EX BRITISH LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTING TO JOIN TERROR GROUP ISIS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 18 Jun 2015
Small.
Former British light middleweight champion Anthony Small who is now retired, is among three London men accused by a court of attempting to join terror group ISIS.
The BBC quoted prosecutor Richard Whittam who, in an opening statement at the trial said "The prosecution's case is they intended to travel to Syria to join and support what is called Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, known as Isil or Isis."
Whittam said Small, who "enjoyed some success" as a British and Commonwealth light middleweight champion in 2009, had sold memorabilia shortly before his arrest.
The BBC reported that Small won the British and Commonwealth titles against Matthew Hall at Manchester's MEN Arena in July 2009, entering the ring to the sound of Frank Sinatra's My Way.
He then defended the titles successfully in November that year against Thomas McDonagh in Wigan, but was beaten by Sam Webb in Dagenham, Essex, in March 2010.
Small, Michael Coe and Simon Keeler were arrested last year on terror-related charges. Prosecutors allege that Small tried to smuggle jihadists out of the United Kingdom and into Syria, where they would then perform acts of terror in support of ISIS.
Columnist Tyler Conway of the internet site ?Boxing? reports that Small, who converted to Islam at age 24 and is otherwise known as Abdul Haqq, has been an outspoken supporter of the Islamic State group. He released a video in September of last year excusing ISIS beheadings of American journalists, saying they "[weren't] unprovoked." Small had previously participated in rallies calling for Great Britain to not involve itself with the War in Afghanistan.
British prosecutors also charged Small with disseminating terrorist publications, saying he published an article titled "Attacks By Muslims In Perspective" and recorded a speech titled "Another James Foley beheading."
All three men have maintained their innocence.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Apolinario to fight Hu in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Warriors Shoot Down Rockets, 95-85 as Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder Take Care of Business
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 21 Apr 20252025 USA Boxing International Open Finalized on Saturday
Mon, 21 Apr 2025Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025