BOXING Mullett May go to South Africa

Grey River Argus, 15 April 1948, Page 6

BOXING Mullett May go to South Africa

WELLINGTON', April 14. The Natal Sporting Club (Durban) has cabled Don Mullett, New Zealand heavyweight boxing champion, “Understand you are interested in fighting in South Africa. We wish first option on your services. Cable urgent reply, stating terms.” The cable was passed on to Mullett’s father who said that Mullett was expected to arrive at Wellington from Palmerston North this afternoon. Though Mullett was beaten on points by Dave Sands, the Australian triple champion at Petone on Saturday night he proved much harder to beat than either Sands or the latter’s manager, Tom Maguire, anticipated. This was confirmed by Maguire, who said that Sands really had to work hard to win, and added that there was only one thing left for Mullett to do and that was to go to South Africa. There is nothing for Mullett in New Zealand nor Australia where Sands had beaten all available heavyweights. Despite defeats which Mullett suffered with Jack Johnston, Maguire does not think that there is a heavyweight in Australia who could stand up to Mullett in the latter’s present form. If Mullett decides to go to South Africa he will probably discuss with Maguire the terms he should ask. Maguire said to-day that the Australian heavyweight, Alf Gallagher, who is at present in South Africa went with his transportation paid, a guarantee for his first fight with the option of accepting a percentage, and the option of further fights.