BOXING.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1928, Page 1

BOXING.

TUNNEY ’S RETIRE.MENT. lelegraph—Per Press Association.) GISBORNE, July 30. The • following message was received by wireless from America: ••'lex Rickard is inclined to believe the report of Tunhey’s retirement. He says: ‘Dempsey may be forced back. Tunney feels that with two million dollars lie has earned enough for the lile ho wants. He has a keen distaste for boxing.’ “Regarding the losses on the fight Rickard partly blames Tunney. The promoter says that 'lie yielded to the champion on the date for the fight.

Ho also claims that radio ruined tlie show.”. tunney retires. GISBORNE, July Si. A wireless message states that Geim Tunney’s career as a boxer is definitely at an end. A statement to this effect has been made by his manager, B'lly Gibson. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m).

NEW YORK, July 31. Tunney announced liis retirement • from the ring in a statement to-day. ■He said: “ I’ve'fought my last bout as a professional boxer.” NEW YORK, July 31. . Tunney made his statement at a iluncheon lro gave to Tex Rickard and , William Muldoon (Chairman of the New York State Boxing Commission). The champion expressed gratitude for all that boxing had done for him, and said :—I have fought my last bout as a .professional boxer,” explaining: “There is no contender at present in sight capable of attracting real public interest. If there were, I might delay 1 my retirement long enough to face him in the ring, hut it looks as if it might ho two or three years before a dangerous opponent develops. That is too long to stand and wait.” Tunney paid a high tribute to Rick- ' aril and then concluded:—“The time has come when professional boxing can offpr me nothing further that 1 desire.

T am putting it behind, grateful for the benefits conferred, but with a feeling that I am still young enough to make a new «tnrt in other fields.”