BOXING.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1928, Page 1

BOXING.

THE: BIG EIGHT. DEMPSEY’S OPINION. Australian Press Assn.—United Service NEW YORK, July 22. A report from Fail-haven states that Jack Dempsey is enthusiastic over Tom Heen'ey. He declared: “It will take a super man to beat him. He is Strong and rugged, and apparently he possesses a lot of stamina, and, for these reasons he has better than an even chance of winning.” Heeney gave the best exhibition of bis training period to-day in a furious lour rounds with his sparring partner; Briuklock.

A message from Speculator states that Gene Tunney insists that he will fly to New York by land ’plane, despite the vigorous protests of Tex Rickard, who is exhausting every mefuis of dissuading the champion from risking his life. Rickard argues that there is no adequate place for a take-off at Speculator.

WIN FOR CASEY. WELLINGTON, July 23. Harry Casey, the middle-weight champion of New Zealand, beat Jack Carroll, the welter-fveiglit champion of Australia, on points in a fifteen-round bout. The decision mejt with a very hostile reception from a big section of the audience. The championship was not at stake.

fight chat. GISBORNE, July 24. In a further letter to Sise, the American radio amateur which was transmitted to O'Meara last night, Uncle Heeney says Toni has reduced his weight from 222 pounds to 203. He expects to get to 2001bs for the light. On Saturday Tom sparred six rounds each With three specially selected partners, one a good mixer, another tv straightout boxer and a third a mixture of both, who beat Battling Levinsky the previous week. Tom has six sparring partners one coming and another going daily. With only four days before the fight everyone is getting intensely excited except Tom, to whom tlio contest is merely another fight. He is very popular with everyone and creates a fine impression on many visitors every day. He is anxious to make the trip home but is not in a position to consider the matter until after the fight. Everyone here says Tom can win, writes Jack, but a majority of the newspapers favour Tunney.

The odds are three to one on tlie champion, hut it is lull'd to got money on at two' to one. He. is continually meeting New Zealanders who call at the camp and make themselves known to convey best wishes.