Larry Holmes in for charity auction

9:00am Thursday 15th May 2008

TWO heavyweight legends packed a real punch at a charity auction in Swindon last night.

Former WBC and IBF heavyweight champion Larry Holmes and fellow American Earnie Shavers were the guests of honour on a star-studded evening at the De Vere Hotel in Shaw Ridge.

Swindon boxers Eddie Neilson and Ricky Porter added a local flavour to the event, which was organised by KM Promotions.

Holmes was undoubtedly the star attraction of the night, as the jovial 58-year-old recalled the best of his 20 world title defences and his victory over an aging Muhammad Ali.

The man known as the "Easton Assassin" also had some words of wisdom for young Swindon professional Jamie Cox, and local amateurs Danny Bharj and Marlon Reid, who were all in attendance.

Holmes said: "Don't let anybody tell you can't do it. If you can't do it you will find out for yourself in the end, but don't let anybody else tell you that.

"Next month I go into the boxing hall of fame as one of the great ones. I'm very proud of that because people always tried to put me down.

"People told me I couldn't do it, but I proved them all wrong and I've been proving people wrong for 37 years now."

The popular Shavers, regarded by many as the hardest puncher in heavyweight history, also offered advice to Swindon's up and coming stars.

"Leave drugs, alcohol and women alone. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, eat the right food and take good care of yourself," he said.

"Do what the trainer tells you to do, look after yourself, keep it clean and you will earn a name for yourself and be successful.

"Sugar Ray Robinson told me that way back in 1970. I took his advice, and it opened up million dollar contracts for me.

"I was lucky enough to be around in the golden age of boxing, but it is still a great game to get into.

"I would say take advice from all the old fighters and read their life stories. You should listen to the guys who win, listen to the guys who lose and always try to learn new things."

• For more from last night's event, plus exclusive interviews with Larry Holmes and Earnie Shavers see this week's Swindon Advertiser.

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