RETRIEVED

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 164, 1 October 1927, Page 11

RETRIEVED

Neither of them had ever worried much about the ethics of boxing. Welch was a crafty, sinister individual, whe coulcl fight when it was necessary, though preferring "schlenters” as the easier way of earning money. O’Brien wae a better fighter, but also not averse to “wangling” easy money. These two were matched. Welch conceived a scheme whereby he could considerably increase his slender holdings. He therefore approached O’Brien and suggested that they should make some extra money by fighting a "fake.” As O’Brien had the better boxing reputation he would be the favourite in the betting, and therefore he would be the one to take the count. Of course, all the money that Welch had he would put on himself against the favourite, and he added that lie would be only too pleased to put on the “certainty” any money that O’Brien had. O’Brien agreed enthusiastically to this plan, and ’landed over all his available cash to Welch. Welch’s plan was progressing famously. By double-crossing O’Brien he could doubly enrich himself. Putting what money he had or could borrow together with that of O’Brien, he wagered the lot on O’Brien. Welch had then but to lie down on the night of the fight and the whole amount was his. It happened :n the first round. O’Brien had to be very careful to avoid winning. However, he had to make a showing. Welch led a feeble left. O’Brien slipped it, and slapped a gentle right to the body. Welch fell to his hands and knees. O’Brien thought that Welch was trying to make the contest appear genuine, but it did seem that the acting was a bit overdone. The referee counted to eight. Welch was still on his hands and knees, his head hanging listless. Welch was not going to get up! Welch was dcuble-crossing him! The remedy occurred to O’Brien, like a flash. He rushed forward and kicked Welch in the stomach with all his might, and lost on a foul. ” And Welch was really "out” this time.