Wells Knocked Out By Goddard

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1922, Page 4

Wells Knocked Out By Goddard

A THRILLING FIGIIT. (By T. C. Wignall). LONDON May 20. Bombardier Billy ,\\ ells, for hmg years the idol of the British ring, passed out of the boxing business at the Crystal Palace on Saturday night when he was knocked out by Frank Goddard after six of the most terrific ropnds ever witnessed in this or any other country. His exit was not- without magnificence. Lt was, as is so often the ease, crowded with tragedy, but the demonstration that accompanied ells into obscurity was plain proof that the spectators were not so much affected by bis defeat as by what can only be described as flic splendour of his pasi sing. Never did I see anything that so 'closely resembled fiction. This fight, | ami particularly its end was like »o----1 tiling so much as a happening torn out of the mind of a highly imaginative novelist.

Tile final moments would have started the blood leaping in the veins of a mummy. Wells,, half-blind, crimson featured, drawn, twitching, and so near to complete exhaustion that it was only his pluck that kept him on his feet, had tottered out of his corner to make one last essay against the inevitable. For three rounds he had fought as he had never fought before during bis long career-—tigcrislily, savagely even wonderfully. There was blood streaming down from two gashes beneath his eyes It flowed into his nostrils, tricked into his mouth, dripped down to his chest.

As a fight it was easily the best seen in England for many years. The fourth round deserves to live in history. It was packed with thrills that from beginning to end the place was in tumult. It showed Wells in a new light; as a fighter pure ami simple and ns a man who can be induced to forget the friendly heart with which lie was born. Jle ii;,d completed the third round spread-eagled on the Hour. A tremendous sequence of punches had so sapped his stamina that when lie collapsed many people reached for their hats. The contest looked to he all over. The hell rang, however, as the referee said eight. Wells, for the moment was saved.

lie started the fourth round with furious energy. He crowded Godd into a corner and rained blows on him in pitiless fashion. There was no hesitancy now, no standing away, no regard for the feelings of the other man. Here was a Wells we had never se-oi 1>- fore. He fought with violence with bitterness but it mc-sl be confessed without much method. Midway in the round he was practically out standing up. So, for that matter was (inddard. One welldelivered punch would have settled ed her of t hem. In the fifth round Wells worked a feint that nearly brought success. Goddard was rocked to his heels, hut his phenomenal strength quickly rune to his aid. Just before the round closed he Jiove Wells before him and finally put his down lor a count of nine. That to all intents and purposes was the end. Weil; came up for the sixth round, but lie only lasted a minute. It was: rathe!

a. pitv, in a way. that the rclereo did nut intervene at. the close of tee fifth. It would be absurd to say that Weils was at bis best. As a plain matter of fact his tactics were terribly had. He should have beaten Goddard in the second round, when he had him stumbling after countless lefts bad been slammed into his face. Why Wells fought a left-handed battle during tile first two rounds is a complete mystery. He was given openings in abundance but only on one occasion did. be attempt to use his right. Tt may he that it was injured, lint the fact remains that tor all the use lie made of it be might juts as well hive been without it. Wells for years lias been advised fo rely on bis left. Oil this occasion he overdid it. He lost the fight by trying to defeat a stronger and younger opponent with one haul. Another bad error was in confining his attention to Goddad’s body. It was a fatal blunder. Geddird was in magnificent condition. and the body punishment did not seem to cause him much inconvenience. Every time he was hit on the head, however, lie gave evidence that ho was hurt.

II Wells had employed Ids right and gone for the point fo the jaw, the result might have been different. But lie didn’t. It was very typical of him. He is indeed a postmaster of the unexpected. Yet lie is due for Loth thanks and praise if only for Ids courage in the four! Ii round, for the tenacity "hich kept him going when the outlook was hopeless.

And what of Goddard now? Is ho fit for Carpeutier, or Beckett, or (this may raise a smile) Dempsey? I do nut think so. He slogged the elderly Bonihardier into insensibility, but the poriorinaneo was not a particularly impressive one. I believe bo is to be matched against Soldier Jones at the Crystal Palace. He can hit hard, ho can take punishment., he call train himself into magnificent condition, but the old defects remain. Tn any ease, prophecies as to his fullire may well he reserved until after his contest with the Canadian.