Liverpool's Vaughan says 'onwards and upwards' after release from jail
“After getting out, I am just finding my feet again. It’s obviously been a bit of a bad time. But now it’s time to get on with what we have started.”
When Stephen Vaughan Snr was detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure in March 2011, many foresaw the end of his promotional company, Stephen Vaughan Boxing.
The fifteen month stretch he was given for a serious assault on a police officer could have been the death knell for a company, which was in the process of bringing us the re-emergence of Derry Mathews, and some of the best small hall action Britain had seen in a long time.
Instead, as BoxRec News readers well know, his son, Stephen Vaughan Jnr picked up the reins, and created in six short months a company his father would be proud of, and one of the most exciting new firms as we head into 2012.
I will be honest. Watching the old Vaughan/Hyland promotions of the 90’s is one of the reasons I got as seriously into boxing as I did. When the likes of Paul Lloyd and Andy Holligan came on my TV, I bristled with anticipation. Not only were these men quality operators, they were always in competitive fights. Even as a novice fan I knew this was down to the promoters. When Vaughan Boxing returned I was massively excited, knowing full well what he was capable of. I was not alone, even fight fans in Chester (not usually fond of the Vaughans, rightly or wrongly) would always say ‘One thing you can’t argue with is the fact they know their boxing.’
For a family that is used to its fair share of trouble, it may not surprise a lot of people that they were able to get through the latest crisis. But for many observers this was a bad one. The patriarch of the clan was imprisoned, leaving his young son to do the work he would have expected to be doing himself. The facts of the case were clear, and shocking. After an altercation outside his home in April 2010, Vaughan Snr attacked a policeman, leaving him with serious injuries. Though no-one has ever tried to justify the actions of that fateful night (including Vaughan himself), perhaps the events occurred due to personal issues, rather than an inherent character flaw.
“I was under so much stress at the time, it was terrible. I had all the problems at Chester FC (where he was Chairman and had well documented issues) and HM Revenue and Customs were investigating me.
"This all raised my stress level and it ended up with that policeman getting a broken jaw. I just have to move forward. When I was inside I got on with doing my time and I got myself in shape. Now I am out it is onwards and upwards.”
One of the effects of this event was the suspension of Vaughan’s promoter's licence. For a man who had brought us some of the greatest boxing nights of the 90’s I expected a burning desire to be re-instated. Vaughan however, seems a lot more measured in his approach.
“I am on my tag till the 28th October. Then I am on licence until 2012. I am happy for Stevie Jnr to get on with it. I am happy looking after the sports management side of the business. We have a number of footballers on our books and we are hoping to get them bigger and better opportunities.”
It is probably a testament to the job Vaughan Jnr has done, that he, even with all his experience, doesn’t have to rush back and get his ‘hands dirty’. Father indeed seems very happy with the work of the son.
“I think Steve has done a decent job. We did the first show in November and I went inside in March. In that time period Derry has won three titles and has got a European title shot. We have put on number of good shows and will continue to do so. There are some really exciting times ahead.”
Despite not being actively involved in running of Vaughan Boxing in a promotional sense, Stephen is more than happy to share his opinions on two big nights for the firm next month. Derry Mathews takes on Gavin Rees for the European lightweight title (Oct 1st, Newport) and Tony Dodson takes on Darren Stubbs for the vacant IBO International light-heavyweight title (Oct 8th, Liverpool) and Vaughan has great hopes for both fighters.
“Derry is going into the lion’s den. He is absolutely everything to gain and nothing to lose. If he has enough he will be coming away with the title. We all hope and believe he can do it. Tony has been around a long time and is in the twilight of his career. But he still has that desire and the IBO is a good step towards getting him a British, Commonwealth or European shot.
"He is in great condition, only 7lbs off the fighting weight already. The 'world' title fight between Cleverley and Bellew is coming to Liverpool, so you never know what is round the corner for Tony. First up though, he has to beat Stubbs.”
So, all seems bright in the Stephen Vaughan garden. But according to the man himself, this is where the hard work begins. After bringing us so much entertainment over the years, there are real hopes that a new golden age of Liverpool boxing could be just a heartbeat away. And if that is the case, then Vaughan Boxing want to be right at the centre of it.
“We have been around a long time. We have worked with all the top promoters and have started teaming up with Frank Maloney. We want to put on a number of top quality small hall shows and bring some young fighters through. Then we want to be on a par with the biggest promoters and give the fans the fights they want.”
Love them or hate them, the Vaughans have always given the fans value for money. And for that reason alone I wish them every success. The boxing landscape is certainly more interesting with Stephen Vaughan around.
The ‘good old days’ seems like they could all be set to return.
