AMBROSE PALMER

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 37, 13 February 1937, Page 14 (Supplement)

AMBROSE PALMER

ANXIOUS FOR THE GLOVES RETIREMENT A SHORT AFFAIR JfOTO FEELING FIT AGAIN The retirement of Ambrose Palmer, former heavyweight boxing champion of Australia, was short lived. Palmer arrived in Southland a few weeks ago, ostensibly to settle down and conduct a gymnasium for business men. Before leaving Australia he announced his retirement from the ring. The condition of is health was primarily responsible for his decision, and it was generally accepted In Australian and New Zealand sporting circles that boxing had lost one of its foremost exponents. Palmer has now decided to seek ring engagements again. In an interview with the Southland Times he said he was feeling so well again that he was tempted to “try himself out.” A recent medical examination had proved very reassuring, said Palmer. The change of climate and life had worked wonders on him, and he was feeling eager to get the gloves on once more. “It is a sudden change of plans,” he said, “but I feel that I cannot get into the ring quickly enough. I felt well before going to the doctor for an overhaul, but you can Imagine my delight 'when he handed me a ‘clean sheet.’ The result of the examination has given me new heart. I’m far from being an old man yet, and I just hated the idea of getting out of the game so early.” Palmer is only 25 years of age. He is a married man with one child, and is fresh of complexion and athletic looking even in working clothes. He sought information on the prospects of getting fights in Invercargill in the near future. “I am prepared to fight

in Invercargill any time,” he said. “The Southland people were very good to me when I was over here two years ago, and I haven’t forgotten their kindnesses. If the Southland Boxing Association officials are prepared tp match me with Roy de Cans I am sure they will not lose by it. I was de Cans’ first opponent in Sydney when he came out from America, and although I managed to beat him I know that he was not at his best. He was just seven days off the boat, and had had no time to find his land legs or get acclimatised. De Gans is a very good boxer, and put up some good performances in Australia.” Asked if he was prepared to meet any* “importations,” Palmer unhesitatingly replied: “Yes.” He suggested that the Southland Association might consider negotiating for a visit from Ron Richards, who was very much in the public eye in Australia at the present time. It would give boxing in New Zealand a good fillip if Richards could be prevailed upon to come over, he added. The Queenslander was a very attractive boxer, and at present was fighting better than at any time of his career. The present would be a good time to secure Richards, too, as there was a lull in the game in Australia.