BOXING

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 67, 13 December 1920, Page 6

BOXING

MORAN KNOCKS OUT BECKETT' A SENSATIONAL FINISH (By Telegrapa-Presa ABBOciation--0oDyrl£l«; (Roe. December 12, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 10. The gathering at. tho Albert Hall to witness tho Beckett-Moran fight was a wonderful spectacle, and was one of tho grcMest assemblages ct' sportsmen on record. Tho Prince of Wales and Iho Duke of York 1 were present. The King was unable to attend, but arranged for progress messages to hD sent to bin;. Carpentier was in the ring, and announced tho fisht and the winner.

There is «. controversy regardins Moran's methods. Many critics allege that he- used the wrist twice with effect, and was twice warned. Each timo ho protested to the crowd. Some accounts state that ho fought fairly throughout, and emphasise the fact thai! he lured Beckett by appearing unshaken. Beckett lost any chance he had by relying on force, anil not on skill. Joe Palmer was the referee.

Both men opened eagerly, and: fought at close quarters. There was little in it atf first, but Beckett began to forco the pace with great vigour. He was much faster than Moran. Beckett rained Wows with both hands while the men stood shouldor to shoulder, Moran making littlo response. The spectators were puzzled an Moran's. tactics. He was cither taking matters very calmly or was dazzled by Beckett's swiftly delivered attack. The first was easily Beckett's round for speed and number of blows sent home. During tho interval Carpentier, who was in corner, gavo him advioe

Tho second round opened like the first. Beckett showed tho same superiority in speed. Moran closed in. AVhen the men were separated they worked round tho ring. Moran closed again, and secured a fow stiff right-arm jolts to Beckotifs jaw. Bockott rosponded with a hard right to the point. Moran closed, and landed a tremendous upper-cut on tho chin. Beckett was counted out. Tho result! was sensational, as Beckett up to a few seconds before the knock-out seemed a euro winner, Moran appearing terribly slow, and seemed hardly to have begun to fight in earnest.

- Moran pays a tribute to Beckett's clean fighting, and says ho delivered some good punches. He attributes his victory to experience. He says tho knock-out canio from a left hook, and then a right hook, which shook Beckett, who seemed about to fall. He then delivered nn uppor cut. Critics declare that Moran's imperviousness to punishment was a revelation, as Beckojt's onslaughts would have made most men drop, yet Moran seemed unconcerned. Ho tricked Beckett with swings of both anus, which Beckett evidently had- been warned to avoid, and never looked for hooks or. uppor cuts. Tho last had extraordinary force, Moran himself falling after the .delivery. Moran's smile after the worst blows dceoived Beckett, who was unable to conceal his winces.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Aasn.

(Rec. December 11, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 10. Prank Moran knocked out Joe'Beckett in the second round of their contest at tho National Sporting Club—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

KEENAN .DEFEATS RUTHERFORD.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Eltham, December 11. At a boxing tournament held hero last evening, Rutherford (9st. 01b.) met Kronan . (9st. 101b.). After a fast, clean fight, Kcenan was awarded tho decision.

FRIDAY'S TOURNAMENT. Probably no previous touma'nient promoted in Wellington has attracted the ewno amount of attention as the. fixture set down for next Friday at the Town Hall. Ever since the arrival in NonZealand of Cook and Lloyd, boxing patrons have looked, forward to a meeting between Hiq two, and the local association regards itself as lucky in being able to bring tho men together. The box plan opened on Saturday morning, and the demand for seats created a record for Wellington. Patrons, are advised to secure their seats early. Tho amateur preliminaries aro as follow:—C. Pearce v. H. Brickman, J. Rusterholt v. W. Denmark, P. M'Gregor v. E. A. Napier. Mr. Allan Maxwell has been appointed referee, while Messrs. C. E. Bridge and P. W. Woods will act fts judges for both the amateur and professional contests.