LIGHT-WEIFHT CHAMPIONSHIP.

NZ Truth, Issue 804, 9 April 1921, Page 8

LIGHT-WEIFHT CHAMPIONSHIP.

O'Neil v. Keenan.

Win for the West Coaster.

(From "Truth's" Greymouth Rep.)

The- light-weight championship title changed hands on Saturday, March 26. when Frank O'Neil (Runanga), 9.6, defeatecL Jack Keenan (Auckland), 9.5, m fifteen rounds, at the Town Hall,-Grey-mouth. The house was packed and the fight was essentially a come-back one for O'Neil. His supporters for some considerable time have been enthusiastic m this belief, that the "West Coast boy would regain his once great attribute, his deadly left. In this they were not disappointed.

He stripped on Saturday as he never stripped before and was m absolutely perfect nick.

" From the initial sound of the gong both lads went right at it. O'Neil was the main .aggressor, and immediately his left'" was sent into action and remained so till the finish of the encounter. . For tho . first six rounds O'Neil was content to allow his left weapon to do all the work, relieving it occasionally with a pretty right cross. Keenan was obviously surprised at the pace maintained by his opponent, but nevertheless stood his ground, getting home occasionally with lefts and rights containing plenty of ginger, though his innumerable left and right upper-cuts missed badly, not one connecting. O'Neil still drove his left home with effect. Honors were fairly even m the in-fighting though O'Neil piled up points for his splendid ducking t and general inside work.

From the seventh to the twelfth rounds Keenan had the. better of things, continuously connecting with his lefts, and controlling most of the m- fighting. The remaining rounds saAv both visibly tiring, though the general exchanges • amounted to even honors.

The last chapter of the fight was somewhat . marred . by unnecessary clinching arid holding^ both Keenan and O'Neil sharing responsibility. The final round was of rapid order, but was undoubtedly O'Neil's. Referee Nash's decision m favor of the Runahga lad met with general approbation.

The 'fight is considered one of the best yet seen on the West Coast. The Auckland boy was admired by the public for the sportsmanlike : way he came to the Coast to defend the title. It is on the cards that these two will meet again shortly when one of the best exhibitions m the light-weight class should be given.