Papanui’s boxing cornerstone is an old punching bag

Press, 9 May 1981, Page 22

Papanui’s boxing cornerstone is an old punching bag

By

JOHN COFFEY

The most humble piece of equipment in a modest little hall in Harewood Road is a punching bag constructed of sacking and sawdust. But it is a monument to a club that has done much to revitalise amateur boxing in Christchurch.

When the Canterbury Boxing Association opened its season at the Caledonian Hall late last month there were seven representatives of the Papanui club on the bill— an eighth was disappointed when his opponent had to cry off — and the Papanui corner will be busy four times at the Woolston Workingmen’s Club tournament tomorrow.

Boxing officials are unanimous that the entry of Papanui has considerably boosted attendances. Yet less than four years ago there was no Papanui club, and no-one at the time would have guessed that the original homemade punching bag would lead to “house full” signs at Christchurch’s boxing venues. The Papanui and Bishopdale areas are perhaps better known, sportswise, as strong rugby league nurseries, and it is no coincidence that the district’s football following has had an influence in the emergence of this flourishing boxing club. The club’s development can be traced only back to 1977 when Mike Pimley — who now shares the co-train-

ihg responsibilities with Philip Shatford — and a few mates decided that boxing was an ideal means of keeping fit. It has grown to such an extent that Pimley and Shatford are stretched to make sure that everyone is catered for at the Monday and Wednesday club nights. A couple of pairs of old red boxing gloves, the property of the Broadhurst brothers, Mark and Rex, were brought back into circulation. When more were needed the only logically financial step was to purchase cheap boys’ gloves and stretch them to more manly proportions by stuffing them with wet rags. Pimley had some ring experience under the astute guidance of Wally Darrell some years earlier, but at that stage was not a qualified trainer. The assistance of John McGrory was obtained, and Pimley and Mark Broadhurst were to be the club’s top-line representatives in 1978.

Although Broadhurst claimed most of the attention because of his football achievements, it was Pimley who gained the first provincial boxing title for Papanui. Almost certainly Broadhurst would have been heavyweight champion in Canterbury’s boxing class of

■1978, but a postponement caused a clash of sports commitments and he chose to default his bout and play rugby league. There was compensation for the boxing loyalists when Pimley won the light heavyweight title. If the deeds of the unbeaten Broadhurst provided the initial spurt, Pimley regards the acquisition of Shatford, a former New Zealand lightweight champion, as an even more significant factor in the club’s success.

“Both Philip and I qualified for our trainer’s licences after the national tournament in 1978, and his presence has really boosted Papanui,” Pimley said. “There is no way I could have handled all of the boxers we now have — we just divide the gymnasium down the middle and get on with the job.” Even last year Papanui might have given the impression that it was a booming concern, with three or four fighters nominated for every tournament. But there were in reality only about half a dozen registered boxers. It was just their thirst for action which made the club so prominent on the programmes. The number has doubled in the last 12 months, and altogether 25 work out regularly

in the hall. Asked how. the club would cope if a similar increase occurs this season, Pimley believes that “we can handle it.” After all, training is stepped up to four nights each week before a major contest. Not all those who attend have championship bouts in mind, either. The All Black five-eighths, Wayne Smith, had a few turns at battering the old punching bag during his pre-season preparation for rugby union. Papanui’s title credits have tripled since Pimley won its first Canterbury crown. Ken Clearwater, a popular competitor, is the reigning light welterweight champion, and Nicky Craig holds the provincial junior light welterweight title. Yetjthe club does not, and never has, charged its members subscriptions. Pimley said that is a do-it-yourself organisation, all finances being raised by raffles and disco evenings. Pimley is “rapt” at the spirit within the club. Jim Dickson, an Irishman who fought overseas during the Second World War, weighs in by keeping time of the participants’ various training activities, and Pimley is confident that such enthusiastic boxers as Joe Leteru, Nick Adams, Michael Metuitini and Steve Lowie will make their mark in provincial tournaments.