BOXER STRIKES REFEREE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 91, 4 May 1937, Page 7

BOXER STRIKES REFEREE

-Presa Association.)

Professional Bout Ends Sensationally

(By Telegraph-

AUCKLAND, Last Night. The disqualification of a boxer fol striking jffie xeferee formed jan unusual feature of the pijogramme axranged by Ihe Auckland Boxing Association at the ECown Hall. The offender was Jack Rainsford, of Australia, who was opposed to Dennis Lindesay, of Auckland, in a professional heavyweight contest. Illegalities, the chief of which was holding with the left arm round his ppponent's neck and hitting with his right, brought frequent wamiaas to ,the Australian. In spite of the lenieney jextended to" him in this respect by Mr. N. MeLean, who refereed the bout, Rainsford persisted wiht these tactics iround after round. The result was that ihe eontrolling official had frequently ito force his way between the contestants in order to effect.a hreak. In the ninth round Mr. McLean fiiter•vened and in pushing Rainsford away when the latter was slow in responding to the demand the official's right hanci slid oflc the Australian 's lffiit glove and landed lightly against the side of one sf the boxer 's cheeks. Rainsford immediately climbed through the ropes and gesticulated in a protesting manner with his . seconds against the action of the referee. He : Was urged to return to the ring and did so before being counted out. During the interval he argued with his seconds and it was with obvious reluctance that he continued when the gong sounded for the final xound. This had not long been in progress befoxe Mr. McLean ordered a further break and stepped between the two men. He was hit on the back of the head by Rainsford who was promptly disqualified. The second portion of the programme consisted of a professional welterweight bout between Billy Martin and Bill Pluto, both of Australia. Martin gained the decision points, thus reversing the verdict given against him a fortnight earlier in Auckland.