TO-MORROW'S BIG FIGHT

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 153, 16 July 1937, Page 7

TO-MORROW'S BIG FIGHT

Martin — McMahon Bout' Arouses Much Interest assn:s genSous offer Not unmindful of the support that has been afforded the asisociation in the past and also of the recent .disappointment caueed a' number of " enthusiasts through the noU-'attendance of tho principal, the Hatvke's Bay Boxing Association has defiaitely decided that fhe tickots issued recently for- the Aitken-Paricer fight will hold good for the big fight to-morrow night between Billy . Martin, .of Australia,- and Jack MeMahon, of Palmerston North, Holders of those tickets are entitled to exnetly the same privijeges as fny intending patron of to-morrow night 's fight and may xeserve seats at Donpvan ;e tobacconist fialoon. ' Not for some yearS has a fight _ in Hastings attracted so: much attention as the return encounter between Martin and McMahon. This i® not surprising for both men are recognised to be in the first flight among the weiterweights in New Zealand and • Australia. As indications of - their merita all that needs to be mentioned ia that Martin has a draw to his credit against Carroll^ the Australiap welter champion, who also figures in the world ranking list; while McMahon has the distincfioa of being the only New Zealander to fiavo scored wins over the two Plutos — an achieveme'nt that is a remarkable oue. But quite apart.' from this ' aspect Martin and McMahon unquestionably make a good pair of crowd-pleasers in the ring. That is one of the most important factors in' so far as the crowd' is concerned. They are gobd dvawihgcards, and provide a great contest for their styles are vastly different, but blend to a nicety and there' is never a dull moment. McMahon is of the tearin, nonjstop-fighter- variety with a wonderful capacity , for absorbing punishment. On' the other hand Martiii is a very strong defensive boxer who ean mix it with the best when he finds the going that way. Commenting upon their recent muchdisputed contest at Gisborne a Timea writer has tho following to say: — "McMahon made many friends by his relentless, wade-in tactics and his ability to absorb punishment. He showed a very clever smother, using his arms and elbows to good effect. He also did good body puncbing in the cl-inches. Martin shovved ability to punch well, notably with his left, somo of his rips to MciVIahon.'s body antl head causing th» New Zealand boy's supporters some anxious moments.. Martin is a clean -attractive typc of.boxcr. who will aiways bo popular with local fans." , In addition thorC will be a special six-rounder between Jack Davis and Arthur Kitt, as one of the principal bouts in the prelirainary programme, which is also to include three specially selected amateur bouts. In this xcgard efforta are being made (o match a Manawatu boy wfth Joe Mclvor, so that the early. portion of the programme, which will comjncnce at 8.30 o'clock, will be an outstanding ono in every respect.