D OPS presents the trophies as Smith dreads Monday morning in the office

The Affray in Causeway Bay on September 2 saw a packed Police Officers' Club host the first ever Force Boxing Dinner, featuring bouts between graduates of the youth crime prevention scheme Operation Breakthrough and the main event between Paul "Union Jack" Jackson and B.J. "Power Cut" Smith.

After cocktails and a sumptuous dinner, Master of Ceremonies Dave "The Magic" Williams, assisted by Melvis Presley, got the fight action underway.

The youths, now members of the Breakthrough Boxing Club in Tai Po trained by Smith and Danny Lawley, provided three superb contests.

"I was extremely proud of the boys. They have worked hard for this event and displayed tremendous heart and courage - ideas that are at the core of the Breakthrough scheme," Lawley said.

The six fighters were presented medals by Director of Operations Dick Lee Ming-kwai and Kowloon West Deputy Regional Commander Ian Seabourne.

With sensuous ring mistress Noel ensuring all eyes remained glued towards the canvass between rounds, tension now began to build as the audience waited impatiently for the night's headliner. To flashing lights, clouds of smoke and thunderous rock music the two gladiators entered the arena. Smith had come to box, Jackson to brawl, and for three rounds the two went blow for blow, toe to toe.

By the end the crowd were on their feet, the result too close to call. The judges' score cards were collected, and finally the referee raised the arm of the new Police Middleweight Boxing Champion - "Union Jack" Jackson, winner by a single point.

"This evening was a great success, apart from the last fight," B.J. later quipped. "But it has been a memorable experience for the lads and we are delighted that thanks to the generosity of all who attended, a total of $26,000 has been raised for the Club, enough to fulfil our dream of buying our own ring for Tai Po and to keep the boys in training."

The Club also expressed thanks to everyone who attended and supported the event, particularly Messrs Lee and Seabourne, referees Tony Ng Yat-fan and Yuen Dai-man, the Police Band, the Hong Kong Roundtable, the lovely Noel, and the host with the most - Dave Williams.

See you all next year!