thomas Hospice Care in Cardiff. Nicky, who was the first boxer to become a member of MENSA, fought Nigel Benn for the World Super Middleweight title in 1992 and also achieved one of the fastest recorded knockouts against John Ellis in 12 seconds including the count. Nicky was founding chairman of the Professional Boxers Association, is a member of the British Boxing Board of Control and a TV boxing commentator. The evening raised almost £500 towards the President’s charity.

Pictured (l to r)

Cardiff Vice-President Bro Bill O’Brien, Ricky Porter, Kevin Hayde, Cardiff President Bro Mark Johnson, Nicky Piper