“HUMAN BUZZ-SAW”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 311, 23 March 1928, Page 10

“HUMAN BUZZ-SAW”

McKnight Pleased American Fans by Whirlwind Fighting Methods

HAMILTON MAN BACK HOME AGAIN

LIKENED to a “human buzz saw,” Nelson McKnight, the hard-hitting Hamilton welter-weight, was a firm favourite with American boxing fans during his recent visit to the States. McKnight is back in New Zealand again ready to put on the gloves against all-comers at his weight.

The popular Hamilton man promptly ! signalised his return to New Zea- j land by joining the ranks of the Benedicts. His many friends will therefore extend to him a double round of congratulations. . Looking fit and well, after his sojourn abroad, McKnight visited The Sun during the week and gave an interesting account of his doings in the land of th© almighty dollar. He had no need to say much about his fighting, because the office files of overseas exchanges bear testimony to the high opinion they formed of his fighting in California. Arriving in Seattle, McKnight, 011 the advice of his manager, did not immediately look for fights but contented himself with light training until he became somewhat acclimatised. His first fight was with Dode Kercott, and although he los»t the decision he put up a great display, which paved the way for other fights. ONLY FIGHTERS WANTED McKnight was under the wing of Tim McGrath, who will not have a man in his stable who will not go in and fight from the first gong. McGrath has no use for “tip and run away” merchants and if a man does not fight he has to find a new manager. It is sufficient to say of McKnight that he stayed with McGrath. A Californian paper had the following to say when McKnight made known his departure for his own country: “Nelson McKnight, New Zealand crack welter-weight, is saying au revoir, much to the disappointment of fans and promoters alike here. Despite his rugged style of fighting the New Zealander has an enviable record in this country. Coming from Vancouver six months ago, he lost his first fight in Seattle to Dode Bercott, considered one of the best 145pounders on the Coast. Two weeks later he lost a points decision to Madison Dix, of Butte, Montana, but put his misfortunes down to our style of training. Going to Vancouver again, he knocked out Terry Taylor and drew with Benny Nelson and Frankie Lewis respectively. “On his return to Seattle the same week, he took a decision over Jimmy Ryan in a 10-round bout at White Centre, after which this human buzzsaw thought of California. On his way here he stayed overnight in Tacoma to sub for .Don Fraser against Battling Moody, whom lie knocked out in the fifth round. In his first fights in this State he knocked out Winks Jenkins in three rounds at Martinez, drew with Vince Dundee at Culver City, knocked out Bat Leonard at San Francisco, and for the past 10 days has been waiting for news of a return bout with Dundee. McKnight says his father’s failing health is the cause of his abrupt exit. We are losing a good card, fans, so join us in your true American style and say ‘Good-bye, Mac, bon voyage.’ ” AMERICAN TRAINING METHODS “The training conditions in America are much- different to what they are here,” said "McKnight. “Rising at about six o’clock, boxers go for a run or a walk, and on their return to training quarters, have a shower and a rub down, and then breakfast. The morning is mostly passed at picture theatres (which are open day and night) and other places of amusement. The boxers have nothing to eat after breakfast and at one o’clock commence their training. The gymnasiums are large affairs and two lings are kept going all the time. “The work-out consists mostly of soarrinq—six rounds fast.

The Americans believe that there is no training for boxing I ike boxing and consequently indulge in plenty of sparring. “A day o.r so before the light com'off, the scheduled distance of the boc. is traversed. On finishing the da: work the boxers receive a glas e malted milk. Large gloves—abc--14 ounces—are used in training M the boxers have the pace on all -- time. The difference in the weig of the gloves is very much appare: when the fight comes off, and ttregulation weight gloves are in You feel as if you had nothing at a on your hands.” OTHER COLONIALS DOING WEIWhile in America McKnight nHarry Stone, who was looking fights and was in light training. BBrown, the Auckland ligfrt-weig-who has been on the other side the world for a considerable time,

doing well and getting V leni :, fights, until he was taken ill ' II ulcerated stomach. rric . McKnight did not see either tDor Heeney. Both were located m * York, while McKnight was in nia. Another Australian doing in the States was Leo Wax, fought a very poor fight in tne land Town Hall some time ago. ‘ Hall, Frisco McGale and ® Jim” Williams were also activeu gaged in fighting. «&>.: McKnight had much being called the w r el ter- weigh . ; pion of New Zealand while States. This, he explained, ' promoter’s publicity stunt. . tain amount pf glamour, ml j. local boys, attached to a feigner a the promoter used this to the vantage. Because a man cam a distant country and was n 0 locally, he was billed as a in order to fill the house. LES MURRAY’S SURPR |S£ An amusing incident co °\a tion was related by Murray, who was light- w f lght fae lS pion of New Zealand wne New Zealand for America. *■ pjv Brown were fighting °P 0 f & gramme. Brown was the n New Zealanders to fight, M • ing on the card later. hefr*'Murray’s surprise wh e “ li<y h Brown introduced as champion of New Zealand. On one occasion an McKnight where New *' “On the other side of the , rJ the reply. “You’re a wonderfu said the Yankee. “Wh>, j^ct' Knight, to whom this was : sistent question. eI “ knoulecthirster after geographical * Engl . “where did you learn to spe so well.” , .r^wnigh l Now lie lias returned McK“® anxious to get in a New again and would like 10 t K'- ; Hay. Loveridge or is a chance for a li' c ~ration. McKnight claims to n. appears in the ring.