PROFESSIONAL BOXING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5259, 2 April 1928, Page 2

PROFESSIONAL BOXING.

THE HEAVY-WIGHT TITLE.

HEENEY TO MEET TUNNEY. NEW YORK, March 31

It was announced to-day by the boxing promoter, Mr Tex Rickard, at Miami Beach, Florida, that the New Zealand boxer, Tom Heeney, will meet Gene Tunney in Juiy for the; world’s heavy-weight championship. The match will probably be ip London. Heeney’s rapid rise to fame, which has led to the championship match, is considered to be one of the most unusual in the history of the ring. Less than a year ago he seriously contemplated ireturning home, never thinking he had a chance against American boxers. But after his first bout on the Pacific Coast the quickly achieved an, important standing, and now, after only nine contents in America, he is within .reach of premier honours. His record included 33 contests. in which he won 16 decisions, 10 knock-outs, 4 drawn bouts, and 3 losses.

Tlie New Zealander was penniless twelve months ago, but now’ he is reported to have accumulated £25,000. He is expected! to realise at least £60,000 more from his bout with Tunney. He is virtually certain to accumulate £200,000 before he leaves America if he makes a good showing in the coining bout, and if he wins he will probably make; a large fortune before he retires.