Lee Stewart dedicates victory to late boxing coach Jack Raines (From York Press)

Lee Stewart dedicates victory to late boxing coach Jack Raines

9:51am Saturday 3rd December 2011 in Boxing

Lightning Lee Stewart has dedicated his latest and most notable victory to the late York-based boxing coach Jack Raines.

Stewart, a 21-year-old lightweight, boosted his ring credentials when making it three wins out of three with a 40-36 points victory over Londoner Johnny Greaves.

The Clifton-based professional, backed by a 160-strong contingent of York fight fans, took on the durable East Ham journeyman at the Magna Centre in Rotherham on a night promoted by David Coldwell, head matchmaker of Haymaker Promotions.

Also on the bill were former Sheffield United and Birmingham footballer Curtis Woodhouse, who was once on York City’s centre of excellent books, and ex-world title challenger Ryan Rhodes.

Raines, who coached Stewart as a boy, recently passed away, but he clearly remains in the York fighter’s thoughts.

Stewart’s coach, Huntington’s Glenn Banks, said: “Lee would like to dedicate this victory to his very first amateur boxing coach, Jack Raines, who coached Lee when he was 11 years old at the now defunct All Saints Boxing Club on North Street.

“Sadly, Jack recently passed away, and Lee and his family are honoured to dedicate the fight in memory of Jack.”

Greaves, 32, a veteran of 75 professional fights, could not get to grips with novice Stewart’s hand speed, combination punching from head to body and excellent footwork.

He tried to showboat and put Stewart off his game but grew frustrated as the York man regularly found the target and grew in confidence over the four three-minute rounds.

Banks was delighted with his prodigy’s performance and “another good learning experience”.

He said: “It was great exposure for Lee being on the undercard of ex-Premier League footballer Curtis Woodhouse, ex-World Boxing Council world title challenger Ryan Rhodes and ex-British welterweight champion David Barnes.

“Myself and Lee would like to say a big thank-you to the 160 fans who came to cheer Lee along. They were the best and loudest support by a country mile.

“Lee would also like to thank his sponsor, D&C Plastering Services, for its continued help and support.”