Boxing in Doldrums

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 50, 21 May 1927, Page 13

Boxing in Doldrums

Aucklanders Go I© Australia Chance for Lesser Lights r JH HERE is serious cause for concern in New Zealand boxing at present. Seldom has there been such a scarcity of first-class men. The Inducements offering overseas, or perhaps the lack of them at home, have tempted the best men away from the Dominion.

Auckland boxing has been sadly depleted of its outstanding glove artists. First, Charlie Purdy hopped off to Sydney on the first leg of his world tour, and then in quick succession followed Reg. Trowern and Nelson McKnight. All three are at present in the land of the kangaroo looking for bouts. From all accounts, McKnight was unlucky to miss the decision in his fight at Newcastle, but he evidently pleased the Australians by his showing. He has been signed up for another bout in Coalopolis. PURDY AND McCarthy Purdy was to have fought Bert McCarthy in Melbourne last Saturday night, but in the absence of any news from the Victorian capital, it looks as if some hitch occurred to put the fight off. As yet, there is no news of Trowern. It has been suggested In Sydney that the Auckland boy should try for another bout with “Norky” Fowler, who gained a much-disputed decision over the New Zealander at Leichardt about this time last year. THE GAME STAGNATING With all these men overseas, and the picturesque Jamito kicking his heels until his passport for England arrives, it has left a very barren field for boxing associations in Maoriland. Either the New Zealand Boxing Association will have to increase the value of its purses for the head-liners on the pugilistic bill of fare, or else a concerted

endeavour will have to be made by provincial associations to develop the local talent in their midst. The only other alternative is pugilistic stagnation. The Dominion is not far from that now.

The prosperous Wellington Boxing Association is reported to have quite definitely stated that it will put on no more fights which have only a problematic basis of

success. LITTLE FELLOWS DON’T DRAW During the past few days, Mr. Jack Watts, the energetic secretary of the N.8.A., has been busy endeavouring to see what can be done in the direction of a bout between Duke Maddox and Johnny Leckie, for the featherweight title. There are few other drawing cards on the boxing horizon, and even as matters stand at present, the chances of such a bout being a success are not particularly bright.

Fights below the light-weight class are not over-popular with the fans these days. The experience with two previous “double-headed’ fights of this nature at the Auckland Town Hall, was not encouraging. In addition to that, these two men are unknown here. But in reply to this the N.B.A. puts the question: “Suggest something better, if you can.” It is not easy to do so. TAYLOR WANTS PRO. FIGHT There are, however, two Auckland lads who are looking for fights, and it is to be hoped that they can be

obliged. First of all, Frank Taylor has signified his willingness to accept a professional fight if it can be arranged. The N.B.A. thinks that if it can get Maddox and Leckie signed up, it will be able to oblige Taylor on the same evening. So, if the fight is arranged, it means good-bye to Taylor as an amateur, and also to his chances of going to the Olympic Games next year. Taylor has had a great record as an amateur, and should do well in the professional ranks, if his present intention is carried out.

Another Auckland boy who surely deserves some consideration is Jim Broadfoot, the exWaihi middleweight, who, together with Taylor, is at present hard at work of an evening in the Fire Brigade gym. Since taking up the game on a cash basis, Broadfoot has improved considerably, and when sparring during the week, showed himself to be the possessor of a forceful jolt in botfl hands, and the speed with which to back it up. There is nothing wrong with Broadfoot’s record. He has had three professional fights, and won them all, beating Nelson McIv night and N. Young (twice).

It now takes 32s sld on the average to purchase what could be purchased for 20s in July, 1914. That is the conclusion arrived at by the Government Statistician in his April survey of retail prices, as given in the Abstract of Statistics.