Graham prove a big hit at Academy’s finale

The Academy Luton ABC’s final home event of the season proved to be every bit as tough as expected in front of a near-capacity crowd at Luton Rugby Club on Saturday.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Jun 2013, 12:41 BST
Herol Graham with Academy Luton fighter Kane Lee - photos by photographybyus.co.ukHerol Graham with Academy Luton fighter Kane Lee - photos by photographybyus.co.uk
Herol Graham with Academy Luton fighter Kane Lee - photos by photographybyus.co.uk

Seven young fighters from the volunteer-run New Bedford Road club’s gym took to the ring as a cracking 15-bout dinner show unfolded in front of the night’s special guest, Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham.

Former European light-middleweight and middleweight champion Graham inspired wins for the Academy’s Lee McGrath, Niall Duffy and Scott McMaster.

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It was home debutant Kane Lee who stole the show with a superb win over Essex University’s Brad Gardam in his first-ever fight.

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Graham took time out to praise Lee by awarding him the Boxer Of The Night gong and, speaking exclusively to the Luton News, gave the Academy’s young charges some encouraging words.

Former ABA champ Graham, 53, said: “It’s great to come to these functions to see what I went through myself.

“People don’t realise how scary it is for these young fighters when they step into the ring, sometimes for the first time, in front of all these people.”

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