FIGHT FOR JOHNNY: Ex-boxer lends support to fund.
Byline: Jackie BowTHE Johnny Owen Memorial Appeal committee is hoping to pack `em in when former heavyweight Earnie Shavers lends his support to a fundraising evening in Merthyr Tydfil. The double world title challenger - who took Muhammad Ali to points, fought Larry Holmes and floored Ken Norton - is the guest of honour on Thursday. The proceeds will go towards erecting a memorial statue to Johnny in his hometown.
``Mega-puncher'' Shavers won 73 of his 88 professional fights, 67 of them through knockouts.
Three hundred tickets are on sale for the event and fundraisers are appealing for strong support.
Attendance at the last fundraising function, which was held at Ystrad Labour Club in the Rhondda, was a disappointment for the organisers.
But they still managed to triumph, even with just 28 of the 150 people catered for, turning up.
Appeal fund treasurer Fred Rees says bus-loads of people had been expected.
``I was really down after all the effort that went into it,'' he said.
But then the chairman of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough council Islwyn Wilkins, who had booked a table at pounds 150 for his guests, including RCT council leader Pauline Jarman, stepped in.
She said: ``Johnny Owen was a Welsh champion. Although Merthyr would lay first claim to him, I am sure the whole of Wales certainly acknowledges him as a good champion.''
Coun Wilkins pledged pounds 700 to the appeal from his budget, which helped to cut losses from the vent.
Brewers S A Brains sponsored a table for 10 people at pounds 150 and a cheque for pounds 100 was sent in by the boss of Dragon Machines, which supplies fruit machines to clubs, because he and his workers could not turn up.
Mr Rees added: ``All in all the evening made almost pounds 1,000 profit - and hardly anyone showed.
``I just hope we are going to get the best of support for the Merthyr Labour Club event.''
Coun Wilkins, a boxing fan, had always intended to make a donation.
``It's a worthwhile cause,'' he said.
``It would have been nice if it was chock-a-block but there was such a friendly atmosphere.
``It was good to talk to Johnny's father Dick.''
Coun Wilkins was delighted to receive a framed copy of Johnny's boxing record as a professional and a signed photograph, which have been given pride of place in his Clydach Vale office.
Tickets for the Merthyr Labour Club evening with Earnie Shavers cost pounds 15 each, including a buffet.
They are available from the club, the Horse and Groom pub in Penydarren, the Wyndham Arms in Glebeland Street, Merthyr, or committee members Fred Rees on 01443 437473, Dave Bethell on 01443 434077 or Dave Furnish on 02920 251200.
The appeal committee has so far collected around pounds 17,000 in donations.
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| Publication: | South Wales Echo (Cardiff, Wales) |
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| Date: | Aug 12, 2002 |
| Words: | 469 |
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