THE BOXING RING

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 384, 19 June 1928, Page 11

THE BOXING RING

Notes From Far and Near

By «

"LEFT COUNTER”;

It is understood that boxing matches will not be broadcast from the Wellington Town Hall in the future. This is a pity, for Wellington has made a name for staging good contests, and it was a pleasure for fans in other centres to listen-in. The fight in which Tommy Fairhall defeated Ernie Izzard on points over 75 rounds was billed “for the lightweight championship of the British Empire.” In these notes last week the light-weight mix-up in Australia was commented upon, and this latest result still further shows the ridiculousness of the position. Australia and N.Z. Middle Title A few days ago the Manawatu Association sent a letter t*> Lachie McDonald asking him to come back to New Zealand for a match with Harry Casey for the middle-weight championship of Australia and New Zealand. It is not yet known whether McDonald has accepted the offer, but it is known that he intends to return to New Zealand shortly for a holiday. While here he will probably appear in the ring, and several associations will no doubt be very eager to obtain his services. The fight between McDonald and Casey for the title of the two countries should be worth securing. Dutch Arrival An interesting arrival in New Zealand is Ted Zegwaard, formerly middleweight champion- of Holland, who is at Dunedin. The Dutchman, who is looking for contests, has fought in several countries, his last appearance being in Australia. He is now a heavy-weight and at that weight he will find it difficult to obtain contests in New Zealand. The only available man appears to be Eddie Parker, who is at present at Timaru, but an association has to be found which will stage the contest. The only boxers of note in the Dominion at present are either in the feather-weight or middle-weight ranks. Otago Importations Archie Hughes, the first of the boxers engaged for the Otago Boxing Association, is due in Dunedin this week. Hughes is an Englishman, and although little is known of his perfoi ..i----ances he must be a more than ordinary performer to have been engaged. Radford leaves Australia this week for Dunedin, and Barber follows him. Things are going to hum in the boxing world in Otago. Radford was recently knocked out at the Brisbane Stadium by Aides, the Philipino, in the 12th round. He was floored for a count of nine in both the second and third rounds. Radford showed that he was a skilful boxer, but he lacked a punch. English Light-weight Title An English exchange states that the British Board of Control recently held a meeting to consider the question of the light-weight title. As Harry Mason, the holder, was leaving for Australia, and as there was considerable doubt whether he could still do the weight, it was thought that the board would do something to force the champion’s hand. Instead, the board threatened Mason’s challenger, Kid Berg, of Stepney, that if he did not return from America in time to meet Mason for the title when called upon, he would forfeit his right to box for the title. It further declared that, in that event, Ernie Rice, who held the championship some years ago, would be substituted as Mason’s opponent. Mason should havel eft England for Australia last month, but no word of him having fought either Berg or Rice has been received.

As the result of a tournament conducted by the Greymouth Boxing Association, £172 has been given to the widow of the late Dick Pascoe, who was killed in a motor accident. A Southern paper states that Harry Casey is leaving for Australia to meet Lachie McDonald on June 22, but this is incorrect, as Casey is meeting Artie Hay in Auckland on Friday. In the opinion of Mr. Jack Kilmartin, who is in Australia in the interests of the Otago Boxing Association, Billy McAllister, the Australian bantamweight champion, is no better in his general appearance than Tommy Griffiths. Mr. Wren, of Australia, recently stated that he considered McAllister the best in the world, and was prepared to back him for £2,000. Auckland's Fine Programme On Friday evening Auckland boxing enthusiasts will be treated to a programme which seldom if ever before has been submitted to patrons of the noble art in this city. A 15-round and a 10-round professional contest and two promising amateur bouts should provide a night’s entertainment unique in the annals of Auckland pugilism. It was at first hoped that the contest between Casey and Hay would be for the middle-weight championship of New Zealand, but this is not to be. However, although the title will not be involved, a really in-

teresting exhibition appears to be certain. In addition the tough Auckland middle-weight, Jim Broadfoot, will be opposed to Clarrie Pocock, of Christchurch, who recently deserted the amateur ranks. It is stated by those who have seen the Southern man in action that he will give Broadfoot a hard fight and a beating. The two amateur fights will be between McPhail and McLoughlin, and Jones and McKnight.

Dempsey Wins His Case The much-discussed suit for £IOO,OOO brought by Jack Kearns against Jack Dempsey has resulted in a verdict for the former heavy-weight champion. The jury found that a valid three-year contract had been signed between Dempsey and his former manager in 1923, but was invalidated when the pair parted in 1925. One part of the evidence is extremely interesting, as an instance of the immense purses which heavy-weight champions receive for their services. In evidence Tex Rickard stated that for the fight at Philadelphia w£th Tunney, Dempsey received .£ 140,000.