Farewell to legend of boxing
TRIBUTES have been paid to a Hartlepool boxing legend who has died aged 67.
Respected coach Herbie James inspired hundreds of amateur fighters both in and out of the ring during more than 30 years at the heart of the town's boxing community.
Herbie formed the Hartlepool Headland Amateur Boxing Club and helped guide a host of boxers to success.
He died last Tuesday after losing a battle with cancer.
Tim Coulter, who was coached by Herbie as a child and is now head coach of the Headland club, said: "I can't praise him enough. His passion all of his life was boxing.
"He was like a father figure to me and was also my brother, and to quite a lot of other boxers as well.
"He always ran a good gym and everyone had the utmost respect for him."
A former amateur boxer himself, Herbie started the Hartlepool Workingmen's Boxing Club in the early 1970s, which he ran with lifelong friend Charlie Innes.
They trained successful town boxers such as Anthony Hewitson, who won several national titles, Mick Hanley and Peter Canterdale.
In 1985 Herbie and Charlie moved to Northgate and it became Hartlepool Headland Boxing Club where it has played a major role in the community ever since.
Tim, 42, said: "They got a lot of people through the doors. It used to be full.
"But it was not just about being champions. Herbie and Charlie helped people to develop into decent adults.
"Herbie wasn't the type of coach to be always shouting and bawling. But you would always try your utmost to please him because of his passion."
In 1997 Tim took over the reins as head coach when Herbie's work commitments meant he could not devote as much time to the club as he wanted.
But he continued to be an integral part of the coaching team and was a regular fixture after he retired.
Tim added: "He liked to come down to the club and watch the new kids coming through. I can see him sitting there proud as punch. He loved being part of the team."
Herbie lived at Town Moor on the Headland before moving to West View Lodge care home six months ago after he became ill.
Herbie's funeral will take place on Friday, at St Mary's Church, on the Headland, at 11.15am.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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