BOXING.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1928, Page 2

BOXING.

THE BIC FIGHT. Australian Press Assn.—United Service ALL U.S.A. INTERESTED. NEW: YORK, July 25. The country is manifesting a keen interest in the fight between Gene Tunney and Tom Ileeney on Thursday. It is of international significance. There are more than 700 press correspondents expected at the ringside. 'Tex Rickard has reported very heavy advance sales since the tickets were offered. The current total is 050,000 dollars.

The task of converting the Yankee Baseball Stadium for the fight is completed, with accommodation for eightyfive thousand people. The railroads announce excursions, and main’ special trains have been chartered. The hotels declared that their reservations indicate heavy business, while the theatres have scheduled special programmes in an effort to attract a flood of money that is commencing to pour in.

The odds are still slightly in favour of Tunney, but the betting probably will be even before the fight. Heenev will make the trip to New York in a yacht that has been placed at liis disposal.

PREMIER’S CABLEGRAM. WELLINGTON, July 25,

The following cablegram has been sent by the Prime Minister to Tom Heenev at New York: “New Zealand sends you our best wishes, and we hope 3 t ou will return home with the world’s boxing crown. Win or lose, we know you will uphold the traditions of true sportsmanship. Kia Oral’’

HEENEY CONFIDENT. I NEW YORK, July 24. Fa.irhaven reports state that Tom Ileeney, on finishing his training today, said that he had never been so confident of winning.

HEENEY’S INTENTIONS."

(Received this day at 8 a.m.) NEW YORK, July 24

Heeney rested to-day after a light work-out and remains secluded till the weighing-in on Thursday afternoon, when he expects to tip the scale at 19S lbs and enter the ring at 202. He told tlio press to-day—“ I was never so confident, of winning any fight as of my championship shot against Tunney. if I am beaten I will have no complaint or alibi. I will make my plans as the fight progresses. I will move along in my natural style, but if I find it is doing me no good I will change. I understand he is going to try and knock me out. If he is still there at the twelfth round I will shoot works for the rest of the distance and try to stiffen him.” TUNNEY’S GOOD FORM:

' ■ Tunney awaits the opening bell in his best physical condition. According to his trainer and critics he is fit for the greatest battle of his career. The champion finished training before 500 people, with a light eight-round workout. He dealt his sparring partner several businesslike rights to the chin, but was careful to take no unnecessary chances of hurting his hand or with any wild swings of his opponent.

THE PROMOTER’S VIEWPOINT

Tex Rickard says if the gate is a million dollars, his margin above production costs and taxes will be a little more than £20,000. Federal and State taxes equal a quarter of a million dollars on a million dollar gate. Then there is tlie £105,000 guarantee to Tunney and £20,000 for Heeney. Tlie remainder is for printing, publicity, and similar expenses.

NEWS of THE FIGHT,

SPECIAL RUSH MESSAGE

WELLINGTON, July 20

Tlie Pacific Cable has made arrangements for a special rush message, giving the result of the prize fight. This is in addition to the ordinary cable channels and wireless possibilities. By whatever method received, the first result will bo despatched as an extraordinary from Wellington.