World title contender Sam Noakes’ success in boxing has come as no surprise to his old amateur club.
Noakes, from Maidstone, faces American Abdullah Mason for the WBO lightweight crown in Saudi Arabia on November 22.
Maidstone boxer Sam Noakes fights for the world title next weekend. Picture: Queensberry Promotions
It will be a proud moment for Westree ABC, the club Noakes joined aged 13 and enjoyed huge success with, before turning pro six years ago.
Trainer Eddie Henderson, who’s run Westree since 1977, has seen Noakes (17-0) sweep all before him in the professional ranks, winning British, Commonwealth and European titles along the way.
The 28-year-old is preparing for the biggest night of his life when he takes on American Mason (19-0) in a clash of two boxers boasting perfect records.
And Henderson, who was inducted into the British Boxing Hall of Fame four years ago, is backing Noakes – nicknamed Midge – all the way.
“I don’t think we’re amazed because we always knew he was going to be something special, even as a little 13-year-old,” said Henderson, 82.
“He took his first fight and he thought it was a lot of fun. He lost it on a split decision and got a bit of a ticking-off and from then on it was up all the way.
“He’s just a lovely kid. He’s not so lovely when he’s in the ring, mind you, he really means it in there.
Westree trainer Eddie Henderson, pictured at his induction into the British Boxing Hall of Fame, says Sam Noakes is something special.
“Sharon, his mum, deserves a lot of credit. I can’t praise her enough.
“If every kid had a mum like that, there’d be no bad kids in the world.
“She’s a lovely woman, Sharon, and she’s straight to the point with it, and Lee Owen, who took over as his senior coach, has played a big part, too.”
Noakes won 47 of his 53 amateur bouts, with 26 stoppages.
He claimed two NABC titles, the senior ABAs and Tri-Nations gold with England before signing for legendary promoter Frank Warren.
Noakes’ home town showing their support
His relentless style has proved perfect for professional boxing and entertained his army of Maidstone fans and wider audiences as his reputation has grown.
“He was knocking boys out with 12oz gloves, and he’s boxing with 6oz gloves now, so you can imagine what the punch must feel like. He’s got a wicked right hand,” said Henderson.
“I’ve had good boys through Westree and I’ve had boys who could probably punch harder than Midge but I’ve not had any that relentless, he just doesn’t leave you alone once he’s got you going.
“If he hits you four or five times with that right hand, the last right hand will be as hard as the first right hand, and that’s what sickens you.
Former trainer Eddie Henderson says Sam Noakes was always going to be a hit in the ring.Picture: Stephen Dunkley / Queensberry Promotions
“After throwing three or four, sometimes the punch loses that little bit of sting but not with Midge.”
Mason, 21, is the bookmakers’ favourite but he’s been down in his career, unlike Noakes, and the Maidstone man will test him like nobody else.
“He’s a sharp puncher, the other lad, but Midge has been sparring with some good boys,” said Henderson.
“He’ll pressure this kid, he’ll put him under pressure. It’s how much he can take.
“He’s been down but the fella laid off him a little bit, whereas Midge won’t do that, he’ll be on you.
“If he knows he’s hurt you, he doesn’t let up.
“I would think it’s a 50:50 fight.
“I don’t think Midge will maybe catch this boy until after four or five rounds and I hope he keeps himself out of trouble.
“He’s got a granite chin, that’s one thing he has got, I’ve never known him on the floor.
“He’s sparred with some good kids as well, even in the amateurs, sometimes two weights above him, so he has got a good chin.
Sam Noakes in his Westree days with coach Lee Owen.
“There’s some good little fighters in Britain at the moment but I just think Midge is a bit special.”
Noakes has never forgotten his roots and is only too quick to praise Westree and his former coaches for their role in his career.
He still visits the club and is idolised by youngsters.
“It’s brilliant,” said Henderson.
“There’s posters of him all over the club and if he goes up there, all the kids are hanging around him.
“He’ll do a bit of pad work with them, everyone wants their picture with him, and he’s always got a smile on his face.
“I don’t think we’ve ever had anyone else box for a British title before Midge, never mind a world title.
“If he comes back with it, I don’t know what’s going to happen – maybe an open-top bus through Maidstone.”