Boxing: Our '˜Enry Cooper would have been proud of Glyn Rhodes achievements in Sheffield

He'd attended the prestigious British Boxing Board of Control Awards ceremony hoping to rub shoulders with some of the great and the good in the sport.

But, out of the blue, he was suddenly summoned on stage to receive the Sir Henry Cooper Services to Boxing Award, a trophy "to honour special services to the sport of boxing."

After the surprise at the Royal Lancaster London Hotel he said: "I couldn't believe it, it was like being smacked on the chin. I think I was given it for holding a license as a boxer, a trainer and promoter and the work in the community with Sheffield Boxing Centre. To have my name associated with (the late) Henry Cooper, who we all grew up with as a hero, was an amazing privilege."

There was also recognition for Rotherham-based Dave Coldwell, who was nominated in the Trainer of the Year category. Jamie Moore was the eventual winner. And Ingle-trained Billy Joe, the WBC Silver super-lightweight champion was a candidate for Boxer of the Year, clinched by Scotsman Josh  Taylor the WBC Silver super-lightweight champion.

*Sheffield fighters Tommy Frank and Loua Nassa will both fight in Commonwealth title eliminators against Tanzanian opposition on October 12 at Ponds Forge.

Super flyweight Frank, 8-0 (1), takes on Adam Yahaya, 18-2-1 (7); while Nassa will face Nasibu Ramadhan, 25-12-2 (13).

Frank, 25, trained by Rhodes, picked up his first belt - the Central Area Title - in April against Craig Derbyshire, but will face his "first real test" against Yahaya, says promoter Dennis Hobson.

Nassa '“ one of five pro siblings '“ came unstuck against Brad Watson in February, in an English Title challenge. Since that stoppage defeat, Nassa, 22, has returned with a victory in April.

'Brad Watson pulled out of this super flyweight eliminator against Tommy, and so did Hassan Ahmed for whatever reason, so we've got him matched with this Tanzanian,' said Hobson.  'We've also got Loua in a Commonwealth Title eliminator at bantamweight. These will be two smashing fights, we've got a decent undercard, and I'm pleased that the show will be live on Freesports as well.

'I've got high hopes for Tommy and Loua. They've both got the experience now and it's time to move them on, and test them.'

Hobson added: ' A Commonwealth Title eliminator isn't an opportunity that comes along every day, but we believe in them, and this is a platform to start getting them onto the world scene.

'I believe in them, they've both got the right aptitude and attitude for the game. This is going to be a big step for them, but I do think they both have a chance for big things.

'My track record shows that I can move fighters onto the world scene, and I just need them to play their part now between the ropes.'