BOXER SUSPENDED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 898, 15 February 1930, Page 9

BOXER SUSPENDED

U.S. WAR ON BOXING FOULS NEW PURSE RULE America lias taken firm action over the ever-growing: evil of fouls in boxing. The New York State Athletic Commission, the most powerful governing body in boxing in the States, caused a sensation in boxing circles recently | by announcing that Otto von Porat, who lost to Phil Scott on a toul in the ; second round, had • been “suspended indefinitely.’’ Not even the most convinced supporter of Scott’s nor the most firm believer in the righteousness of the ver - dict expected such a sequel. Apparently this step is meant as an intimidating gesture to all boxers in the future that fouling, whether intentional or unintentional, will not be condoned in any circumstances. The commission refused to allow Madison Square Garden to put on a match between von Porat and Uzcudun on January 3, but it indicated that von Porat might be allowed to appear there at some later date. PAYMENT BY ROUNDS Not content with this, the commission adopted a new rule against boxers who commit fouls. In future such boxers will only be paid in proportion to the number of rounds fought before the foul is committed. The exact amount will be decided in each case. The commission notified all metropolitan clubs that they must enforce this rule. It further stated that it was concentrating on a study of the whole problem, and unless it was mitigated in the near future it would consider even more drastic legislation. BRITISH OPINION The American decision to suspend von Porat will be welcomed by all lovers of the sport in this country (says a writer in the “London Daily Chronicle,” commenting on the decision). There has been a growing demand in this country for strong action to be taken against all boxers who strike foul blows owing to the fact that practically all recent heavy-weight contests in England and in France have ended in this unsatisfactory manner. The trouble started when Sandwina was disqualified for hitting Phil Scott too low', and then after Camera had been fouled by Stribling in their first fight in London the Italian giant was himself disqualified for a foul in their return contest in Paris. Scott won his fight with von Porat owing to a foul blow. The British Boxing Board of Control suspended Sandwina after his foul on Scott and he has not fought in this country since. The other fight referred to in which fouls have occurred have not been under the board’s jurisdiction, so that they have been unable to take any action. TWO SIDES TO THE QUESTION Mr. Joe Morris, a member of the British Boxing Board of Control and a well-known referee, said all boxers who deliberately fouled should be suspended indefinitely. But before a boxer was disqualified for a foul blow, his opponent should be examined by a doctor, because there were boxers who endeavoured to win by claiming a foul without any justification. Mr. Percy Moss, also a member of the Boxing Board of Control, said the suspension should be for a year at least. With regard to the new rule regarding the confiscation of purse money, he said the British Board used its discretion in this respect. In the case of Sandwina, for instance, w'hat would roughly have been a £SOO purse for him was reduced by them to about

CHARACTER Needed in Touring Cricketers MANAGER'S DICTUM Players should not tie chosen for their cricket qualities alone.” writes I Sir Frederick Toone, manager of the last two M.C.C. teams which visited Australia, in an article on Australian lours m “Wisden’s” Cricket Almanac for 1930. Sir Frederick explains: “They must be of good character, high principle, and easy address in every personal sense, worthily representing their country in all circumstances, irrespective of their work on the field. “Managing an Australian cricket tour is hard work. There are offers of hospitality innumerable, and one has to be very careful. The comfort, convenience, personal wishes and health of the players must be properly considered without giving the least cause for any host to feel slighted. “The Board of Control has its finger on the pulse of Australian cricket, and its authority is recognised throughout the State, though there may be differences of opinion.” MONEY IN TESTS The editor describes the demands mad© on domestic cricket by Test matches during the coming season as very heavy, and says they will possibly ruin the country competition, but he points out that Test matches produce the money, of which the counties are in sore need. He considers that England's supply of firstrate, promising bowlers is much larger than it was a year ago. “Wisden’s” five “Cricketers of the Year,” whose photographs are presented, are K. S. Dupleepsinhji and E. H. Bowley, of Sussex; R. E. S. Wyatt. of Warwickshire, who is described as essentially a cricketer - for a big occasion; Harold OwenSmith, of South Africa, who is returning as a Rhodes Scholar: and R. W. V. nouins, ol ivnuaiesex, “a remarkable young cricketer, of whom possibly the best has not yet been teen.”