WHITLOW AND THOMAS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 34, 10 February 1931, Page 14

WHITLOW AND THOMAS

MR. STEWART'S TRIP

Mr. Earl Stewart, the well-known boxing referee, who was sent to America as the representative of the Wellington Boxing Association, to secure boxers who- would prove a draw in this country, returned by the Makura from' San Francisco yesterday, accompanied by featherweights, Allen Whitlow and Joey Thomas, together with Mr. Billy lUtterhouse,VTvho 'has sponsored Whitlow in all his contests and .'will have the two boxers under his care during the tour.' ... Whitlow and Thomas, . said Mr. Ste^artv. to a "Post" reporter/are,22 .fuid?iS3 years of age respectively, Whitlow hailing from Superior, Arizona, and Thomas,"' vjho. is 6f,.;)y',elsh: extraction, from. Chicago. WHitloSv's record is GO matches, with three losses, and Thomas has had- the same number of losses in 80. bouts. : Thomas favours the-open style of. boiing, his plan ,o£ .campaign being modelled on' the British standard^ but Whitlow is. moro oT a dogged type, carrying the fight to his opponent all the way. Both have arrived fit and well despite a fairly rough passage, and Mr. Stewart is confident that they wiTl do well ill the ' Dominion. Mr. Kitterhouse, who practically adopted Whitlow as a boy.of 14, has many interests in the United States, including a farm, at Peroria, GQ miles., south of Chicago, and is connected with copper mines in Arizona. •■.■. . ■•■■:.■• ■.:,.:■■,, During his,trip Mr. Stewart visitocj. S.iit Franqisco,' Los 'Angeles, Chicago, Ohio, ■ and Columbus, but was not able to manage a trip to Now York. In the course of his'travels he cam'c into contact with practically all the prominent boxers of the present time, and many whoso glory has faded. He did not meet Tom Heeney, but spoke with him by telephone, and i brought back Heeney's regards 1o all his New Zealand friends. ■ In America, said-Mr. Stewart, Heeney is probably the most popular'heavyweight, and his name, has only to appear on the bill for a good house to be assured.- Heeney had lately fought the 'Californian, Max Baor, at Maddison Square, New York, with Jack Denipsey. as referee, and the decision by^which Heeney was .counted out caused a wide controversy. Heeney appeared to have the fight in hand at the time, and since the bout promoters have been clamouring for a return match* Another who wished Mr. Stewart to remember him to New' Zealand friends was Jimmy Clabby, who is doing well. ■.■;.: In addition to meeting Jack Dempsc3 r, Mr. 'Stewart frequently came into contact with the fornier negro champion, Jack Johnston, who was in tho pink of condition and ready to fight at any time despite his 45.years. He did not see Camera, but included in his luggage was one of the giant Italian's gloves. Gene Tunney, said: Mr. Stewart/, is at present travelling with a geological expedition in Egypt. . Also on the Makura were tho Australian heavy-weight boxer, George Cook, and Ms wife and child. Cook has been keeping in fighting trim, and expects to have a few bout's while in his. I nativo country. N