Legend is a word frequently over-used by sports journalists everywhere.
But in this case, the word legend sums up Ronnie Rowe MBE to a T.
Boxing and the world has lost a great man following Ron’s death at the criminally young age of 62, not to mention his loving family of course.
Ronnie was the man who set the ball rolling at Birtley ABC, British amateur boxing’s best club, before going on to have a belting career in the professional ranks, his success with Jon Lewis Dickinson the highlight.
Working out of the old Birtley Fire Station, Ronnie and the club began their glory days in the 90s with Andrew McLean the star turn, along with brother Mark.
Birtley enjoyed a string of champions, boxers like Gary Barr, the Buchanans Andrew and Paul, Tony Davis, the Dickinsons, Jon Lewis and Travis, Craig Dixon, Steve McCready and Martin Ward. There were many more and forgive me for those omitted from that list.
In the professionals ‘Birtley Bullet” Dixon had a super run, ‘Tasty’ Travis Dickinson was English light-heavyweight champion and brother Jon-Lewis Dickinson had an incredible career, collecting the Lonsdale Belt as Britain’s cruiserweight title winner not to mention lifting the WBC’s International Silver belt.
The Dickinsons also became the only brothers to win Prizefighter tournaments.
Having done such great work with the Fighting Chance stable, Ron could still be seen working in the corner with his protégé, Gary Barr, who heads MTK’s in-form Gateshead team. Ronnie is pictured above on Darren Reay’s immediate right with Gary Barr on the boxer’s left.
Back in 2012, Ron was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list for his services to sport and the community.
Ronnie’s funeral service will be on Monday, January 20 at St John’s in Birtley at 11am, prior to cremation at Birtley crematorium at noon. Family and friends will then gather afterwards at the Coach & Horses on Newcastle Road in Birtley.
Punch-lines caught up with one of Ronnie’s finest talents (and there were many), Andrew Buchanan, who was coached by Ron as an amateur and professional.
“You look at how good Birtley is now, all the titles the club wins at all levels, it all started thanks to Ronnie,” said Andrew. “He lit the flames and got Birtley on fire.
“He was a larger than life character, always with a smile on his face, and he was the man in charge, whether that was doing the coaching or getting some sponsorship together.
“Ronnie produced some great champions, but even if you weren’t a champ you’d leave the gym on a night having had a great session and you’d have a smile on your face.
“He knew boxing inside out and he made champions but he also helped countless numbers of young lives.”
Buchanan reached the ABA Championship semi-finals under Ron’s guidance in the early years of his career and then ended his fighting days under Rowe when he ended an eight-year absence from the ring in 2013.
“It was fitting to end my career with Ronnie and Gary,” he added.
“I think I was 15 when I joined Birtley after Teams closed and me, Paul and my dad were welcomed with open arms.
“We went all over him with and had an absolute blast.
“We kept in touch and when I came back it was great to do it with him in my corner again.
“Wherever you went in boxing, Ronnie would be known and liked.”
It is often lamented that it is only after a person dies that the true level of love felt for them comes out.
That, thankfully, was not the case with Ronald Anthony Rowe. He knew how highly he was thought of.
He was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty eight years ago and in boxing, he was presented with the Maurice Cullen Trophy in 2018 to recognise his amazing success and contribution to the sport.
Monday will be a desperately sad day when we say goodbye to Ronnie but it will also be a day to salute a great boxing man and, just as importantly, an incredible human being.
God bless you Ron.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
