Sam's Story - How The Webb Won!
Both proud and delighted, Sam Webb stood in an empty venue corner with his newly acclaimed British light-middleweight title belt hanging over his shoulder.
The small hours of a Saturday morning were now dawning upon us after Sam (left, courtesy Jane Warburton) had just finished his late night shift in the ring with the then British and Commonwealth light-middleweight champion Anthony Small.
It was an evening’s work that he would never forget as he continued to prove Small’s thorn in the flesh. Webb already held two wins over the brash South Londoner from their amateur years and the hat-trick was now complete.
Years of hard work and dedication had finally produced the fruit Sam set out to see. An increase in purses now beckons for the Isle of Dogs born boxer and at 28 his best days could still be ahead.
I openly confess that Small was my tip to stop Sam but in hindsight maybe I should have known better courtesy of his promoter, Frank Maloney.
While attending his January parade of fighters he entitled ‘Graduates’ Maloney claimed that among his stable Sam would be the underdog who will become a top dog.
Speaking to me on Friday Maloney displayed a soft spot for Sam, but admitted this fight was a 50-50 Just before Sam headed towards his horizon.
“I have been with him a long time and think he deserves the opportunity. He is a good professional and I think he is good for boxing, more so than Anthony Small is. It’s a fight if you said would I put my life on it I would say no.
“It’s an intriguing and unusual fight being a clash of two different styles but I think Sam really wants it, he has worked hard for it. Small may be a bit over confident and a bit too cocky which may play into Sam’s hands.”
This was a day of destiny for Sam as he revealed in the programme notes. “I was at school when I first started dreaming of winning a Lonsdale Belt and here is the chance to prove they can come true.”
Earlier in the day Jim McDonnell like Maloney thought this fight was a close one to call and couldn’t give me the winner's name.
Going into the fight itself Sam had displayed a few moments of irritation at Small’s antics during the press conference where Small offered him a head-guard for protection. Webb responded by throwing it towards him. While at the weigh-in Small offered him some roses and chocolates and Sam again was having none of it.
When they faced off Sam grabbed Anthony’s sweat band which was tied to his head. This wasn’t the season to be jolly. Sam wasn’t interested in cheap gifts. He only had eyes for the prized possession Small had rights on.
As challenger Webb was first in the ring wearing a black hooded gown. Maybe this was his method of blocking out Small’s extravagant ring walk and constant staring and smiling in his direction before the first bell.
I thought it was Small that made the better start in the early rounds but Sam wasn’t trailing behind like a snail so if he stuck to his guns maybe the tide would turn.
And so it did in the fifth by Sam enjoying success with several good left hand punches, but his big moment seemed to be changing into misery when a nasty cut opened up over his right eye. It was the kind of wound that produced a large volume of blood and if it continued to worsen the tears of sorrow would soon be walking down his proposed glory road.
A frightful moment came Sam’s way in the sixth when the ringside doctor was called upon to inspect. Thankfully for Sam and his noisy following their night wasn’t ready to end just yet.
Small quickly moved in for the kill, knowing Sam was now on borrowed time but Sam wasn’t going to go away without a fight.
The press row were a little divided in deciding who was ahead but unified in the notion we were watching a close one and at the end of the seventh Frank Maloney told me he had it 50-50.
I thought Small would close this one out but Sam displayed remarkable guts and resilience. He refused to allow uncomfortable circumstances to determine the quality of his challenge. The cut couldn’t stop him and neither could Small.
Maloney sensed Sam could be close to living his dream and in the tenth he beckoned his pupil to ‘Bring it to him.’ Webb obliged and gave us a grandstand finish. All that stood between him and a place in the folklore of British boxing history were three men marking his work.
The announcement came forth “We have a majority decision.” Score-cards read 115-115 117-113 117-112. ‘And the new champion.’ Finally Sam had entered into the future he so long desired.
He was no longer a contender but now the champion. Suddenly the spotlight turned brightly on Sam.
How would he handle his promotion?
Because success has a way of convincing some that they no longer need to rub shoulders with the general public, being quick to forget it was the nine to fivers who gave a large helping hand to their advancement in status.
But here was Sam as the Goresbrook Leisure centre emptied willing, ready and able to share his story. Of course he was tired and wanted to head for home or towards the house of celebration but he was already wearing his crown well.
Life has been described as being in the people business. And Sam was excelling here too with his gracious manner in overcoming an old adversary.
Sam thought it was close and that scoring was a little generous. As we walked into the back corridor he continued with his graciousness and gratefulness. “I am over the moon the training camp was unbelievable.”
He paid tribute to Darren Barker, Yassine El Maachi and George Groves who had been the sparring partners that helped produce Sam’s story.
Surely he would rub salt into Small’s wounds after taking his title or maybe he wouldn’t give him the time of day?
No. Sam wanted to speak with Small remembering they started out long ago as friends, and he wanted it to end that way.
Speaking of friends as we opened the double doors leading to the entrance cheers came forth from his.
Of course I wanted to know who he will be in the ring with next time.
But Sam had his mind on other things.
“I am going for a beer.”
Let’s raise our glasses to this pint of class.
