*** XMAS PARTY 2025 ***

This year`s MEBA XMAS Party took place on Sunday 30th November, at the Irish World Heritage Centre, Cheetham Hill,

The afternoon started with the introduction of all the Ex-boxers past and present in attendance, which went brilliantly, all were acknowledged with a great rounds of applause and our own cameraman Brian Starke, took some great photos with many of Manchester`s finest boxers in attendance, these included........

Steve `The Viking’ Foster - IBF Inter-Continental and Commonwealth Champion, he also challenged for the WBA, IBF, WBO, WBF, IBO and twice for the British titles.

Gerry McBride -  Central Area Champion . (Lightweight 1968)

Gerry McBride Jnr - also Central Area Champion. (Bantam 1987)

John Green - Central Area Champion. (Bantam 1987)

Steve Connellan - Head Coach at Hamer ABC.

Tony Connellan -  NABC & Sch/Jnr Champ.

Darren Connellan - NABC & Sch/Jnr Champ.

Beth Connellan - NABC Finalist.   

Mike Whalley - Central area champ. (featherweight 1985)

Geoff Shaw - a long- time member of the MEBA.

Steve Strong - Head coach at Hyde and District ABC.

Arron Maddocks - upcoming pro, currently 2-0.

Jonjo Green - Irish Champion.

Darren McCarrick - great amateur star.

Tommy Battle - 125 fight veteran and Head coach at Metro ABC Bolton. 

Jonny Boy Kiely - Super welter weight Central Area Champion.

Rhianna Dixon - European and WBO Lightweight World Champion.

MANCO Boxers - Steve Vost and Ray Trainor.

Salford Arrow ABC - Dave Chapman.

Jimmy Lewis - Head FOX ABC coach and Ex Pro.

Ex Pros - Carl Harney,  Steve Coleman, Mike Jackson, Blain Younis, Shaun Dwyer, Karen Priestly and yours truly Ex Pro & newsletter Editor Ian Harrison.

and also the members from the LEEDS EBA.:- Vince Campbell, Franco Fitzgerald Ex Pro ABA Finalist & NABC champ, Ex Pro Phil Duckworth, Great Coach Terry O`Neil, world A Star Referee Dave Parris, Paul Abrahams, Terry Peirse and his Twin sons. 

Thanks everyone who attended and making this a great day. Many regular members from the Manchester Association were also in attendance, too many to mention but many thanks for attending.

While everyone was up, we presented Jimmy Lewis, with his life time president chains, which he was well chuffed about, we then presented the central area belts we purchased, to the 6 ex-boxers who didn’t receive one when they won one, they were Kevin Taylor, Gerry McBride Sen and Jnr, Mike Whalley and Micky Flynn, the belts were an appreciation from the Association in their honour for winning one, we will be presenting other central area champions with one over the next 12 to 18 months.

Isaac Lewis, a coach at Droylsden ABA then presented me with a cheque for £752.44 for the money he raised from the 3 peaks challenged he completed in May. Well Done!!!

This led us nicely, into the annual Frank Nightingale Memorial Trophy, which was awarded to Stefan Roczniak, it was given to Stef by Frank`s Son, Andy and Grandsons Kieron and Sonny, this was a well-deserved honour for the work he has completed over the past 2 years on the brilliant website and the mechanised Well done Stef from everyone.

The great Female vocal artist Leah Kay, began the 1st of her 2 spots of her act, her singing was great with people singing and dancing along. Leah interacted with everyone, we will definitely book her again for next year, as we have for the past 2 years.

As the afternoon went on and the drinks were flowing, the buffet was open, this was lovely food with cakes and gateau’s for afterwards all made possible by Helen and James.

Thanks to everyone who brought in some wonderful raffle prizes.

Special thanks to the Irish World Heritage Centre, to Charlene, Stacey and their staff, for making everybody welcome, this year’s party was a great day with a great turn out and it was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to everyone for making it a great success.

Can’t wait for next year!!!!

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all members. By Ian Harrison (News Letter Editor).