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Recognition!

26 December 2003

The Victorian Amateur Boxing League has come in from the cold. After 17 turbulent years it gained State Government recognition as a legitimate sporting body. Noel Sharpe, the public servant who runs the day to day affairs of the Victorian Professional Boxing and Martial Arts Board, came along to the VABL's annual awards afternoon on Sunday, 14 December to announce the good tidings.

Noel Sharpe feels the championship belt round his waist, alongside Victorian League president, Jim Nomikos.

Mr Sharpe read a letter from Victorian Minister for Sport, Justin Madden, former League footballer, declaring the Amateur Boxing League a body in its own right, able to charge admission (not have to give profits to charity) and to run pro/am shows.

It was back in 1986 that a band of independents - with Mick Canavan, Maurie Kirby, Ted Matthews, Ray Trotter and Greg Grogan to the fore - broke away from an ABA which they branded heavy-handed. The League men have gone through highs and lows, some seasons dominating State amateur boxing. But their kids couldn't be considered for Green and Gold blazers. In 2003 League activity slowed but at year's end brightened again.
ABA officials with State Liberal connections did nothing to put the rebel body in the government's good books. After Labor took office the lobby power shifted.

Mick Croucher, the public officer of the VABL Inc as well as world chief of the WBF, brought along a world championship belt of the Foundation to donate to the amateur league. It will go to the most consistent boxer of 2004. Meanwhile, not leaving it idle, Mick strapped the belt round the waist of Noel Sharpe, the happy courier of good tidings of joy. Noel, Noel!
Said Croucher: "The Victorian League have some of the most exciting amateur boxers in Australia, who would be justified on any pro/am competition. Promoters should call our matchmaker, Tony Sorace."

VABL Awards at Springvale RSL

Dedicated trainer: Greg Grogan.

Most helpful trainer: Dave Preston.

Trainer of the year: Mick Murray.

Country trainer of the year: Greg Angwin.

Special member: Roy Lynn.

Most consistent boxer: Rob Curren.

Most courageous at Nationals: Michael Wood.

Best looking VABL committeeman: Mick Croucher.