RINGCRAFT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 13, 19 August 1946, Page 5

RINGCRAFT

LOCAL LADS’ DISPLAYS i

MUCH IMPROVEMENT SHOWN Considerable improvement instyle and boxing knowledge was shown by a large number of the’ lads who took part in the all-ama-teur boxing tournament staged by the Whakatane Boxing Association in the Winter Show Buildings last Thursday evening, on their previous performances in the recent tournament sponsored by the Association in support of the recent R.S.A. Queen Carnival. This latter contest, which, as fans will remember, was held in the Grand Theatre, gave the majority of the local boys who fought, their first chance to enter the ring, and consequently, although they had received a certain amount of training, their performances were naturally not. very polished. But last Thursday evening’s contests brought to light the benefits of more training and tuition, and above all, confidence. One we noticed was P. Tenaiti (Whakatane) who won a Welterweight bout against J. Raymond (Mt. Maunganui). The first time we watched him in the ring, he was brim full of grim determination and »' not much else. His guard was absolutely non-existent, and his only redeeming feature as regards boxing itself, was his quickness of foot. On Thursday night, he was still the same Tenaiti, but his faults in ringcraft had been turned to benefit him. His uppercuts waited until there was a target, instead of lashing the empty air. His quick footwork served him well, and he used his guard only when necessary. (In the first round he was dropped once when he failed to get his glove up swiftly enough).

Hudson (Whakatane) again displayed his usual experienced style, showing a good knowledge of the game, particularly of in-fighting, but he was up against'tough competition in W. Baty (Edgecumbe). Although it was this latter lad’s first ring fight, he handled it well. He took plenty of punishment but seemed to absorb it without much discomfort, at the same time handing it back with strong slugging blows, under which Hudson deteriorated.

H. Woods (Whakatane) who boxed P. Batchelor (Ngongotaha) showed a style, which, if he carries on in the game, should some day lead him into the limelight. By far his best point is his foot work which in Thrsday night’s bout time and again particularly in the first round took his chin an inch out of reach of Batchelor’s left glove, and brought him in to place a left himself. Other boys we noticed shaping up well were J. Maxwell and B. Penny, both of whom, and particularly the latter, show good promise. The Boxing Association obviously is being well supported by local boys, whose interest in the sport is unmistakeable, and with the future of that organisation now assured, there is no reason why Whakatane boys should hot make names for themselves in the years to come, in the amateur championship rings of the Dominion.