BOXING EXCITEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1926, Page 4

BOXING EXCITEMENT

IN UPROAR, GREYMOUTH, .May IC. There was some wild excitement last evening at the Town Hall, which was crowded for the professional boxing contest between Salvino Jamito and Jimmy Ryan for a purse of £2OO. A bard, gruelling bout between two local amateurs had warmed the spectators for the star attraction, which was truthfully billed as “The most sensational light yet offered to West Coast fans.” The first two rounds passed off without any outstanding incident, but during the third round the Filipino fell momentarily to the floor in one corner and rose with iiis hands pressed to ids body below tlie belt. The referee, Mr A. Behan, instantly awarded the decision to Jamito on a foul. Then followed a scene as if Bedlam had been let loose. Hoots, hisses, and catcalls rent the air, while above the dim, epithets of “fake,” “schlinter,” 'and similar terms were burled from hundreds of lusty throats. The referee attempted to address the crowd, but his voice was akin to one in the wilderness. Amidst the uproar, after partial order was restored Mr Bebau stated ‘.hat unless his eyesight bad played him a trick, Ryan bad hit his opponent low twice previously, but be bad given him. the benefit of the doubt. On the third t.-<casion, however, there was no mistake about the foul. As president of flic Boxing Association he wished to see the public get a fight for its money, and Jamito would be examined l>v one of the medical men at the ringside. If it were proved that Jamito had not sustained a foul blow, he would have no objection to the fight, proceeding Then followed further hisses and uproar, while both trainers and Ryan kept signalling for silence so that their side of the question might he heard. In the meantime, Jamito, who had assumed la is nether garments, entered the ring, and leaning over the ropes, appealed for a hearing, hut liis voice was drowned in the uproar, 'and with a gesture significant, of his disapproval of the stormy proceedings, lie made his exit. The situation had now become tense, but the noise subsided sufficiently to permit Jamito’s trainer to announce Unit although Jamito claimed the winning end of the purse, ho was agreeable to allow the fight to proceed. Ryan’s trainer added tint Ryan would fight for a decision, win or lose. The referee, amid further interruptions, stated that I>r Moore had announced that, it would he impossible to give an opinion as to whether Jnmito had been fouled or suffered internal injury until the following morning, and the light would proceed. Then followed the most willing go yet staged in Greymouth. The crowd were mainly sympathetic with the Australian, who made good use of a left to the darkskinned man’s face, while the latter went mainly for the body with both hands, and made use of a round swinging right, which repeatedly missed badly, hut had a telling effect when it limled. The honours wore obviously in Jamito’s favour throughout the fight. In the twelfth round Ryan got, severe hard lefts on to Jamito’s jaw. causing the latter to become groggy, but ho failed to follow up his advantage. The final three rounds kept the spectators in a state of excitement, but. Hie sporting instincts of the crowd prevailed when the referee placed his hand on Jamito’s shoulder at the end of a memorable fight and his decision was loudly cheered.