BOXING

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 26, 25 October 1921, Page 8

BOXING

KEEN CONTEST AT HASTINGS BAXTER DEFEATS WESSON By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent. Napier, October 24. Considering the extremely unfavourable weather there was a very fair attendance at the Municipal Theatre, Hastings, when the Hawke’s Bay Boxing Association put on a varied and interesting programme. Tho principal event was a 15rcund contest between E. B. Baxter, formerly of Australia, and now of Napier, and A. Musson, of Wairoa. Tho latter was well known as an amateur, and recently joined the professional ranks. Tho contest, which was for a purse of .£75 and expenses, resulted in a win for the ex-Australian, alter a vigorous and clean-ly-fought contest that went the full distance. Musson had the advantage in height and reach, and appeared the stronger of the pair. Baxter was, however, distinctly the better boxer, and Musson could never find a way to keep his left jabs from the face. Moreover, Baxter timed his efforts well, following up any advantage with keen judgment. Finally, after boxing well throughout, and piling up points, ho let loose in the last two rounds, and mixed things to such purpose that only the gong Musson from being counted out. Hie Wairoa man boxed well, but was up against a faster and more skilful opponent, and by comparison his methods weie crude and stereotpyed. His only chance lay in a knock-out. His chief assets were strength and fine condition, and at one time, namely, in the sixth rcund it seemed that through superior fitness he might get his chance later on. Baxter, however, recovered after this round, and from this on never left the issue in doubt. . The first round was oven, but m the second Baxter commenced to land with refts to th© face, and in tho third he completely out-boxed his opponent. In the fourth Musson showed up better, and by sheer strength was breaking through Baxter’s defence He got in some telling work. As already imheated Musson made a fine showing m the next round but Baxter in the seventh more Jhan evened up matters From this on Baxter held i the lead all through although Musson made a great eften-t in, the eleventh round to turn the table.. Although Baxter had only to keep on Ins feet to win on points ho opened out in the 14th round like a cyclone, but Musson weathered the «* l _ retaliated to such purpose that it seem ed as though the ex-Austrahan had made tt nX of judgment. Tho audience cheered with excitement as the pan fought like tigers for the mastery, and tho round was quite an even one. In the next and final round Baxter showed that ho had not misjudged < he P osltl °" by again repeating the same tactics, and timing his rush with better gm. , had Musson hanging on before the round was far gone. Tho Wairoa man had to take hard blows in succession, and ha f sinking to tho floor appeared likely to be counted out just as the gong Both contestants were cheered for thengame and sporting exhibition. Amateur bouts resulted as under. Wilmott (Hastings), sst. 131 b. beat Pearces (Napier), Gst. Chase (Wairoa), 9st. 12lb„ beat Tomeana (Hastings), 9st. 11b. Cooper (Hastings), 9st. 41b., beat Ryan WIK « h»‘ Edwards (Waipawa), Sst. 81b.