Tributes to Penarth boxing legend

11:20am Thursday 4th December 2008

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TRIBUTES have been paid to Penarth boxing legend John ‘Jimmy’ Smith, who died at the weekend at the age of 88.

Jimmy, a former professional boxing champion, was a coach at Penarth ABC and was hoping to be well enough to attend the club’s annual Fight Night at Penarth Leisure Centre this Saturday.

The 88-year-old, father to Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith, told his family he was looking forward to cheering on the Penarth fighters – but on Sunday morning he lost his battle with a long-standing illness.

Current Penarth ABC coach Neil Munn, who was a pupil of Jimmy’s, paid tribute to his old mentor.

“He was a brilliant man, so knowledgeable about boxing," he said.

“What I’m teaching the kids now is what Mr Smith taught me all those years ago.

“He used to tell me to call him by his first name – but I had too much respect for him.

“It was a shock to hear he’d died.

“I was at his bedside the night before and he was squeezing my hand as I talked about the boxing night.

“It was keeping him going.”

Jimmy started boxing in 1923 as a member of the Cardiff City club on Elm Street Lane.

He went on to box in the Royal Air Force, winning many titles and trophies as an amateur, and winning all his fights as a professional.

He was also a regular contributor to the sports pages of the Penarth Times.

Jimmy’s granddaughter Hayley Smith said: “At the ripe old age of 88, he was still not ready to hang up his boxing gloves, and would love nothing better than to be able to get to the gym with Neil and offer his knowledge and advice.

“Over the years I’ve had the privilege of hearing many amazing boxing stories. “He was working on getting well to be ringside for the event at Penarth Leisure Centre.”

Jimmy’s daughter, Jenny, added: “Neil was his protégé and it really lifted his spirits when he visited him.

“It was the night before he passed away, and he was clearly excited to hear about the boxing event.

“Although he didn’t make it, I know just hearing about the club meant he died a happy man.”

(BLOB) Fight Night: Page 36