FRANK TAYLOR KNOCKED OUT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 284, 21 February 1928, Page 11

FRANK TAYLOR KNOCKED OUT

BOXING AT AUCKLAND TOWN HALL ABRUPT FINISH IN EIGHTH ROUND THE fight at the Auckland Town Hall last evening ended abruptly in the eighth round when h4att Hatton dropped Frank Taylor for the full count with a heavy body punch.

ALTHOUGH marred by frequent clinching, the fight for the most part was interesting and at times the rallies brought cheers from the spectators. Perhaps the heat had something to do with the small attendance, but when the Northern Boxing Association has staged fights in recent months the houses have not been very encouraging. The excuse that only a poor class of boxer has been engaged cannot be urged, for with boxers of good class appearing on the programme the support from the public is no better than that for a mediocre show.

On paper, last evening’s programme was very promising, and although a considerable amount of clinching was indulged in, the display of scientific boxing was worth the admission fee. Taylor must be counted as unlucky. He was well ahead on points when he received the knockout blow- and in some of the rounds he gave Hatton a boxing lesson. Not that Hatton did not bil-c well —he did, and should be a good choice for future fights in Auckland. HATTON AGGRESSIVE Hatton gave a fine display and was very aggressive. He bustled Taylor at times and displayed a good right hand punch as well as a quick straight left, and his footwork was neat. He can be classed as one of the best featherweights in New Zealand at the present time.

Claiming marred the bout during the ’st few rounds and the referee, Mr. 7. A. Johnston, was kept hard at work iparating the men. Later the fight

became more open and the referee was not called on quite so often. Mr. Johnston broke them up in quick time and did not allow the long spells of hugging that have lseen dished up To the public on past occasions. THE PRINCIPAL FIGHT Both of the men stripped very fit and the difference in weight—Taylor weighed 5.2 and Hatton S.lO5 —was easily understood when the pair advanced to the centre of the ring to receive the referee’s instructions. Hatton also had the advantage in reach and height.

The bout opened willingly, both men being eager. Hatton missed with both hands and then connected with light lefts. Taylor replied with lefts to the head, partly closing his opponent’s eye. Holding on both sides spoiled the work. At the end of the round Hatton rushed the other man to the ropes and the honours were about even.

Taylor made his opponent miss at the beginning of the second session and scored with a left and a neat short right to the head. Hatton’s main weapon was a right. Holding again spoiled the round, which was even. REFEREE TAKES A HAND The third session opened with a flurry of blows and Hatton scored with a nice right uppercut. The holding was again very apparent and the referee, who had followed the example of the spectators and removed his coat, was working hard. He. had to separate the men 12 times during the round. Taylor secured the honours by a slight margin.

Taylor opened the fourth term in fine fashion, connecting with six successive lefts to the face. Hatton also employed the same weapon to advantage on one or two occasions. Taylor kept his left going and piled up the points. Near the close of the round Hatton nailed Taylor on the ropes and plied two lefts and a right to the head. It was Taylor’s round. A GOOD ROUND After a rally in the centre of the ring in the next round Taylor landed with a straight 1-eft and Hatton countered with a short right to the head. The holding was not so bad in this round and consequently the. fight was much more interesting. Hatton was trying hard to land with his right, but Taylor’s defence was good and he speared Hatton with his left. It was Taylor’s round easily.Taylor not only had Hatton trying to ward off his straight left in the sixth session, but repeatedly had his opponent guessing. Taylor was very elusive. He slipped on the canvas three times running, and Hatton, like a good sportsman, did not attempt to take any advantage. Hatton scored with a solid right cross toward the end. It was again Taylor’s round. HATTON GOES AHEAD

The seventh round saw a considerable amount of wrestling. Hatton was well to the fore in this round and easilysecured the honours. He scored well with solid lefts and rights to the head. Hatton pushed his opponent’s head back with a hard left at the beginning of the eighth round and was shaping much better than in the previous rounds. He was more confident and his defence had improved. He scored with a light left and then brought his right up, connecting hard with Taylor’s solar plexus. Taylor dropped and although he made a gallant effort to get up he was counted out. He was beaten, but by no means disgraced. THE AMATEURS C. Manson, 8.85, and R. Agnew, 8.6, provided a good willing bout. Agnew employed a good straight left and left hooks to the head and body, Manson replying with lefts and occasional rights. Manson showed improved form and his left, which usually is very sluggish, was quick and accurate.

Agnew was the shiftier in tlu second session and was more scientific. Manson chased him round the ring but missed more often than he connected. Manson resumed his bustling tactics in the third, but Agnvw fought back in good style. # _