BOXING NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 July 1922, Page 4

BOXING NEWS.

O’NEILL BEATS PRESTON

GREYMOUTTI. July 31 Grevinuutli Boxing ■ Association Hero favoured witli a good attendance of pa11ons for Saturday night's contests, though the crowd was not quite so largo as at some previous professional hunts. The two opening hunts by amateurs 'each of four 2-minute rounds'i were interesting. Hales (who won) and Dignan providing a lively mill, trying to knock each other out of sight and it must he said this is popular. Hales is liked by fans because he slogs whenever there’s a chance, while Dignan seems bent on finding out if he packs a k.o. punch. The second amateur contest saw better science. Maslov and Mettrick being smart hoys, both with arms and feet. The former (who won) showed a nice idea of time and distance, while Mettrick disclosed a very solid wallop. The star item, the bout between O’Neill and Preston, was not exciting for the most part, but a contrast in styles that was well worth seeing. O’Neill forced the pace all tin- way, while Preston’s plan must have been that of the waiting game. Tie proved the finer boxer, all his hits being spectacular, but lie should have been more aggressive. O’Neill made the last round a torrid one ("showing his form is good indeed) hut his judgment is nof so nice as Preston’s. The visitor tapped O’Neill often, trying to get him to leave himself open, for a right across after the other’s left was projected, hut O’Neill came in bodily every time, and largely foiled his adversary, who, however, landed many pretty rights on tire jaw. Evidently Preston’s punches are not as heavy as they might he, as otherwise O’Neill must have shown some signs of them. Allowing for Preston being the cleverer boxer, O’Neill kept him mostly on the defensive, so that the tactics of the latter were wise. Whenever O’Neill got in a couple of unimpeded punches, Preston showed their effect, for lie moved to clinch very often indeed. There was very little between the pair at the end, and a draw would have seemed a likely decision. Doubtless O’Neill’s constant attack and final rally decided the bout in the referee’s mind.

AUSTRALIAN AND N. 7.. CABLE ASSOCIATION. KRAMER BEATS BLACKBURN. SYDNEY, July JO At the Stadium, after nine gruelling rounds, between Frank Kramer ("America), and Vince Blackburn, the former secured the verdict. Kramer showed to better advantage throughout, the Australian displaying signs of severe punishment. SPARC.O LOSES. MELBOURNE, July 30. McCarthy boat Spargo, on a foul, in the first round. SOUTH ISLAND AMATEUR TEAM. TTMARU, July 30. The following have been chosen by the Selection Committee- to represent the South Island in the New Zealand boxing championships at Auckland on August 7th :—Fly weight: T. Griffiths (Dunedin); Bantam: A. Worthington (Timaru) ; Feather: W. Drew (Oamaru) ; Light: L. McDonald (Dunedin); Welter: .T. Stewart (Timaru); Middle: L. O’Neill (Oreymouth) ; Light-heavy: E. Parker (Christchurch); Heavy: A. McCormack (Ashburton).