BOXING

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1927, Page 4

BOXING

HEAVY-WEIGHT TITLE

HEENEY IX' AMERICA

SAX FRANCISCO. Xov. 2.

Not since the palmy days of Ruby Boh litzsimmons has so much interest- (been manifested in the doings of another Antipodean disciple of Fistiana in tho United States as in the peregrinations over tho American republic of Toni Heeney, the .New Zealand heavy-weight boxer, who has gained <a widespread reputation as one of the finest examples of heavies in the squared ring of prize-fighting. Gene Tunney especially admires the deft manner in which Heeney handles himself while in the ring, and the world’s title-holder, while expecting one of his opponents to be William Harrison Dempsey for a third time for aspirant honours, after two conspicuous failures, has let it be known in New York that the New Zealand exponent of boxing in the heavy-weight division is his most formidable opponent for the heavy-weight crown. A dispatch from New York Says Tunney thinks his chief opponent will ha Tom Heeney, “who is considered by Gene tho host of- the erop

of heavies who are about to take part in Tex Rickard's elimination tournaments.”

Tire heavy-weight champion will insist that the lights will be over the 15-round route and lielieves he would have ended all arguments by knocking out Jack Dempsey at Chicago in September if the battle at Soldiers’ Field had not been limited to ten rounds.

Gene told of his wishes, beliefs, and prejudices and said: ‘T would like to defend the championship on July 4th and then again in September. T expect Dempsey to be one of the two men I meet. Jack is too smart for the rest of the field.”

Tt transpired that the present heavy-weight champion considers Dempsey “tricky but very smart TRIBUTE TO TUNG CRAFT. Afore than Jack's punching ability, more than upon his courage, which Gone freely acknowledges, I unnoy in speaking of his predecessor laid stress upon Dempsey's ring craft. This is interesting in view of the fact that there bad been a rather widespread opinion that the title-hold-er under-rated his erstwhile opponent’s mentality. In addition to Dempsey Gene expects to meet the survivor of the elimination tournament.

“T think ITeeney is the best of the present lot,” Tunney said. Heretofore. Gene has been extremely reticent to express such an opinion, for fear of hurting the feelings id other heavy-weights and especially those 01 their sensitive managers. Apparent ly. however, Tunney went on to discuss the aspirants for his title.

“There’s .Jack Sharkey, ol course, ho said, “hut 1 think Dempsey always will he cjble to defeat Sharkey, l’aolino and Phi! Scott are rugged and strong, hut niv guess will he 1 looney.”

Gene said lie had signed no contract with Tex Rickard concerning the defence of his championship, and that lie would not sign until assured that the limit will he over the 15-round route.

“Every championship affair should be of that distance,” said Tunney. “Tf my last limit with Dempsey had been at 15 rounds, 1 think I could have stopped him.” The champion said that even it George Godfrey, the negro heavyweight, who stopped Jimmy .Maloney anil .Monte Munn in short order, were to win his way through an elimination tournament, there would be no chance i.t a Tunnoy-GodlT'ey bout. have drawn the colour line. 1 have never met a negro boxer and never will,” the champion exclaimed.