BOXING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2353, 20 November 1908, Page 2

BOXING.

AVERTED VIOLENCE

(“The Bulletin.”)

[The contest lasted lo rounds, and through that busy period Williams treated (Flveefe’s head as a punching ball Meanwhile the Irishman was hammering away the best he could at Williams’ ribs. . .

He- clung to 'O’Keefe like a clam, used •his elbow, and once “turned in” for a most decided cross buttock

For a moment or two it looked as though the two men were • disposed to do one another tan injury. The police, however, prevented anything of this kind by stopping the contest. —Melb. “Age” report- of the Wil-liams-o’Keefe bashing match.]

Stripped to the buff they circled round. And jagged and swung and crossed; To upper-cut and smash and pound No chances either lost; Till folks opined, in some alarm, That they might do each other harm.

Fiercely they swung the left anti right, With punch and bash and clout: Each grimly.hopeful that he might Secure the glad knock-out. • And, as they watched the “claret” spurt, The crowd feared, someone might bo hurt.

The ribs of one were bruised and sore, His chin was badly gashed ; The other’s face was streaked with gore; And yet they biffed find bashed. And someone said, “If this goes on There'll be an injury anon.”

Harder and swifter rained the blows, And fiercer grew the fray; At chest and chin and eye ami nose Each boxer biffed away; Till cried the audience in fright, “If they’re not stopped they’ll start to fight!”

But on they battled, bruised and dazed, Scarce able now to stand; Until the Law stepped in and raised A stern, restraining hand. “Ah!” sighed the crowd, freed from suspense, “It might have led to violence.”