N.Z. BOXING TEAM INVITED TO SOUTH AFRICA

Chronicle (Levin), 9 May 1946, Page 4

N.Z. BOXING TEAM INVITED TO SOUTH AFRICA

BOUTS DURING ROYAL TOUR GREAT COMPLIMENT TO SPORT WELLINGTON, May 9. An invitation from South Africa for a team of New Zealand amateur boxers to visit there at the time of che Royal tour is one of the greatest compliments ever paid tc any oranch of sport in this country. Though Australia, for example, hias oeen asked to send athletes, it is oelieved that New Zealand is the only British Dominion from which ooxers have been invited. Discussing the invitation to-day, Mr. G. P. Aidridge, secretary of the New Zealand Boxing Council, said che council was proud at having received it, and regarded it as a wonderful incentive to the Dominion's amateurs. It was particularly valuable in that it came at a time when the sport was entering on a postwar rehabilitation period. Mr. Aidridge said the trip would be made wholly at the expense of che South African Boxing Association. -The team was wanted there next February, and the programme for the tour would require it to remain about three rnonths.

I "It is going to be a strenuous tour," he said. "They apparently expected the boys to appear in about 12 matches in aifferent paris of the Union. Obviously we sliall oe abie to send only boys capable of standing up to such a gruelling experience. To 'safeguard them we are asking the South African Association to give us details of the itinerary, such as the intervals between engagements and the distance of travel between fights. The team will probably meet representatives of different provinces, and also fight a series of 'Tests'." It was expected, he added, that the team would comprise 14 boxers, plus a trainer and manager. The selection would be. made. after the New Zealand championships at. Auckland. The winning or losing of a title there would not automatically decide the selection; chysique, boxing abiilty, temperament and general conduct would all be taken into account. Mr. Aidridge said he had already been communicated with by Mr. Dick. Diinn, chairman of the Wel- j lington and Hutt Valley Boxing! Managers' and. - Trainers' Associa- ! tion, who said he regarded the in- j vitation and its acceptance as one j of the greatest things that had ever happened to New Zealand boxing.