BOXING NOTES

Chronicle (Levin), 10 September 1946, Page 6

BOXING NOTES

Comment On Title Bout SANDS' DEFEAT OF JOHNSON (By "Spectator") The Australian boxer, Jack Johnson, lost his light-heavyweight title to Dave Sands, the aboriginal boxer, in Sydney recently. The result caused much comment, especially about the way Sands fought. When asked after the fight to give an opinion, Johnson said, "I really thought I was ahead on points. Referee Wallis should not have stopped the bout. I do not think I will ever fight under Wallis again." A critic who saw the fight said that. Johnson did not seem to be at his best. He suffered heavy punishment and if the referee had not stopped the bout in the fourth round, Johnson would have been knocked cold. Sands was too fast and full of fight, tearing into Johnson from the first gong. When Johnson was put down in the fourth round he struggled to his feet and then collapsed. For this he could have been disqualified as he fell without being hit, but Wallis let this go and later in the round he awarded the fight to Sands. Sands is a tough, hard-hitting boxer and he is stated to be ready to meet the ex-title holder if a return match is desired. Australian Visitors Two prominent South Australian fighters who arrived in New Zealand last week were Ray Dunn, middle-weight champion of the State, and the skilfui lightweight Joe Grant. Both have good records and should not find any difficulty in securing fights against New Zealanders. uuner Australian boxers are contemplating visits to New Zealand, depending mainly on the success of Dunn and Grant. Dunn is to make nis debut against Noel Dorman at Wellington on September 16. Success of Murphy New Zealand's welter-weight champion Bos Murphy had little difficulty in sending Danny O'Keefe to the floor for the count. The winner's performance was a first class one, and showed that he is now back in form. He looks a great' deal better than before the Patrick fight. The first round was not very exciting except for a few punches exchanged towards the end. The second was fought at terrific pace, Murphy dealing many punishing blows to O'Keefe's body and head. In this round O'Keefe went down twice, but struggled back to his feet each time to come' in fighting. The third and last round was Murphy's, although O'Keefe landed a good right to Murphy's jaw at one stage, but this did not stop Murphy, and his onslaught finally downed O'Keefe near the end of the round. Murphy was brilliant in his non-stop attacks, although O'Keefe showed gameness in fighting back. Caltaux's Return Vic Caltaux will make his reappearance after a lengthy spell when he meets Tommy Downes at Hastings on September 16. The bout will be: watched with much interest. Murphy — McCann Bout Bos lyiurphy will meet Jack McCann ,ih Wellington this month. The boiit should be a good one, as McCanii has yet to meet a defeat, and it will be interesting to see how he stands up to the welterweight1 champion.