BOXING NOTES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 35, 30 May 1947, Page 5

BOXING NOTES

OPOTIKI TOURNAMENT WHAKATANE PARTICIPANTS (By “Southpaw”) Followers of the light game were treated to a first class tournament held in. the Grand Theatre, Opotiki, on Monday night. All the bouts were very willing in science and what was lacking was made up by the participants eagerness to “mix it” on all occasions. Officials Officials of the Opotiki Boxing Club who were responsible for organising the successful" tournament were: Judge, Messrs. Dennett, Lysaght and Duncan; referee, Mr Tim Hickey; timkeepers, Messrs. Paterson and Jefferson; announcer, Mr Chas. Morris.

The following is a summary of the various bouts which took place:— Welterweight: J. Marsh 10.5 Whakatane, v S. Harison 9.12 Opotiki. The result was a win for Marsh by a T.K.O. in the second round. It was both boys’ first fight and their willingness to mix it was appreciated by the large crowd. Marsh’s cleaner hitting and his ability to use his right hand gave him a clean cut victory. This boy has the makings of a good boxer. Paperweight: T. Hunt 6.10 Taneatua, v M. Hudson 6.13 Opotiki. An excellent contest, both boys showing that they have been instructed along the right lines. Hudson made use of a straight left but . Hunt’s defence was good and he emerged the winner on points.

Featherweight: A. Edmonson 8.13, Whakatane, v C. Curtis 8.12, Opotiki. Both lads, hit each other with everything but the water pails from the first gong. Curtis took a count of 9 in the second round and seemed fortunate not to be counted out as one knee appeared to be still on the mat. However Edmonson was the stronger fighter of the two and received a well earned decision. This lad also should figure prominently in the fight game if he takes it seriously., and tries to box.

Lightweight: J. Hoffman 9.4, Katikati, v P. Simpson 9.6, Edgecumbe. This bout was won on points by Simpson who scored repeatedly with an excellent right cross which connected to his opponent’s head. Mr Bill Allen, of Opotiki, presented the winner with a special trophy. Hoffman has improved considerably from last year, a fact which makes the winner’s victory more meritorious.

Middleweight: T. Paterson 11.7, Whakatane, v W. Graham 11.7, Opotiki. This bout was a real slugging match with both boys able to dish it out and also take it. What was lacking in science was made up with action and a draw was the only decision possible. Once Paterson can learn to use his right hand he has everything to make a good fighter. He has courage and a good pair of shoulders.

Paperweight: Mbkomoko 5.11, Opotiki, v Williams 5.31 Edgecumbe. Although Williams lost the decision he was far from disgraced. His opponent being heavier and taller. Young Mokomoko is an improved boy. < Lightweight: J. Lowe 9.4, Whakatane, v J. Steen 8.13 Auckland. Lowe got the decision after he had Steen in difficulties throughout a one-sid-ed match.

Middleweight: N. Crawford 11.4, Katikati, v J. Maxwell 11.6, Whakatane. It is hard to believe that Maxwell was the same boy that fought at Te Puke the previous Monday.. Whereas at Te Puke he threw caution to the winds (and also the fight) he boxed like a good one at Opotiki. It is only reasonable to believe that his trainers and his instructors have shown him the error of his ways. A well earned points decision to Joe Maxwell. He was up against a good opponent in Crawford.

Heavyweight: R. Booth 13.3, Opotiki, v C. Crawford 12.5, Katikati. Both lads mixed things freely With Both lads mixed things freely, cleaner punches. Mosquitoweight: Plank 5.7 Edgecumbe, v O’Sullivan 5.8, Waihou.. O’Sullivan was given the decision in a very close contest. His ability to keep out of trouble and his footwork were first'class. Plank never wavered and kept watching his chance to land a telling blow but the other lad’s style got hirrr'the decision. ' ;

Mr B. Magee presented the loser with a special trophy. Welterweight: A. Baker 12.10, Katikati, v R. Hendrickson, 10.7 Edgecumbe. A draw was the verdict with Hendrickson probably a little lucky. He did riot fight as well as the previous week at Te Puke and needs to watch his guard. Catchweight: B. Blackburn 10.5,

Hamilton, v T. O’Connor, 10.8 Opo- , tiki. This was the big fight of the . night with the “Sailor” fighting well as ever. He was up against an experienced boxer in Blackburn, who last year won the South Auckland: : title. Blackburn took the first round by his repeated leading to Connor’s * head. The other three" rounds' were fairly even with probably the last round in Connor’s favour. Blackburn was weakening, however, and in a close finish Connor gained the decision which met with a mixed reception and will probably be debated on for some time to come. It is well to remember, however, that ( competent and efficient men are sel- " ected as judges and in a grand, close ■ fight such as this any decision would have been disputed by we armchair critics. Strangely enough the two least concerned were the participants who were to be seen, after the ? ! fight laughing and chatting over a- ' cup of tea at supper, thoughtfully provided by the Opotiki Boxing A&>%i sociation for visitors.