NARBERTH'S prolific boxing referee, John Phillips, was seen on our television screens last Saturday, when he refereed the bout of the tournament at the Great Britain Amateur Championships at the famous York Hall arena in Bethnal Green, London, between Josh Taylor, of Scotland, and Louis Adolphe, of England.

It produced the narrowest margin of victory to Adolphe in the history of these championships. It was 9-9 on points, 60-60 on a countback and when it went to the five judges, it was 3-2.

John also refereed in the other bouts which were fought over two days, November 11 and 12.

This was John's 15th final at all levels of British boxing, a remarkable achievement.

He will be seen at more-relaxed events over the coming weeks when he will be officiating at dinner shows in Clydach, Carmarthen etc. These are the shows he likes best, and refereeing over 12,000 bouts, it is unlikely this record will ever beaten.

Indeed, over the 40 years he has been refereeing, he has officiated at almost 2,000 shows around Wales, Great Britain and the world, but as he told us 'there are a few years left in the old dog yet'.