Tributes to town boxing legend
TRIBUTES have been paid to local boxing legend, Jacky Horseman, who has died, aged 86.
Jacky won the Northern Area featherweight title in May 1951, outpointing Carlisle's Don Scott in front of a 20,000 crowd at Hartlepool Greyhound Stadium.
Tribute: Jacky was a promoter's dream fighter
Tribute: Boxing champ struck gold out of ring
He began boxing at the age of 17 in 1938, retiring in 1956 after an incredible 124 bouts.
After finding fame as a fighter, he also found fortune – thanks to a 200,000 win on the football pools in 1967.
Even after moving to Whitby with his late wife, Trudy, Jacky was still seen regularly in his hometown, visiting his daughters, Sheila and Doreen, and stepson, Keith, and stepdaughter, Jean.
Jacky also supported current Hartlepool boxing hero Michael Hunter and was at ringside for many of his fights.
Former British and European championship contender Dave Garside, now a manager and promoter, said: "It's very sad.
"He was a good ambassador for the sport and Hartlepool.
"Jacky was very much a gentleman and a credit to himself and boxing. He always came to watch the shows here."
Boxing boss and promoter Gus Robinson said he was knocked out by Jacky's unrelenting enthusiasm for boxing.
He said: "I didn't see him box but I know back then that there were so many excellent fighters that to win a title was a tremendous achievement.
"I remember when I met Jacky. Me and Paul Wainwright were amateurs and fancied turning pro and we'd seen a story about Jacky not long after he had won the pools.
"It said in the piece that he was going to apply for a promoter's licence.
"We found out where he lived and went to see him. While nothing came of it, I remember him giving us a nice reception and we remained friends.
"Jacky always had a infectious smile and always wanted to talk boxing.
"His enthusiasm was tremendous and his passing is a sad time for North-East boxing."
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Monday 28 May 2012
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