Ron Gray honoured for his life after fighting
Cannock's Ron Gray admits boxing is still "in his blood" after being honoured with a lifetime achievement award for his services to the sport.
Gray was selected to receive a Manager-Promoter accolade and enter the British Ex-Boxers Association's Hall of Fame,
Some 24 out of the 26 regional EBA's in Britain contributed by picking their choices for the ceremony which took place in Hastings, East Sussex.
A crowd of 300 people attended the awards luncheon at the Azur, Marina Pavilion, with guests including former world champions Alan Minter and Frank Bruno.
Gray attended with representatives from the Central Midlands Ex-Boxers Association and was one of three picked for the gong, alongside Paddy Byrne and the late Andy Smith.
The former fighter, matchmaker, manager and promoter has been involved in boxing for nearly 60 years, after first taking up the sport aged 15.
The 74-year-old was picked ahead of Frank Warren to receive the accolade and felt humbled by the experience.
He said: "It wasn't something I expected. It's even more remarkable when you consider it's for something I did after I hung up my gloves.
"To be voted for by all of these associations is something I find really touching. I've been hit before, but this one really bowled me over!
"It's great that people still remember me and I must have given them pleasure with what I did in boxing. It makes me very proud."
The 74-year-old turned pro as a heavyweight aged 16 and punched for pay in 46 bouts. He won 20, with 11 stoppages among his victories. He lost 24 times (11 TKO) and drew twice.
The Midlands title challenger debuted in 1958 and called time on fighting in 1967, before beginning to stage his own shows.
His first card came in 1974 at Wolverhampton Civic Hall, where hometown favourite Larry Paul topped the bill.
It started a long love affair for Gray with the Civic, who placed on their 'Wall of Fame' at the venue in 2008. He also won the Sir Henry Cooper award in 2013.
The Civic had seen British title defences from the likes of Bunny Johnson, Pat Cowdell, Joey Jacobs and Ross Hale during Gray's period of involvement with the hall.
He promoted his last offering at Wolverhampton's Park Hall Hotel in 1999 before bowing out. He now puts on afternoon events with boxing celebrities as after-dinner speakers.
He continues to operate under the Gray's Promotions banner, with his son and show host Steve, but will always miss the cut and thrust of life through and behind the ropes.
He added: "I had 25 lovely years as a promoter and loved every minute of it. There were some absolutely wonderful times.
"When I put on a show, I always wanted it to be something that I would have enjoyed watching. I always did that to the best of my abilities.
"It's funny, I was looking for something at home recently and I came across my first-ever boxing licence. That brought back some memories. The sport will always be in my blood."
