Excelsior puts the glitz back in boxing

Next Thursday sees the second instalment of new sporting club

I’M a rabid fight fan, but not all shows I attend fill me with excitement. I don’t enter all halls bristling with anticipation.

I am, however, truly looking forward to next Thursday (June 22) – the second chapter in Scott Murray’s gilt-edged sporting club, The Excelsior.

Good food, good bouts, good company. Next Thursday, at Cannock’s Premier Suite, represents one of the perks of the job. I’ll again don an evening suit older than every fighter on the card – and the majority of their cornermen.

I went to the first Excelsior evening and loved every minute of it. Tuxedos and glamorous gowns – it took me back to the very distant days when I attended sporting clubs on a near weekly basis as a Boxing News reporter.

At one – the World Sporting Club, I believe – VIP guest Oliver Reed, who had clearly over-imbibed in the evening’s hospitality, entered the ring, delivered a rambling, incoherent speech, then hurled his shoes at those trying to remove him.

When I approached the glassy-eyed hell-raiser’s table for an autograph, he scrawled a boxing glove on my programme, which I still possess, then poured a jug of alcohol over his head.

At that point I realised an interview was out of the question.

Next Thursday will be free from such showbiz drama.

Many questioned the rationale of attempting to revive the days of red carpet sporting clubs, particularly in the current economic climate.

But Scott has hit the ground running. He’s gained good sponsors, a solid clientele base and is backed by a host of big names. Next week’s list of boxing celebs includes world champs Ray Mancini, Richie Woodhall and Barry Jones. TV analyst Steve Bunce will also be there.

Importantly, boxers want to be a part of the plush evenings.

Next Thursday’s card looks a cracker.

Former world junior champ Ray Moylette, from Ireland, is set for a cracker against Stoke’s Jamie Stewart, former Midlands welter champ.

As yet there’s no opponent for explosive Birmingham feather Nyall Berry, which illustrates how hard the prospect hits. He will fight on the show – and those present can expect fireworks.

Ollie Cooper…faces a tough Eastern European on the show

I’m pleased the Excelsior is providing a platform for Cannock’s own middleweight Ollie Cooper, exceptionally tall for the weight at 6ft 4ins.

With five wins on the spin – all on points over the apprentice four round distance – the 22-year-old is one to watch.

He was to have faced experienced Dwain Grant on the bill, but is now pitted against rugged Pavol Garaj.

That’s a decent test for Ollie. Garaj has mixed in good company, is experienced with 52 bouts under his belt (seven wins, four draws) and is nigh on impossible to budge. Only one opponent has prevented him hearing the final bell.

In short, Garaj knows how to handle himself.

The Slovakian was in action last Saturday at Planet Ice, Solihull, and took English title challenger River Wilson-Bent the six round distance.

We’ll know a lot more about Cooper after the bout.

Birmingham newcomer Davian Daniel also takes part in his second pro bout on the bill. The 20-year-old welter hasn’t fought since outpointing journeyman MJ Hall in his debut last November.

At the Excelsior, he faces Bury Saint Edmunds’ Charlie Sheldon. It should be another win for Daniel: Sheldon has yet to win in 14 (one draw), but has suffered only one inside distance defeat.

*For further details on the Excelsior Club, ring 01543 572092.