Auckland Lad’s Great Battle

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 105, 25 July 1927, Page 1

Auckland Lad’s Great Battle

JIM RROADFOOT S WIN i DICK LOVERIDGE BEATEN ; : .. . i (i Special to THE SUN.) WESTPORT, To-day. IN a thrilling boxing encounter Jim Broadfoot (11.4) won the decision over Dick Loveridge (11.3), the bout going the full 15 rounds at a lively pace. Loveridge opened well and won the first round. Broadfoot using both hands, piled up points in the remaining rounds with the exception of the fourth, fifth and last, which were in Loveridge’s favour. The pace was a cracker right from the word “go,” Loveridge excelling in infighting, and Broadfoot scoring freely with rights and lefts to the face and body, punishing Loveridge severely. Loveridge’s chief defence was a straight left. In the 10th round Loveridge’s face was badly battered. Broadfoot was fresh and forcing the fight in an endeavour to deliver a knock-out. The excitement of the audience was intense in the last four rounds, both boys standing toe to toe and raining battery blows to body and face. Both boys were cheered loudly. In the remaining few rounds there was no let up, Loveridge showing great gameness against his speedy opponent. Broadfoot had a comfortable lead in coming up for the last round, but Loveridge set out for a knock-out. but Broadfoot, just as eager to mix it, i fighting Loveridge to the ropes. Love-1 ridge came again, connecting with a j right swing and followed up with two stinging lefts to the face. Broadfoot steered clear of the infighting, displaying great footwork. Amidst the wildest excitement the referee declared Broadfoot the winner, after the best professional exhibition seen in Westport for years. Broadfoot made a great impression for his activity and double-handed fighting. Loveridge was as game as a pebble, but was outmastered. Both lads have approached the Millerton Boxing Association for a return bout. Broadfoot practically is assured of another fight at Westport j at Christmas. McKnight is mentioned as a possible opponent, but the Aucklander does not mind either Casey or Hay. The four amateur preliminaries were won by Hay, McKenzie, and Hawes (2). The bout between Percy Hawes and Hoskyn was declared a draw, • Hoskyn winning all the way The < referee's decision created an uproar.