BOXERS BRAVING THE BULLETS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 253, 4 December 1914, Page 1 (Supplement)

BOXERS BRAVING THE BULLETS.

WELL-KNOWN BOXERS WHO ARE NOW LSLNG THEIR "ARMS'' TO UPHOLD THE HONOUR OF THEIR COUNTRY.

Much ha s been said from time to time against boxing,, but to-day those who bpeak against jt will bo compelled to swallow their own words. From no quarter has the country 0 call for help met with a more ready response than from the ranks of the professional boxers." No sooner did the cM Eo out than the answer was ready. And from no quarters "ill bettor men I «> recruited, for the average boxer m "fit ness" personified. His brain and muscles are trained to work with each other in n maimer which cannot tail to equip liim for the many unforseeii .scrapes which occur iu the grim game of war. u the invj, a man has load and act quickly; and »o it is, in battle. Ae everyone knows, one of the tirst boxers to go to the aid of his country 'was Carpontior. so that France has jet another reason to be proud of him. His is not an ordinary sacrifice. I<>r Georges has just reached that point 111 his career when money is Ins almost lor the asking. It would lie• difficult .to say what his patriotic deed has <<>st luni financially, but we know thr.t he sacn fi,e s about £4,000 over one match alone. "WHEN WE GET TO RERUN" Kor it lit- the oyj/ Freutb Gu«r n ho

has responded to liis country's call. Charles Ledoux, the popular aspirant to the world's bantam championship, has left tor the front, as have nearly all, of tho other French boxers.

English pugilists have been equally prompt in thoir rush to Britain's aid, and foremost among those who have volunteered is Dick Smith, of Erith, the light-heavyweight champion of England.

Dick is an ex-Army man, but ho is under no compulsion to serve, since his time has already expired. The ex-Marine, Private Braddock, who was regarded as Our most promising middle weight, has also gone. His reply was typical of the man. " Yes," he wired. "God help the Kaiser when we get to Berlin. Down with German sausages!" Speaking of Army men, one's mind naturally turnes to Gunner Moir, formerly of the Royal Garrison Artillery. He has declared himself ready when needed, but at present the possession of a wife and family keeps him at home. A rumour is afloat that Bombadier Wells will shortly lay down the gloves for a stronger weapon. Bandsman Blake, of Yarmouth, who was beaten a few months ago by Wells, has even postponed his marriage so as to rejoin his old regiment. Jack Johnson was quick to offer himself to France, and if he goes to the front one can easily imagine him weighing out sudden death in a. hand-to-hand encounter!

IN THE MYSTERIES OF THE

NORTH SEA

Thero is hardly an end to tho English boxers who have stepped into the breach. Petty-Officer Curran, of Plymouth, is at the present moment wrapped in the mysteries of the North Sea, as is also Seaman Hayes. Seaman Gray, and a score of others equally famous. Sergeant McEnroy. Gunner Rawlcs, Private Basham, and Dan Voyle s are already at the front on the Continent. Corporal Miller would also be boys, but at present he is in hospital. Driver Cripps has laid down the mittens and is once more piloting a big gun and so one could continue to name them by the hundred, heroes all, who are showing the world that boxers are patriots and that the hand that wears a glove'is ever ready to bear a rifle. It i s estimated that almost o()0 o those who so quickly responded to Lord Kitchener's call for troops have come from the ranks of the boxers. Few indeed are the boxers of note that have been left behind in the hurry to serve tho country.