The Boxers and the diners. A previously unpublished image.

From an article by Colin Lewis:
All the drama and excitement of the boxing ring was there for an audience of 120 at an Amateur Boxing tournament at the Keirby Hotel on Tuesday night, 5th February 1974. A feast of boxing skills provided some fine sporting entertainment and helped raise £400 for charity in the tournament which was a tribute to matchmaker Bill Bateson, who arranged the fights. The evening, which also included dinner and a cabaret, was organised by the Burnley Ladies Auxiliary of the Licensed Victuallers Association in aid of the Association's convalescence home and to provide electrical equipment for the Temple Street Recreation Centre.

But it wasn't such a happy event for the only Burnley boxer on the bill, 13-year-old John Cunnie, who was beaten narrowly on points by Radcliffe schoolboy Malcolm Gilson. Neil King, formerly of Burnley and now living in Accrington, had a good first round in his light welterweight bout against J. Hurst from Halifax, but a vicious hook from Hurst early in the second round floored King, who took a count of nine, and the referee stopped the fight. The referees were Mr Ronnie Gregory and Ian Gallagher, who is also president of the East Lancashire ABA. The three judges were Mr Eddie Fox, Bill Hurst and G. Hook and timekeeper was Mr D. Henry.

And when all the fighting was over Burnley FC commercial manager, Mr Jack Butterfield, compered the fund raising competitions, and the cabaret. Master of Ceremonies for the tournament was Mr A. Hindle