ON August 23 the Planet Ice in Altrincham was treated to a Fight of the Year contender between Jack Rafferty and Mark Chamberlain. The two super-lightweights were expected to deliver an all-action tussle. Their styles and punch power merged into another great domestic main event in the UK. But did fighting for the British title bring out that extra 10 percent in their performances?
This year we have seen 13 British title fights so far beginning with Callum Simpson’s destructive performance against Steed Woodall in January through to Rafferty-Simpson last month. Seven more are needed to beat last year’s total of 20. Three more are already lined in October. Regan Glackin v Louie O’Doherty (lightweight), Harvey Horn v Paul Roberts (flyweight) and Kieron Conway v George Liddard (middleweight).
There’s no denying the everlasting appeal of the Lord Lonsdale belt which is now over 100 years old and remains one of British boxing’s most coveted prizes. Discussing why the British title produces so many gripping fights the British Boxing Board of Control’s General Secretary shared his thoughts when he spoke to Boxing News recently.
“They’re so well matched, first of all. As I say, look at Rafferty-Chamberlain. That could have gone any way, to be fair.
“We’ve had moans that Chamberlain should have got it. We’ve had moans that Rafferty should have got it but I think it was a fair result, as far as I can see. I think the judges did a good job because it was just nip and tuck all the way. It went one way, went the other way and it was a great fight.”
Smith believes it’s the balance of matchmaking that consistently delivers the drama, producing finely poised contests that capture fan interest and sometimes divide opinion.
“So, I think the matching makes a big difference. And also the pride to be British champion. And I know I’m biased, but I think it is the biggest, the best trophy in the world.
“You look at the belt compared to some of the sanctioning body belts, and all due respect to them, and I know how much they cost, they cost a lot of money, but the British is on a different level, in my opinion.”
The Lord Lonsdale Belt is more than a stepping stone – it’s a symbol of heritage and achievement. For generations, fighters have spoken about the pride of holding it aloft, and its design alone carries an aura few other belts can match.
“You can move from winning a British title and on to something bigger, like the European title. Then you start getting the world titles, et cetera, opportunities. So I think the big thing is the matching and also the pride of being British champion. There’s something special about being a champion of your home country.”
