AUSSIE BOXER THINKS HE HAS GROUCH

NZ Truth, Issue 1263, 13 February 1930, Page 12

AUSSIE BOXER THINKS HE HAS GROUCH

HE SQUEALS AT HOME

Crowle Doesn't Like Our Referees The history of boxing m New Zealand discloses very little m the way of serious complaints about / referees' decisions, but occasionally we get a boxer from overseas who returns home and unless he has had a victorious trip through the Dominion straight away , jumps into print with criticism of our referees, and of our control generally. LJARKEN to the following from our Sydney representative: — "Startling allegations against his treatment by 'the Taranaki Association were made by Tommy Crowle, who lately returned from • New Zealand. Crowle claims that . an outsider has no chance of beating Donovan m his home town. He also makes sorrie serious statements regarding the referee's handling of his two fights with. Donovan. What. he says makes it imperative that the New Zealand Boxing Council should inquire closely into the matter." "N.Z. Truth" has written evidence that Crowle spoke highly of the hospitality extended to him by all and sundrj' m the Taranaki district. His complaint is against Referee Alan Maxwell. The same referee was m charge of the Crowle — Leckie contest at Palmerston when- the former was declared the winner over our New Zealand champion. There were no complaints m this case. To claim that .m outsider has no chance of beating Donovan m his home town is pure piffle. The truth of the matter is that Donovan fairly and squarely beat the Aussie and that' the referee's action would have been called into question had he given the decision to Crowle, just the same as if m the Leckie— Crowle contest the verdict had been given to Leckie. Referees can, and do, make mistakes but "Truth" has yet to* meet the "third man" officiating who would deliberately rob a boxer of a rightful verdict. "Truth" has been present at most of Donovan's fights m JNTew Plymouth and has always been impressed with the prevailing desire by a big section of the fans to see the fireman meet his Waterloo. 'Twas ever thus. The champion has to be beaten to satisfy the crowd. But the crowd as a rule comprise the best of judges and if things were not above-board the howl would soon be heard. The "squealer" is a drag on good sportsmanship.