No Rumble, no problem. It will be back “bigger and better” in 2021.
That was the defiant message from Phil Jeffries after announcing that his 10th annual July spectacular at his beloved Stadium of Light was off.
Given so much top-line sport has been postponed or cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, it was no shock that Summer Rumble 2020 would fall.
“Wimbledon got called off this week and Euro 2020 and the Olympics won’t get staged til next year,” Jaffa told punch-lines.
“The Summer Rumble will be on in 2021, I’m determined about that and it will be bigger and better than ever.
“Me and Fanno were looking forward so much to our 10th anniversary Rumble.
“It was going to be a big one and had planned a title fight for the top of the bill.
“I was going to invite everyone who has boxed here along and was looking to make it a big occasion.
“But the football club rang up to say it couldn’t happen.
“I was offered an inside location, but it would not be big enough.
“There is something special about the outdoor show on a summer’s Sunday afternoon and the atmosphere it generates.
“I’m gutted it won’t be on, but we’ll be back in 2021 – 200 per cent.”
The Rumble has featured all the top North-East talent of the last decade, with Peter Cope, Glenn Foot and the Ward brothers, Martin and Tommy, clocking up the most appearances.
There have been countless classics – a Northern Area title triumph for Jon Lewis Dickinson against David Dolan and another Sunderland v Newcastle derby belter between Jonson McClumpha and Andrew Buchanan which ended with honours even.
Who could forget Martin Ward’s masterclass against Ian Napa? Or two Teesside derbies for Peter Cope, one won and one lost, against Gavin Reid and John Green? Or the noise the ‘Bombsquad’ made when Benwell Bomber, Joe Laws (pictured), made his professional debut at the Sunderland ground?
The Rumble will be back, as will boxing.
“Life has to come first at the moment, please, everyone stay safe,” added Jaffa who plans a promotion in Houghton if and when society returns to normal. “As soon as is possible after all this ends, there will be a show at Rainton Meadows Arena.”
Words: Roy Kelly
