AMATEUR BOXING

Grey River Argus, 13 September 1937, Page 6

AMATEUR BOXING

N.Z. TOURNAMENT Successful Conclusion With a packed house, the annual tournament of the New Zealand Boxing Association concluded at the Town Hall on Saturday night in a very successful manner. The boxing was always interesting, and in the great majority of bouts, fairly even, while there was only one knock out. Notable performances were those of H. Sheridan, in the flyweight final; J. Collins, who beat a good boy in Kelly; Withell, in winning from W. Lister, and D. Heeney, who came out on top in two strenuous bouts to win the welter title. Not less meritorious in any way was the recovery of the Taranakite, L. Huzziff, in his two welter bouts, after being downed in each for various counts. Parr (Otago) though defated boxed cleverly against Parker, who won the bantam title. A disappointment was the disqualification of N. Fisher (Christchurch), in the lightweight class, after showing a marked superiority over R. Davey (Gisborne), for landing a punch after the gong which downed his opponent, they having both continued as the gong went. Another disappointment was the fact that B. McKay (Hamilton), owing to a severe injury over the eye, lead to default to K. Moran, winner of the feather-weight championship. The referees generally acquitted themselves capably, while a word of commendation is due to the announcer, Mr. J. E. A. McKeefry. who showed himself the right man in the right place. The judges were set tasks in some cases, and their differences obliged the referees to decide in several instances, but every decision appeared correct. The tournament owed not a little of its success to Mr. Fred Baillie, the energetic Secretary of the Greymouth Boxing Association, whose arrangements worked most smoothly throughout. The following officials also discharged their duties very creditably: Messrs A. Marshall and H. Moore (timekeepers), E. Moss (gong steward), F. Denton (weigh steward), J. McLeod and A. White (ring stewards), and F. Costelloe, C. Neville, M. McDonald and W. Kell (call and gong stewards). Messrs F. Munn and W. Manning gave commendable service as official seconds. The President of the Association. Mr. A. Beban, won the approbation of all by his able supervision of the tournament. Saturday night’s takings amounted to £l2O, but the total proceeds will not exceed half the total takings at the 192 S N.Z. Tournament here. Nevertheless, the Tournament is expected to show a surplus. Leaving Greymouth yesterday morning, over 30 car loads of visitors journeyed to Mitchell’s, where an enjoyable day was spent. Light showers somewhat spoiled the outing but did not prevent the holding of the sports’ programme arranged. The events were keenly contested, and lunch was provided, the visitors returning to town late in the afternoon. In many cases they were guests of their hosts at tea last evening. En route to Mitchell’s, a stop was made at Mr. Langham’s sluicing claim at Hohona, where the operations in progress proved very interesting to all. The majority of the visitors leave by this morning’s express for their homes in both islands.

FLYWEIGHT. (Final). H. Sheridan (Auckland), 7.13, defeated H. Foote (Wellington), 8.0, on points after a very interesting bout, in which the winner displayed the same judgment and skill that had earlier marked him out as one of the cleverest competitors. Foote, the taller, has a fast right, which he used to uppercut Sheridan when the Aucklander attacked at the outset with lefts and rights, steadying up the latter, but a good round finished with a lively mill, and honours fairly easy. Sheridan scored in the second with fast rips to the body, Foote retaliating with his right, and there was some interesting boxing, but Sheridan displayed the better judgment, and he had Foote backing away over the last minute. In the last round the Aucklander .was right on top of his opponent, showing great fitness with crisp two-handed punching, and Foote took a fair amount of punishment on head and body. Both boxers were applauded at the close, while the decision in favour of Sheridan was a very popular one. He is quick on defence, in which respect his work was unsurpassed by any other boxer at the tourney.

BANTAMS. (Final). J. Parker (Wellington), 8.3, defeated M. Parr (Otago), 8.3, jn a bout

which was open, and in which the winner took the light to the other boy almost from start to finish. Parr boxed well, but was not equal to mixing it with a sturdier opponent. Parr opened with nice lefts to the head, while Parker followed him up, landing harder punches with his left to the nose. Parr kept well away, however, till the gong, and there was not much fighting. Parr opened the second round with a clean left and right to the jaw, Parker then coming at him and scoring much the better in close exchanges. Parker was the attacker in the last round, when Parr defended better, and scored with his left, while missing several times with the right. Parker still made the fighting, hitting the cleaner and harder, and had the better of the finish to win the contest by a clear margin.

LIGHTWEIGHT. (Semi-finals.) R. Davey (Gisborne) 9.7, defeated N. Fisher 9.74 on a foul. This was Fisher’s first appearance, and he impressed with his aggressiveness, having, no doubt, hard luck in incurring disqualification at the end of the second round by hitting after the gong, as Davey appeared at his mercy, being almost knocked out by the illegal blow. Davey, who was the taller, attacked with a stinging left to the face, and Fisher came at him with a two-fisted burst, repeating which he sent the Gisbornite to tne canvas for a count of seven. Fisher came again, Davey smothering up. They., steadied up, and when next Fisher attacked, Davey fought back better, but it was Fisher’s round. Davey attacked again on resuming, but Fisher again proved the stronger, and scored with both hands. They were mixing it in the corner at the

sound of the gong, after which a punch to the head brought Davey to his knees, and Referee Joblin disqualified Fisher, and the bout went to Davey. J. Collins (Manawatu) 9.7, defeated P. Kelly (Auckland) 9.34, cn points, after an excellent bout With his right, Kelly scored first, Collins replying with right upper cuts and hooks, bustling his opponent, who failed to land several punches. Collins then took up the attack, and his left swung to Kelly’s head more than once while they were even at infighting. Collins aeain attacked in the second, boxing the Aucklander to the ropes, and Kelly evaded many of his blows, and landed a few lefts. Kelly rallied before the gong, getting in several good blows. With a nice left to the chin, Kelly opened the third, but Collins forced him to the ropes, though not much scoring resulted. Kelly went to the floor for a second, but then engaged in a good rally, the milling evoking applause. Collins replied to a hard right on the chin with a couple of good rights to the head, and then Kelly went through the ropes, his neck coming on an iron ring holding the canvas. Returning, he and Collins staged another mill toe to toe. A popular decision went to Collins, but Kelly’s showing was also creditable.

(Final.) Collins had very little trouble to account in the final for Davey, who soon showed the effects of his earlier bout. Collins rushed at him, and in no time the Gisbornite was down for a count of eight. He landed a nice left on arising, but Collins forced him into the corner where he administered the coup de grace to end the shortest bout of the tournament, lasting about one minute. WELTERWEIGHTS. (Semi-finals.) L. Huzziff (Taranaki) 10.5 defeated W. Purdy (Hamilton) 9.13, showing wonderful stamina and fighting spirit. Purdy had all the better of 1 the first round, boxing cleverly. Huzziff persistently came in, without landing more than an odd left, Purdy blocking all his rights, and sending home lefts to the head and rights, to the body. In the second round, Huzziff tried unavailingly to send his left to the head, and with a right hook to the chin, after several good lefts, Purdy put him down for eight. Recovering remarkably, Huzziff now went for his opponent, who was tiring, with left and right jabs to the face, landing cleverly, while a couple of right swings took the sting out of Purdy’s blows. In the third round, the Taranaki boy shook his opponent with a series of left jabs and rights to the chin, but Purdy mixed it freely, and the pair then tired. Huzziff. however, lasted decidedly the better, showing great toughness. The finish was devoid of defence, blow for blow being exchanged to the face, but Huzziff was punching the cleaner and oftener, and he gained a very popular verdict.

D. Heeney (Gisborne) 10.11- defeated R. Baker (Otago) 10.31, in a bout where his punching power and aggression never left the issue in doubt. He scored from the outset by hooks and swings with either hand, Baker, who was the taller, keeping clear, and looking for a chance to land a right. Heeney kept up the attack till the gong, which found Baker defending fairly well. He swung his right hand, but Heeney evaded him. Heeney tried for a finishingblow several times in the second, landing hard rights to the eye, but Baker proved game, though not so sturdy as Heeney, nor as experienced. He defended better in the last round, when Heeney slowed up, missing with several rights, though he placed several very accurately towards the end, and the decision of the judges in his favour was a popular one

(Final.) Heeney and Huzziff provided a thrilling conclusion to the tourney in the final, the first round of which proved almost as much a contrast to the last as to the semi-final which Huzziff won. Heeney set up a vigorous attack, pummelling the open chin of his opponent with both gloves, and before a minute Huzziff was down for a count of seven. Showing again his power of recuperation, Huzziff went to Heeney and staged an even exchange. Heeney then made another bid for a K. 0., sending the other to the floor for another count, but he once more arose, and boxed on, plying short lefts and rights, several of which were solid. Heeney, however, did the more scoring, sending both hands to the head, though not so hard as in the earlier stages. In the third, Huzziff, cheered by the crowd, took the fight to his opponent, who was tiring, or, at any rate, content with exchanging punch for punch. Both landed clean hits, but their defence was not so good. Heeney decidedly won the bout, but the gameness and staying power of Huzziff was loudly applauded.

MIDDLE-WEIGHT. (Final). A. Sutherland (Southland), 11.1, defeated F. Mclvor (Wellington), 11.21, in a contest .characterised by hard hitting, but also by a great deal of feinting which robbed the bout of excitement. Both missed with right swings at the start, Sutherland then planting blows accurately on the jaw with either glove. Mclvor responded with a hard right to the same quarter. Both repeated these blows, and then Mclvor beat the other to the finish, but if anything the round slightly favoured the Southlander. In the second, Mclvor landed a good right on the cheek, Sutherland then doing the same, and Mclvor then scored with a left. Both were, however, cautious, and some barrack resulted. Mclvor then attacked, Sutherland replying with a solid right to the jaw. It was a pretty even round. Sutherland prevailed in the last round, after an early exchange of blows that was even. Mclvor stood his ground, but the Southlander was hitting the harder and cleaner. Both landed rights, and there was then some hard hitting, Sutherland scoring the oftener, right hooks being the chief blows of both, Sutherland, however, making also better use of his left than Mclvor. The decision was for Sutherland.

LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT. (Final). T. Lister (Ashburton), 12.1, defeated C. Marsh (Greymouth), 12.04, on points in a convincing manner, though the bout was not spectacular. Marsh early attacked, but neither connected at first, though Marsh then got home a right hook and a left. Lister took the aggressive in the latter part of

the round, Marsh relying on a defen- ( sive attitude, and a nowise interesting round ended rather in favour of Lister. Lister was again aggressive in tne second, punching cleanly, while Marsh appeared at a loss as to how to go for his opponent, who landed several solid rights on the cheek, and won the round. Marsh again tried to take the initiative in the third, but Lister shook him with a hard right to the jaw. Marsh timed his blows badly, and Lister had much the better of’ the close fighting, which was the feature of the round. He was the cooler boxer, sending both gloves hard to the face, and clearly won the award in his favour.

HEAVYWEIGHT. (Final). R. Withell (Rakaia), 12.10, defeated W. Lister (Ashburton), 12.2, on points, after a fairly even bout, by hard-hitting two-handed fighters. Withell was the attacker for most of the distance, but it was not a spectacular bout. Both landed good blows at close quarters, Withell’s being the cleaner, and he scored best at longer range, being the better judge of distance. He adapted his tactics well to his opponent, a rugged fighter, who improved over the latter stages. There was a good rally in the second round, but Withell had an advantage. Lister had the better of close fighting in the third. Withell still was aggressive, but his earlier advantage was needed to give him the verdict, which he fairly earned, but by no great margin.

The Banquet PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES. The annual banquet held at Herb Moore’s at the completion of Saturday evening’s bouts, was attended by over 200 visiting delegates, boxers and officials. Mr. Arthur Beban, President of the Greymouth Boxing Association, presided, and a lengthy toast list was preceded by the loyal toast. Proposing the New Zealand Boxing Association, Mr. C. J. Sceats (Oamaru), paid a tribute to the work ol those who governed the sport in the Dominion. They were doing valuable voluntary work in the interests of sport, and it was up to the boys interested in the game to improve their own physique and thus be the means of enticing others to take up boxing. At. present New Zealand had too few amateurs, but if every competitor present got a friend to do sparring with him, and thus to get him interested in boxing, he felt that most of these would eventually become keen boxers. Replying on behalf of the New Zealand Association, Mr. E. A. (“Dad”) Dawson, made a stirring appeal to the boys to play the game. To see men and boys banded together without the hope of mercenary gain, but purely for the love of the sport, was the happiest experience in his life. He had been connected with most sports, but] at 77 years of age he still had hopes of being at Gisborne next year. (Applause). The work of the Council might not be fully realised, but he could assure those present that the members had no axe to grind and were at all times doing their best for the sport. “Before I see the last round,” said Mr. Dawson, “I can say that having seen men in the full vigour and vim of life, seen them with their arms round each other after

they have made the other’s nose bleed, I can say that I have belonged to the best sport in the Dominion. The money spent by all to come here to Greymouth to accept the unbounded hospitality of the finest and most open hearted people in New Zealand, puts great vigour into my heart, and I am sure into the hearts of every other visitor.” (Applause). He added that he could say with the Council’s full approval, that the best boxers in New Zealand would be sent to Sydney next year to the Empire Games, fully equipped in every respect. The Government was fully in sympathy with their work and from the schools they could turn out the finest sports in the world. Mr. Dawson concluded with a tribute to the work of the Dominion Secretary and the local officials. The toast, "The Greymouth Boxing Association,” was proposed by Mr. D. B. Ryan (Wellington), who said that all of the visitors owed a debt of gratitude to Mr. Beban and his many assistants who had so worthily upheld the traditions of the West Coast. He extended the sincerest thanks of the visitors and said that the pleasure of their visit to Greymouth would never be forgotten. Thanks for the assistance of their officials, an 1 a high tribute, to the conduct of the visiting boxers, was paid by Mr. J. E. A. McKeefry, who replied. Mr. Beban was known throughout New Zealand sporting circles, said Mr. G. P. Aldridge (Dominion Secretary), in proposing the health of the retiring National President, and the more people knew him the more they came to like him. He had a way all of his own of conducting a meeting,

but he got there. (Loud laughter). There could be no doubt that Mr. Beban studied the interests of every boxer and visitor and he had proved to be a thoroughly efficient President of the championships. He could truthfully say "Artie, with all your faults, we love you.” (Applause). Mr. Beban expressed his high appreciation of the assistance given him during the contests by the local and visiting officials. Mr. J. Garcia (Taranaki), proposed “Referees and Judges,” saying it was gratifying to have men who would come in front of the public to give their decisions which, in many cases, were not popular ones. Mr. Earle Stewart (Wellington), in reply, said that the standard of boxing this year had been fairly high and credit was due to the trainers and associations. There was, however, a preponderance of holding tactics in the classes above welter weight, a fault that should be eradicated before the boys left their training quarters. “I would hate to see that our splendid sport would seek to use arm holds for the sake of self preservation,” said Mr. Stewart, “and I hope trainers will see that such tactics are eliminated for the game’s sake.” The gratitude of the people of Greymouth to all the visitors for their presence, was expressed by the Mayor (Mr. Meldrum), in proposing the health of the managers, trainers and competitors. Mr. Meldrum said that boxing required all the best qualities that went to make a healthy, strong and useful citizen; it built up character and made youth appreciate the necessity of defending his country in time of need. He wished the Empire Games competitors every success in Sydney next year. Messrs G. Bush (Auckland), F. Piercy, M. Allison (Wairarapa), and N. Fisher (Christchurch), responded.

Messrs E. Wimselt (Manawatu) and J. Heeney (Gisborne), spoke regarding next year’s contests at Gisborne, and a telegram from Mr. "Sonnie” Parker, the new President, was read. He extended a cordial invitation to all to be present at the Gisborne championships. The chairman expressed appreciation of the assistance of the local press and then presented awards as follows: Jamieson Belt (most scientific boxer): Hugh Sheridan (Auckland). Sheridan also received a handsome silver cup which he will retain. Parisian Cup (light weight championship): J. Collins (Manawatu). Ted Morgan Cup (Welterweight Championship): D. Heeney (Gisborne). Gold medals were presented to the following new champions, the run-ners-up in each case receiving silver medals: Flyweight: H. Sheridan; run-ner-up, H. Foote (Wellington). Featherweight: K. Moran (Auckland); run-ner-up, B. McKay (Hamilton). .Middleweight: A. Sutherland (Southland); runner-up, K. Mclvor (Wellington). Lightweight: J. Collins (Manawatu); runner-up, ■R. Davey (Gisborne). Bantamweight: J. Parker (Wellington); runner-up, M. Parr (Dunedin). Welterweight: D. Heeney (Gisborne); runner-up, L. Huzziff (Taranaki). Light Heavyweight: T. Lister (Ashburton); ruunner-up. C. Marsh (Greymouth). Heavyweight: R. Withell (Ashburton); runner-up, W. Lister (Rakaia).

During the evening, items were given by Messrs C. Blumsky, J. Gilbert and P. Blanchfield (songs), and J. E. A. McKeefry and J. Beban (humorous numbers), Mr. I. Steel presiding at the piano. Veteran West Coast Mentor:

One of the interesting personalities at the tournament has been Mr Jack Chase, who is in charge of the Manawatu team, and who left Greymouth thirty-nine years ago for the North Island. Jack will be remembered by followers of the sport here in those days as a boxer, distance runner, and footballer, and was in his day about the best glove artist here. He had many bouts with Harry Harvey (Hokitika), George Musson, Charlie Richardson, and other notables in the game, while he used to play football with the Fire Brigade team. Chase is as keen on boxing to-day as he was forty years ago, and can tell some good stories of bouts in those days. He is associated with J. O. Collins, winner of the lightweight title at the New Zealand championships, as trainer; also Les McLaughlin, Manawatu flyweight and bantamweight champion who put up a great light with H. Foote in the flyweight division and was unlucky to lose. Jack thinks well of Page, the Marlborough middleweight. A Wairarapa Enthusiast:

The Masterton contestants at the tourney, Cadwallader and Nix, were accompanied by ring veteran Alby Allison, who 17 years ago boxed Eddie Parker here. In wartime, Allison, who is a Queenslander, boxed 20 rounds in England with Seamrj* Hayes. He still looks well, and may go to Australia with the New Zealand boxers for the next championships. A couple of years ago Allison had a team of 12 in training, who turned out two New Zealand champions and one Australasian champion. Allison's boys also won four out of five champions they contested in Manawatu, and seven out of eight in Wairarapa. He has done a lot for the

game in Wellington provincial towns, taking teams to various tourneys, and keeping up interest in boxing. May Look Back: Johnny Summers likes the West Coast, and during his brief stay has given local schoolboys a few lessons in the noble art. It might be possible to tempt Johnny to put in a longeistay here with a numerous class formed, particularly juveniles, and no better teacher could be found anywhere. A Good Trainer: Mr J. F. Morris, the Otago boxing team’s trainer, who leaves this morning for Dunedin, was New Zealand featherweight champion some thirty years ago, when he attracted the noted Bob Fitzsimmons by his hard-hit-ting powers. As an all-round trainer, Mr Morris has, at schools at Milton and elsewhere, brought forward some promising talent. Recently he was appointed trainer for the Dominion team to next year’s Empire Games at Sydney, the appointment being popular throughout New Zealand. REEFTON ASSN. On Thursday in the School Hall a meeting of the Boxing Association was held, when there were present: Rev. Father Heavey (chair), Messrs F. Crompton, J. Lamplough, F. Wright, L. McKane, T. Dellaca, 'B. Winchester, F. Hayes, and the secretary, J. Crossman. The chairman reported on arrangements made with the headmaster of R.D.H.S. for use of the School Hall for the training of boys, and Mr Lamplough regarding the coaching of the boys. Mr Lamplough reported that he had had 25 boys present at the last class. It was moved by Mr McKane, seconded by Mr T. Dellaca, that a general meeting be held on Tuesday, at 8 p.m., in the School Hall for the purpose of altering the name of the Association to read as “Reefton Boxing and Wrestling Association.” This was carried, many speakers for the wrestlers and boxing speaking in favour of the change. The meeting then adjourned.