BOXING NOTES

Chronicle (Levin), 3 September 1946, Page 6

BOXING NOTES

"Spectator")

LEVIN CLUB'S TOURNAMENT BOUTS OF HIGH STANDARD

. (By

All those who witnessed the bouts at the? Levin Amaleur Boxing Club's tournament a little over a week ago will agree without hesitation that it was a really first class evening's boxing. For most of tne boys it was their first match, and cqnsidering this fact their efforts were highly commendable. The bouts were of as high standard and packed . with excitement. Every boxer g'ained his share of supporters and this made the competitions even more ' thrilling. A visiting Wellington sportsman told the writer that the tournament was equal to any he had seen in the capital, and that the Levin Club should be congratulated on the splendid evening's entertainment. All the Levin boxers showedpromise and determination, but most of the credit should be shared among Giles and Taylor, who put up particularly good performances, while Eccles is also worthy of praise. Giles was nearly a stone lighter than his opponent, Lambert, but he made up for this handicap by ringcraft. Giles' left is swift and powerful, and when Lambert came in contact with it he instantly gave ground. Lambert had more of a swing than a punch, and when Giles broke through his guard he suffered. Lambert conlinually worked Giles into a corner and then he would let loose with a two-handed barrage, which had no effect. Giles would cover up with gloves and arms and thus avoid blows to his head and solar plexus. It was by these actions that Giles gained the rightly-deserved decision, and if this young boxer stays at the game he may develop into a fine amateur. Taylor's performance against Cheyne (Kiwi) was creditable, as it was his first bout. He should benefit from his bout and may improve with experience. Actually the middleweight contest between Eccles (Levin) and Waghorn (P.N.) was poor, as both men lacked fitness, which made the last round a weak exhibition of boxing. The first round was fought at a terrific pace, and many hard blows were suffered by both boxers. Hard blows were exchanged in the second round and both were soon bieeding from the nose. The audience suffered a shock in the final round when both men seemed to have no life left in them, and the punches were pats. A young Levin boxer, Satherley, held his opponent, Lawrence, at bay by the effective use of his left, and ga-ined the points decision by the continuous use of this punch. Although the local boy had the advantage in reach and height, he did not always have things his own way. Wilton 's ringcraft was very commendable and it was unfortunate that his opponent caught him off balance, and set him through the ropes to hit the back of his head on the boards. Hannah (Kiwi), who won the prize for being the most scientific boxer of the tournament, lost his bout, but was not dlsgraced. The most noticeable point about him was that no matter how much trouble he ran into, he would always come back fighting. His ringcraft was good and he also had power behind both of his punches. His opponent, Phillips, also gave a promising display. The bout reached a peak in the final round, with both boys standing toe to toe and exchanging blows, which were by no means light. One of the youngest boxers, Stevens (Kiwi), had the honour of being the smallest boxer in the contest, but his effort.was equal in proportion to that of any other boxer present. He is tough and generally outclassed his opponent, who had the advantage in weight, height and reach. This youngster is most promising. The Chinese boy, Young (Levin), gave a good exhibition of boxing and most noticeable about him was his ability to lead with either hand." He gave a good display and should benefit by his fight.