HE POINTED WRONG WAY

NZ Truth, Issue 1178, 28 June 1928, Page 10

AT least, it is to be hoped that thi3 is what drew the boxing fans, for the rest of the affair was poor stuff. It was a good fight — and a clean one — Pocock displaying a far greater science than the northerner, who depends upon his bulk and ability to take punishment. In the opinion of "N.Zi Truth," Pocock, who made most of. the fighting during the first seven rounds and was still making a good showing up to midway m the last, should have been the winner by a small 'margin, Broadfoot's tendency to hit with his half-open glove does not enhance his undoubted ability as a fighter. . When his blows connect they make plenty of noise, but it is the clenched fist that should be taken into account by the judges m assessing points. The decision was Broadfoot'a. but not before an unfortunate incident, which the association could well have done without. When the decision had been arrived at by the two Judges — an Innovation for Auckland — the. announcer, Bill Dervan, climbed through the ring: and pointed to Pocock. The southerners* supporters at once commenced to applaud, but hardly were the cheers on their lips than it appeared there had been a mistake, for Dervan hurried across the ring to raise Broadfoot's hand. Pocock, apparently still unaware of the mistake, was across the ring to

shake Jim's hand almost as soon as Dervan-7-and was by his side as Broadfobt's hand was raised: Then followed a demonstration suoh as is very rarely heard m the Queen City. Catcalls and yells came from every part of the hall and continued for several minutes. Patrons cam© up to the press table to inquire: Who had won? Was it a draw? What had happened? The crowd refused to be pacified, and it was perhaps unfortunate, if not unwise, that no real effort was made m the direction of an announcement as to the true state of affairs leading up to the mistake. That the demonstration was so sustained, "Truth" attributes to the fact that a great number of the spectators were under the .impression that^Pocock was the winner. Their howls were those of disgust. On the other side, Broadfoot's supporters, finding to their surprise that their man had got the decision — not that they are likely to admit it — let loose their delight, not unmixed with derision for the original mistake. Had the decision been made without an error In the first plaaa, it is unlikely that it would have been over-popular. A draw might reasonably have been expected. "Truth" might well ask under the circumstances by what margin of points Broadfoot was found to be the winner.