I first met Kate Clifford at last year’s Development Finals during my upgrade, Kate stood out straight away. Not just because her welcoming and warm personality but also because she had made some flashcards to help us study, showing her thoughtfulness and care for everyone to get their upgrade. Kate recently joined the East Midlands from down south, with a background and long history in boxing through her late father, boxing certainly runs through her blood but this is not about her history but rather the fortunate present and the lucky circumstances that brought Kate to the EM. Kate is already a huge asset. This isn’t a comparison there are many OICs I respect, this is about some of the ladies in our region, starting with Kate Clifford and her style.

With Kate, you know where you stand. She’s fair, by the book, and diligent. I have a great friendly relationship with her, but if I step out of line, she’ll bring the hammer down on me  smiling all the while, and I wouldn’t mind. On the other hand, if a coach or the crowd steps out of line, she’s will be just as ferocious and smiling when defending me. its a very unique attribute to be so ferocious and yet friendly, a calm and stormy person at the same instance. those around her are put at ease by her ultra competence. She expects your best, and you know she’ll give hers.

Kate’s style is refreshing, she’ll even clear a room of boxers to give officials privacy and then happily lend it back if facilities are tight. With Kate, East Midlands is becoming more proficient. Yesterday, for the first time, my QR code was scanned by a supervisor Kate’s diligence ensures we stay safe and compliant. We might forget, but she doesn’t and that’s for everyone’s safety. everyone is treated equally.

Kate’s impact is clear. Suzanne Walters, trained by Dave Bassinger and Jamal Khan, is thriving, Suzanne’s building a no-nonsense reputation across the region, and working with Kate will only make her better. I look forward to many shows with both.

Yesterday’s Junior Finals were a huge success: 18 bouts skills, support, and a belt bout all went exceptionally well. Judging was fantastic, bouts competitive, and a shout-out to our Welfare Officer, Mr. Joe Elliott. When the ringside defibrillator ran low on charge, kate stopped the show and in no time at all Joe went to his gym  swiftly fetched a fully charged one. It was a team effort and a fantastic atmosphere. 

Brilliant boxing from Levi Smith (Leicester Lightning) and Logan Wilkinson (Ashfield School of Boxing)both won, and good luck to all heading to the quarterfinals!

Now, I have to mention Denise Coe. She’s part of the appointments secretaries team, my son Dylan had the honour of her signing-off his qualification as a JTK, completing his probationary bout on a ring with who else? but Kate as OIC during New Era box cup. These ladies are assets to boxing and our region. Denise may be a temporary custodian of her role in the East Midlands, we’d be lucky if she stays in any capacity but if not, Denise is there at the national level, anyone representing the EM will likely work with her and it’s a pleasure. 

A Pragmatic and highly competent OIC trio, the involvement of Denise, Kate and Suzanne in our region makes it very clear that boxing is in great hands. beyond politics and who is in charge of what. These are just a few of the outstanding ladies, boxing people I’ve worked with lately. Long may it continue!

As for the Regional Junior Championship Finals a special thanks to Micky Norford for his stroke of genius tasking Glyn (Ginner) Turner with match-making for the event ensuring there were lots of bouts and plenty of attendees to give the event that special atmosphere. 

The East Midlands is becoming a centre of excellence for OICs under the fantastic team supporting the region.