“FIXED” FIGHTS DENIED

Chronicle (Levin), 21 August 1947, Page 7

“FIXED” FIGHTS DENIED

MURPHY'S MANAGER GIVES EVIDENCE WELLINGTON, August 20. A letter from. one "Yank" Davis to Vic Patrick, proposing three "fixed" fights betweeii Murphy and Patrick -in Australia, and elainiing the approval of Murphy 's manager, P. J. Gaivin, to this pian, was read to the Court at this morning's hearing of the Murphy case. Galvin, in the witness-box, denied ever giving'his approval to sueh proposals, and insisted the letter was written without his knowledge or sanction. Jones begged him, Said Galvin, to approach Murphy to have the litigation dropped, as it would assist Jones to get his lieence back. He did say he would do anything to get his licence back. dalvin wcnt witli Joues to the boxing councii's office the liext morning, June i(J. Joues waited downstairs. Galviu. asked the assistant secretary (Mr. Nodwell) about Jones 's statement about being promised his licence back at an early date. Mr. Nodwell said lie was not in a position.to answer. Beferring to mention m Brosnan's af&davit of Jones speaking of crooked light promoters in Australia and New Zealand, Galvin said there were no fight promoters in New Zealand, as it was all done by associations. Mr. E. E. Bothwell, Brosnan ?s counsel, opened the cross-examination of Galvin. He did nofask ' ' Yank" Davis to write to Patrick asking for three "fixed" ilghts between Murphy and Patrick in Australia. If Davis said he wrote sueh Jetters on Galvin 's instructions he was delinitely not eorrect. Did you tell Davis you did not want Murphy to fight Patrick again, because he could get easier figlits?— I can't recall that. McQuillan wanted Patrick to fight Murphy again within a fortnight, but Galvin said he would not eonsider this because of thc gruelling experienco both boys had gone through. He may liave objected to Murphy figlitiug Patrick again, because Murphy had said he did not want to fight any more southpaws. | Did you tell Davis you would not do business with McQuillan? — No. If Davis made a statement to Patrick that he was to 'apply to you for confirniation of arrangements, that would be uii true? — Quite. Galvin could not explain why Davi* might have made tliose statement.s, except that he was a sort of assistant manager to McQuillan while he was in New Zealand. Patrick had made it clear on his return to Australia that as he was a iightweiglit he would not fight any more welterweights, whieli ruled out a return fight with Murphy. He was satisfied the first Murphy•Tones contest ivas quite a fair "fight, said Galvin. He had of'ten discussed with Murphy whether he had heard the gong, and Murphy had said it more or less subconsciously registered in his mind. It was obvious Jones had heard the gong, b.ecause he stepped back and dropped his guard. Mr. Bothwell: Were you in Murphy 's dressing-room before the second fight? — Y es. Did a message from Jones eome through to Murphy 's dressing-room before the fig'ht? — No. Did a mait named Bill Brien eome to Murphy 's dressing-room just before the fight ! — No. The letter begins "Dear Vic, " and after briefly hoping he and his family had a good voyage back to Australia, continues, "Bob and I went to see P. Galvin, Murphy 's manager. He is tnaking a suit for Bob, and also one for me. He is naturally pleased with the result. ' ' • Galviu explained that Bob would be Bobby Fuller, a Iightweiglit boxer who canie over with Patrick, and tlie result would be Ihe result of the PatrickMu rpiiy fight. "I said to liim I haven't niuch nioney, but were I in Murphy 's shoes r would not like to cash in on a doubtful victory sueh as this was, ' ' tlie letter continues. "He said Murphy as well as vourself were in the game for tlie monev both could get out of it. "Now he delinitely told me tlie fol-

lowing words, with Bob alongside me: 'I don't want Murphy to iignt Patrick again, as he can get easier fights, ' and mentioned a f'ew boxers you have l'ought and beaten. "Now he asked me to write you and make the followiug suggestions to you: Here it is. " 'Murphy and Patrick could get three fights in Sydnev, MeJbourne, and Brisbane. You could each win one and then have the final at oue place. ' "In other words lie admitted to me that you were too tougli, and to put it piainly he wanted to know if you and Murphy could coast along. He also said that in no circiuustances would he do business with McQuillan. You can write to him personally to vouch for what I write here. "Now whether he is 'Lying to show you up and Murphy have "a go at your expeuse I lionestly don't know, "and even if you made that proniise you could go right in and show Murphy and Co. the decision was all wrong. On that matter I will not advise you, as you know best. "Now, if you were continuing to do business uitli Mae, I would ask a favour of you not to let him know' tlie contents of this letter for him to exploit it in Australian papers. When Galvin said this to mfe re McQuillan, 3 told him 1 tliought you were through with him. "I have heard nothihg but good words regarding vourself, Vic, re figlitiug, and a thorough gentleTnan, but am getting sick Of the way they roast McQuillan. sick of hearing it. "Galvin is waiting and doing nothing about Australia pntil you answer this letter. He also suggested for you to make an offer to Bill Donohue, Stadiuni direetor, to fight for (50 per cent. of tlie house, that is 30 to you and 30 to Bos, but if that was not agreeable. he would eonsider 50 per cent. — 25 per cent. each — so please write me back as soon as it is convenient to you." There follows more personal matter, then tlie postscript, "If you care to you can write to P. Galvin, and lie said lie would be pleased to hear from you." Galvin 's business address was then given.