South Yorkshire Times, September 9th 1944
A Boxing Treat
Boxing fans are in for a treat at Mexborough Drill Hall on Saturday September 16th when the Manvers Main Welfare Department are putting on a splendid bill in support of funds for the Montagu Hospital’s new rehabilitation department.
The Colliery Company have already shown a benevolent interest in this work which is largely accommodated at the Manvers Boys’ Club.
Top of the bill is a bout featuring the district favourite, Billy Thompson of Dearne A.T.C. Squadron. Billy is Northern Counties A.B.A. champion and as a lightweight he holds many other championships and his opponent will be either the U.S.A. Golden Gloves holder, Sgt. Joyce or Cadet, F. J. William the N.C.A.B.A. feather weight champion.
George Hands of Manvers Boys’ Club is matched against H. Hemsworth (Highgate) and as Hands is N.E. Command A.T.C. Champion at 8 stone this should be another attractive bout.
Another Manvers B.C. fighter, Jim Butler, who, for the last two years has won the N.E. and N. Command A.TC. Championships is matched against the Royal Army Veterinary champion and 1944 Northern Command champion, Pte. Sheard.
Wombwell cadet W. McHale, who has won the A.T.C. boxing honours at 10st. 5lbs. will meet L/Ac. Barker of the R.A.F.