The Mirror of Sport

NZ Truth, Issue 1142, 20 October 1927, Page 12

The Mirror of Sport

CASEY AND HIS METHODS

"Was A Very Sick Man That Night"

Some comment on the vast difference between his Napier and the Wellington fights with Artie Hay has brought Harry Casey out into the open.

IT will be remembered that Casey lost on points at Napier and then at their next meeting put Hay away early in the business — and this after not worrying too much in the preceding rounds. The two fights were so dissimilar that there was reason for the comment. Thus comes back Casey: "Referring to your par in 'N.Z. Truth' concerning my fights with Hay at Napier and Wellington, I can assure you that I tried my best to beat Hay in Napier. "I still say that I was a very sick man that night — ancl, what is more, I did not keep it a secret, as I told the secretary of the association the morning of the fight how I felt. "He said that he thought I would be all right once I got warmed up. "You hold the opinion that I clo not do much training: for my fights, but have you ever seen my opponent finish up the last few rounds stronger than I am. "I am training under Jim Musson, at Christchurch, and he can assure you that he will always have me in the best of condition at any time, whether I have a match in view or not, as I do not miss a day from training. "Hay still holds the welterweight championship and "Truth" belt — how is it that I cannot get a match for the title? "If any association is willing to match us for the title, I will give my

end of the purse to any deserving chanty — all I want out of it is expenses." Casey's assurance that he was a sick man that night in Napier must be taken, but, in taking it, it must be mentioned that the officials of the tourney, including the medical officer, did not hold with him. The chairman of the committee, Mat. Treston, several times during the evening, had occasion to speak to Casey on his showing, and, in stating that the whole committee was very exasperated, is putting it mildly. With regard to Casey's training, "Truth" , has expressed the opinion that he has at times entered the ring looking not in the best of condition — Wellington was a case in point, but, on the other hand, credit for his great staying powers has always been given. He has a marvellous constitution and were contests over twenty rounds he would be annihilating his opponent when that stage was reached. It is good to hear Casey is in Jimmy Musson's hands, for the little fellow will do Casey justice. Hay is still holder of the welter title and the "Truth" Belt, as stated, but till some association matches Casey with Hay for that title, no move can be made as to the Belt. Casey has put a very attractive proposition to associations and it may be snapped up.