LEVIN BOXERS IMPROVE

Chronicle (Levin), 8 October 1946, Page 6

LEVIN BOXERS IMPROVE

"Spectator")

BETTER KNOWLEDGE SHOWN TOURNAMENT IMPRESSIONS

(By

The Levin - Boxmg ciuD had another successful night last w'eek when it held its second and finai tournament for the year. The bouts were keenly contested and a notable fact was that most of the boys who t'ought in the last tournament were greatly improved and shOwed a better knowledge of the game. There were many thrilling oouts, which kept the audience in a good mood. , - ' - A. Phillips, a young Marton boy, again * showed • promise iri deieating J. Hannah, of the Kiwi gym.- The victo'ry was not gained easily. Phillips, a pupil of Bert Drew, well-known: Marton sportsman, showed determination in attacking when the odds were against him. Fast on his feet, he possesses a powerful left which he follows up with a right swing, and these two punches took toll of Hannah. >His ringcraft is very good ior a novice, and if he takes on the game he should gain recognition. Hannah on the other hand is a oough- fighter, who can take his share of punishment as well as deal it out. He- found one too good m Phillips on the night, but his def eat was not a disgrace. Vile (Kiwi) and Hakaraia (Otaki) put up a good bout, but concentrated more on slogging rather than fighting. Hakaraia used his right punch consistently, scoring blows to his opponent's nead and body. Vile went down for the count of eight in the first round and displayea rare gameness to go on the offensive m the second. Hakaraia soon had him on the retreat again, and when Vile could not rise in the second round the oout went to the Otaki boy. Both received damaging punishment, but the Palmerston North boy did not seem to be in the same class as Hakaraia. A local boy, N. Wilton, could not escape the punches. of Jones (Marton) and it was not surprising to see him go down to stay down ;n che second round. These boys showed good footwork. - A notable feature of their bout was that both were out to gaih a definite decision, and in the second round it was just a case of who could take the most. Wilton's display was good while it lasted. ' T. Rice (Kiwi) who outpdinted B. Tawhiwi (Otaki), showed' a definite promise to the' game" and his display was cfeditabie. He knew how to keep his guard up while receiving punishment, and.- seized avery opporturfity. to attack." A tempest >would not do to iescribe the speed of W. Young ■Levin) --and Waaka- {Otaki) bout, which raised the: appreciation of uhe crowd. -Both boys wer.e speed merchants and-'Yheir duels at times outclassed any of the night. Walkdig around the ring waiting for the opportunity .to attack, .both nnpressed by . their lightning tactics. A draw was the only decision. C. Taylor (Levin) also showed promise in defeating C. Cheney (Kiwi) on points. Taylor's aggres7 sive methods had his opponent dazed on many occasions. This lad is coming along nicely. J. Lambert and I. Newman fought a gruelling struggle with . the decision being a draw. Lambert, who has improved a great deal since his last bout, put on a good 'display of footwork, combined with powerful two-fisted barrages. Both boys freely traded blows and although Newman stood a trifle flat footed, he kept Lambert at" bay. Both boxers are worthy of praise for their bout was quite promising. D. Curtis, of Levin, lost his bout, but his defeat was a narrow one. His opponent, P. Enoka, of Otaki, is a good little lad, with plenty of punch, and he can stand his ground and trade blows under all circumstances. Both boys persisted in powerful blows to the head and body. The drawn bout between P. Prendeville (Levin) and J. Pope (Kiwi) was most promising for young boys such as these. Both traded hits, but none did extensive damage. Prendeville's punches might have done more damage had he refrained from swinging them, which took k good deal of power from them.