Seconds out for Jack, the maker of champs

PROUD . . . Jack with his Sir Henry Cooper Services to Boxing Award

A CHAMPION of sport and a maker of champions, Jack Doughty will live long in the memory of Oldham’s sporting fraternity.

Jack, who has died aged 82, was a familiar figure on the boxing circuit, nurturing hopefuls in the noble art and organising local shows. Though he only boxed briefly while serving in the Army, he was held in high regard among the coaching ranks.

Former world superfeatherweight champion Charles Shepherd and Bobby Vanzie, the ex-British and Commonwealth lightweight belt holder, both served under Jack at his Tara gym in Shaw. He also guided Choi Tseveenpurev to world featherweight glory and Shinny Bayaar to the British flyweight crown.

He moulded Shaw’s Darren Stubbs into becoming the British Masters light heavyweight champion. Stubbs later asked Jack to open his training centre, Stubby’s Gym, such was his influence on his career.

Jack had an interest in boxing from childhood after hearing stories of his uncles Charlie and Walter Overy who were well-known local fighters in the 1920s and 30s.

It was only later in life that he became actively involved in the sport after striking up a friendship with boxer Brian Roche.

Back in the mid-1980s Jack would watch Roche being trained by Paddy Lyons and gradually his interest grew. There was a lot more to Jack than boxing, however.

He played rugby league for Oldham. A scrum-half who was signed from Greenacres, he was poised to captain the A team when he was forced to give up the game at the age of 23 because of illness.

Jack later had a trial for Salford, only to break a leg in two places to end his playing days.

Straight-talking Jack remained a keen follower of Oldham’s fortunes, attending many games and sponsoring players. He was also a member of the Oldham Past Players’ Association.

Current Oldham RL chairman Chris Hamilton said: “Jack was a real character who was never afraid to speak his mind. He had strong values and beliefs and was always true to them.

“Stories he told about his life and career always had people listening intently. As far as Oldham RLFC was concerned, he was a true supporter of the club through thick an thin. He regularly attended matches and will be sorely missed.”

Jack set up Roch Valley Ltd — a dancewear and gymnastics manufacturers now run by his two sons, Danny and Richard — with his late wife and dance teacher Marianne.

He also published four books on boxing and local history, and wrote a radio play for the BBC, “The Shadow of Slim”, and a stage play, “The Cato Street Conspiracy” which was performed in London.

Jack was also a professional actor — he appeared in “Coronation Street” — while he was also known to sing the odd song or two.

One such occasion came after collecting the Sir Henry Cooper Award for Outstanding Services to Boxing at a glittering ceremony in London.

As he approached the stage to accept his gong, Jack took a wrong turn before losing his footing and crashing to the ground. He dusted himself down and headed to the front, by which point blood covered both legs and his shoes.

Undeterred, he thanked the British Boxing Board of Control for the accolade before proceedings took an even more eventful twist.

Spotting a mic on one of the tables as he made his way back to his seat, Jack decided to treat fellow nominees to an impromptu rendition of Bart Howard’s 1954 hit “Fly Me To The Moon”.

Jack said at the time: “I saw the microphone and to be honest I think I overheard someone say the words ‘fly me to the moon’.

“Next minute, I am serenading the room because I love that song, and once I started I wasn’t going to stop until I finished the number! It was a night I will never forget for many reasons.”

Richard said: “Whatever dad set out to achieve, from a boxing coach, writing books, being a professional actor or in business, he did it.”

Danny added: “He made the most of his life.”

Jack’s service and committal will take place at Oldham Crematorium, Hollinwood on Monday, at 3pm.