MURPHY TRAINS FOR COME-BACK

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31003, 8 March 1966, Page 19

MURPHY TRAINS FOR COME-BACK

Dion Murphy, the New Zealand light-weight champion, who was unbeaten in 16 professional bouts until he retired because of ill-health in May last year, plans a come-back.

Murphy’s unexpected retirement left the light-weight title vacant. Brian Maunsell, whose father, Martin Maunsell, trained both Maunsell and Murphy, won the title by outpointing Manoel Santos, of Auckland.

Asked last evening if he would fight Maunsell, Murphy replied: “The fight will be coming up later this year.” Murphy has been training twice a week at St. Anne’s gymnasium under the guidance of Mr Maunsell. Murphy has also been doing exercises and shadow-sparring at home. “I have to get fit: get rid of this fat and be ready for fighting later in the year,” Murphy said. When he retired, he relinquished his professional boxing licence. He has obtained his medical record book from the Canterbury Boxing Association. “I will have a medical examination, send the report and medical report up to the Boxing Council in Wellington together with my application for renewal of my licence,” Murphy said. “A Great Day” “I know that Dion has been training, and 1 know he has got his medical report book. He has told me he is applying for his licence to be renewed,” the president of the Canterbury Boxing Association (Mr E. G. Pocock) said when asked to comment. “If Dion Murphy starts boxing again, it will be a great day for Canterbury. A fight between Dion and Brian Maunsell for the title would be the best match possible. “I shall be happy when I have Dion signed-up on

articles to box an opponent. Until the articles are signed, I have no further comment,” Mr Pocock said. Murphy had a successful operation for an internal hernia shortly after his retirement. He was in light training towards the end of last year. Big Drawcard Murphy in his 12 consecutive professional bouts in Christchurch attracted some 40,000 spectators. He won £9lO in one bout and alto-

gether earned nearly £6OOO in purses. He fought brilliantly and courageoulsy to beat Kimpo Amarfio, Peter Cobblah and Johnny Famechon — the last two boxers eventually becoming titleholders in Australia. Murphy was the biggest drawcard in Christchurch boxing since World War 11. His retirement was premature, if he brings his come-back plans to fruition, it will be a big boost to boxing in New Zealand.