BOXING

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1494, 17 July 1912, Page 8

BOXING

DOMINION CHAMPIONSHIPS. THE SECOND NIGHT. SOME IMPROVED FOBM SHOWN,

Last night, when the second lot of bouts in the New Zealand Boxing championships were fought at the Town Hall, the spectatoraie of some 700 or 800 people, possibly saw some champions in action. At any rate the form of the men ill tho ring was very much better than on the preceding night, and the bouts were nearly all so evenly contested as to show the very best that the contestants had to show. In many of tho matches the judges Had no enviable task in declaring a winner. It is some tribute to their judgment then that not once did they disagree, and that only once did they givo a. decision that was open to serious question. His Excellency the Governor, Lord Islington, was present for part cf the evening. Other interested spectators of the tourney were the Prime Minister (tho Hon. W. r. llnssey), the Hon. A. L. Heirdman, the Hon. W. Fraser.'the Hon. Dr. Collins, and Mr. W. C. Buchanan, M.P. BANTAM-WEIGHT. I. Kutner, Bst. 11b. (Wellington), beat A. Payne, Bst. (Auckland). It was an interesting enough bout, but. startling incidents were few. Payne had fair defence, but he relied mainly on the speed of his right hand in attack-.. Kutner, as is well known her has beautiful defence,.but he'usually allows his opponent to do the leading.. Kutner undoubtI cdly proved himself the better boxer, but Payne, evidently a le.ss experienced lad, made a really good showing.

W. M'Minn, Bst. 11b. (Chrisichurch), beat P. O'Farrell, Bst. Oilb. (Otago). M'Minn is evidently an experienced boxer, with'years anil craft on his and O'Farrell is • a boy with the right kind of ivits for th? fighting game, in the first round, after getting a nasty cuff or two oil the ,faeo, lie "got wife" to M'Minn's, tactics, and scored a couple of clean knock-downs—O't'arr'cHV- lound. The second was also his' ( until M'Minn sat down, making signals of distress for a. hit low. The referee declared that, the hit was certainly unintentional, and in hi.s opiiw iou not serious. The crowd in that part of the house in a position to see guffawed at the idea- that there had been .anything of the sort. However, the incident rattled the younger hoy just enough, and his allegedly injured opponent got his chance to rip in a nastv upper-cut. It found its mark, and O'Farrell took the count. It was within seconds of 'ho end of the round, too.

J. Gunn, 7st. 131b. (Timaru), beat J. M'Morran, Bst. .lib. (Wellington). - Gunn repeated his good form of the previous evening when matched against odds in strength. M'Morran usuallv wins by roughing rather than clean hitting, but he could not rough Gunn. The. Timaru boy could run and watch too, and not a few of his points were scored when he was beine man handled. He landed all kinds of blows with either hand, and escaped all but a . lew of M'Morran's swings. lii fact, he made the Wellington boy look quite a cheap kind of boxer. FEATHER-WEIGHTS, G.' Barr, Bst. 101b. (Wairarapa), beat J. Digby, Bst. 131b. (Ctiristchurch). •.Barr;' naturally a mixer, found an adversary of his own sort. The two. men went in to exchange all the knocks goins, and tliereVero certainly a lot.. Bon- preferred to tako the opposing-guard on his glove, and gotin to give body blows. Now and again ho sent up a rip to tho chin, but noiie of them did much damage. Tim Clii'istchurch boy had much the same method, and lots of spirit, but he slowed a littlo in tho second rc»ind, and afterwards. He had had his breathing apparatus pushed about a good deal; anil also lie had stopped a good ono or so on the face. Tho margin between the two boys was small at the end, for both of them i had fought a really,game battle. W. Mills, ,Bst. 111b. (Canterbury) beat A. Adair, 9st. (Gisborne), Mills is a straight hitter, with fair defence, and Adair is a swinger, without any kind of a stop. He could, however, land a swing with either hand fairly smartly, and his better physique gave him some advantage. The second was the only doubtful round. In tho others Mills won oasilvs • • \ H..M'Kenzie, Bst. 131b. (Auckland) beat A. Jervois, Bst. 121b. (Manawatu),* ' M'Kenzie made most of the fighting in the first round, and got through Jervois's guard mostly with hoqks or upper-cuts* to the face. In the second, the points were all Jervois's, both for giving and for avoiding punishment. In the third, MMCenzie re-established his superiority and won comfortably. N LIGHT-WEIGHTS. E. Stewart, 9st. 111b.- (Wellington) beat . N. Bond, 9st. 111b. (Wanganui), In the first round tho men' Were not suro of each other, and prone to rush into clinches. Stewart scored mostly with short arm body blows when the fighting was breast to breast, and any good blows to the head that joined up were his. In tho second his superiority was perhaps less marked but he -scored a knock-down. Ik the third he won most of tho way, and sent Bond' down for five half-way through. Bond rose- and hung on for a second or two, and finished fighting strongly. It was a good bout between an evenly-matched pair. R. Simpson, 9st. 111b. (Ctiristchurch) beat W. North, 9st. 131b. (Otago). An evenly-contested bout between a pair of really good light-weights. They were so evenly matched that neither could take liberties, and consequently the pace was slow. When the two did open up for business what happened always happened fast. Perhaps the Dunedin boy was a shade faster on his feet, but Simpson could use his right hand like a flash. It was with this weapon that lie scored his winning points, landing mostly on tho face. . WELTER-WEIGHTS. G, Watchorn, 10st. 7lb. (Manawatu), beat M. Mitchell, lOst. 71b. (Auckland), ' Probably Watchorn lias never been nearer in recent years to having liis colours lowered than in this clash-with Mitchell. To do the Manawatu man justice, he fought below his form, and as if only half-conditioned. Mitchell landed straight lefts and right swings to the head repeatedly in the first round, and took very little in return. Watchorn landed a few rather smart ones in tho second round, but' yet he was no winner. In the third he shook Mitchell -perhaps once, but the men wore equally strong at tho end. It was at most a doubtful decision. , MIDDLE-WEIGHTS. S. Monaghan, list. 11b. (Ohakune), beat L. Cade, list. 21b. (Christchurch). The similarity of tho two men in action was remarkable, except' that Cade had practically no slop for anything. Prepared to'take punishment, he swung rights' to the body regardless of what happened to him. Monaghan opened up with a right upper-cut or two which looked good, but he forgot the blow afterwards, and lost points in consequence. There never was such an open pair of boxers i for anyone who could hit strnig'ht. It was a- poor bout, one of the poorest of the. evening. D. Boreham, list, 21b. (Otago), beat B. Finnie, list. 31b. (Wellington). . Finnic'.-; whirlwind action was of little use against the Otago.man, a well-coach-ed boxer, fast and clever on his feet. A man of Finnic's energy and reach must, of course, land sometimes, ami he did land finite a few times. The first round was all in favour of Boreluiro to begin with, but the- Wellingtonian wined off the deficit before Iliej.gong. At tno end of the second, Finnic was palpably shaken by a. left,- hook to the face, but' Boreham. w,i» either too daaed &r too to »nd the foht than, The

last round was all in Boreham's favour. It was ft really good battle. HEAVY-WEIGHTS. G, Matthewson, 12st. 101b. (Otago) beat V. Lowe, 12st. (Gisborne), Lowe is a fighting man pure and simple, game enough, but with no other qualification except a Catherine-wheel action with the arms. Just for a moment lys freak style puzzled Matthewson, but it was only for a moment. Matthewson landed his left very often on the face, and his right on the body also very often. All but about two of the Gisborne man's swings hit nothing, but the atmosphere. The men were far too good humoured, really, to hurt each other. R. Fitzsimmons, 12st.'5lb, (Timaru) beat P. M'o.uarrie,-12sT. 61b. (Southland). The winner, a perfectly trained, power-. fill athlete, had rare pace, and versatility for a heavy-weight. His best blow was a straight left to the face, not infrequently followed as it was by a right jolt to body or head. M'Quarric stuck to his man gamely, and took his beating in tho best of spirit, but be.was far inferior to his opponent as a boxer. ; P. Caldwell, 12st. 11b. (Wanganui) beat J. Dwyer, 13st. 41b. (Auckland). Dwyer rushed in two or three times at the outset and embarrassed his smaller : opponent by his weight and bulk of ferocity. He scarcely hit once, however, and 1 Caldwell landed often. In this round, as in tho next, the men rushed from one , clinch into another. : The best clean hit lo date was a straight one bv Caldwell, which stopped one of Dwyer's rushes. Caldwell sent Dwyer down once for seven and once for eight in the third round, but the big fellow did not.appear much distressed. The referee stopped the fight,, and.declared Caldwell the winner, probably because of Dwyer's persistent hugging of his opponent. . _ .

CONFERENCE HELD.' THE CONTROL OF THE SPORT. IMPORTANT. CHANGES. The annual conference of delegates from local boxing associations of New Zealand met in tho Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Dr. Arnold W. Izard, president of the Wellington Association, was in the chair. Following was the representation of the affiliated associations ir-Northern— Messrs. F. Bums and W. lialliu; Waikato—Mr. M. ' M'Arthur; Gisborne— Messrs. Allen and.H. L. Humphreys; New Plymouth—Mr. J. Stngpoole; Wanganui— Messrs. Gaffney and'l'. W. Roberts; Pnlmerston—Dr. O'Brien and Mr. I'. J. Nathan; Hastings—Messrs. A. L. D. Fraser and A. Gregory; Waipukurau—Mr. 11.. White; Wellington-Messrs. W. U. Platts and J. E. Staples; Nelson-Mr. G. Bush; Millerton-Mr. G. .Rowley; Greymouth—Mr. T Tracy; Christchurch—Mr, T. F. Robson; Ashburtoii—Mr. H.'Sharplin; Timaru—Messrs. li. J. Cooke and If. Goodwin; Duncdin—Mr. J. Isaacs; Invcrcargill—Mv. S. Lindsay.

Separate Island ToUrneys. The first business was introduced by the executive body, the New.Zealand.Boxing Council. It had reference to certain matters on which' a. ninil vote of the associations had been taken, tho result of which had been indecisive. It had therefore been decided that I hey be given further consideration at tho l'Jl2 conference. Mr. H. Goodwin (Timaru) introduced the, question o"f whether the associations favoured the institution of North and South Island championships, to avoid tho congestion at Now Zealand meetings. Ho was inclined to think that boxers might have' difficulty iu getting leave to attend their island championships, and the New Zealand meeting also. • • Mr. J. Stagpoolb (New Plymouth) • moved that North 'aiul South" Island championships bo established. Jie thought tho present system of scrambling through a .New Zealand championship tourney was wrong, and he thought . his proposal would result in the sorting out of the'best in en in tho two islands to meet in tho New Zealand championships. It would bo .'.poss'iblo 'theh-to' ti'y.'tiie" men out moro thoroughly in' longer bouts, • .' . The motion was seconded by Mr, A. Grcgoiy(Hnstiiigs)/.>i n-'- ! - v?:I?o ib. Mr. W. ballin (Auckland)''raised the' question of' how tho profits' of tho 'North and South Island championships were to bo distributed. He thought the associations were under enough expense at'present in sending men to championships, and suggested that the leading boys in different parts of the country should be tried out in matches arranged by the local associations rather than at a tourhev.' Mr. T. E. Eobsou (Christchurch) tho.ught tlie cause pi' the congestion at the New Zealand meeting was.the practice of associations putting forward duplicate entries in different classes, which meant that many men came forward who were not 'champions. ' ' ■ ■• ' ' Tho motion was lost by 10 votes !io 6, Limitation of Entries. Mr. J. Isaacs (Dunedin) moved that the entries for the championships be limited to one for each class from every affiliated body or association. Ho thought some- ■ thing would have tojbe done Jo curtail the New Zealand championships. The tournament occupied three nights now, and as associations -.wero. springing up now, it would soon spread over a week. . Mr. H. Goodwin (Timaru) seconded tho motion. Tho idea found general support. Mr. Gaffney (Wahganhi) offered the amendment that the entries be limited to six in all from any one association. Mr. Beauehamp Platts (.Wellington) seconded the amendment. The amendment was lost and tho motion carried. Official Announcer. ■ Mr Gaffney (Wanganui) moved: "That the New Zealand Boxing Council rules bo amended to allow of an official announcer being appointed at tho-New Zealand championship meeting." • '■ ■ . Mr. Platts (Wellington) seconded the motion, w Inch was carried. ■ Mr. H. White'. (Wnipukurau) then moved: "That'the duties of the official announcer shall be to introduce the contestants and announce their class . and' weight; at tho conclusion of each contest he shall obtain from, the'judges their decisions which, if in agreement, he shall immediately announce;' if tho judges disagree the announcer''shall refer the matter to tho referee, and on receiving his decision shall thereon announce it." This motion was carried. . It was suggested thnt.it be put into effect, for the balance of tho present tourney. A motion was submitted, but it was Tulod out of order, and the chairman gave his assurance that the procedure outlined in the motion would bo followed for the remaining two nights.Expenses of. Professionals, Mr. Beauehamp Platts (Wellington) moved the f oil owing remit: "That in the opinion of this association it should be ■understood that in case of any association importing a professional from Australia, and whilst in the Dominion such professional is engaged' by associations other* than tho one Which imported him, his travelling expenses to and from Australia should be shared pro rata' by associations under whoso, auspices such professional appears." ' It was pointed out on behalf of Wellington that boxers were frequently imported by Wellington, owl after they arrived their services were freely used by other centres. It was agreed after discussion that the rule should not operate after six months. • The remit was agreed to. Fighting Weights, The following remit from South Canterbury was agreed to: "That in the event of the Now Zealand championship meeting extending over more than one evening, competitors must weigh in on each evening on tested scales," The chief reason advanced in support of the motion was that men could waste to fight out of their class on the first night, and increase pounds in weight before a tourney completed. Coming Championship Tourneys. ' It was agreed on the motion of Mr, H. Goodwin that it be a recommendation to tho council that the next New Zealand championships be held at Timaru. A similar motion, urging the claims of Dunedin for the Australasian Championships in 1913, was also carried. On the motion of Mr. H. W. Roberts, it was agreed that it be a recommendation to the next conference (hat (he New Zealand Championships'for 1011 should be held at Wanganui. •• To Control Professionals, Mr. H. White moved the following' rejnit from the Waijuljurau Association:-

"That as soon as two professional boxers have sillied their acceptance in writing,—writing to mean by telegram or letter—of'a match arranged by any local association, the secretary of the council shall bo notified by telegram of the names of the competitors and tho date fixed, and neither of the competitors shall bo matched by any other association for ono month prior to tho data fixed for such match." Tho following remit from Palmerston was endorsed •.—"That no relative of any competitor be permitted to act as referee, or judge for any bout'in which that com" petitor. appears." • Travelling Expenses, Sir. Beauchamp l'latts (Wellington) Introduced on behalf of tho Wellington Association tho question of the allowance of altogether too large travelling expenses to. amateurs competing at tourneys, by some affiliated associations. He suggested that tho amounts allowed were frequently' so large as to mako tho recipients profes- ' sionals. ' The following motion on the subject' was agreed to:—"That it bo a recommendation to the council to tako steps to define tho scale of travelling . expenses to bo paid to nmatenrs when accepting engagements with any affiliated association," .. "Unattached" Entrants, Home discussion occurred on a question raised by Mr. Isaacs (Otago) as to tho wisdom of allowing "Unattached" competi- •> tors to enter for championships, It was finally agreed "that no entries bo'neceptod for chnmpipnships except through affiliated associations. New Centres, • The conference decided\ to; recommend the council, at the instance of the delegates concerned, that Waikato and Gisborn© be constituted separate centres.