FIGHTERS WHO DREW RECORD GATE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 945, 11 April 1930, Page 6

FIGHTERS WHO DREW RECORD GATE

terms on which the men have agreed to fight. After drawing excellent purses in Xew Plymouth and Wellington it is hardly likely that the pair will fight at Dunedin for a purse of £l5O. If this state of affairs is allowed to continue there is no telling where it will finish, and as some months have to elapse before the next New Zealand conference it appears that something will have to be done to clear up the position. The only way open is to call an extraordinary meeting of delegates from all centres that the rule may be abolished and a sensible regulation adopted. Some action, too, should be taken in regard to the associations who have broken the rule. To ignore it would not ' be fair to associations who have abided by the restriction, and it is up to them to see that the question is not allowed to lapse. Various people interested in the boxing game have been interviewed regarding the position and views are practically identical. Xone has been found who is in favour of the purse limitation as at present constituted, and only two have condoned the breaking of the rule, qualifying their opinion with the statement that the Xew Zealand Association was only ‘‘asking for it” when the limit was fixed. Others however, hold that the rule should not have been broken, but that stops should have been taken to amend it . N.B.A. PRESIDENT’S VIEW Mr. E. A. Craig, president of the Xorthern Boxing Association, and past-president of the Xew Zealand

Boxing Association, with the limit rule as at present in force, but he is unsparing in his criticism of the associations which have flouted the regulation. “I foresaw this trouble at the meeting at Greymouth last year.” said Mr. Craig, “and I told the delegates that by making such a

has no sympathy

rule they would only induce associa- 1 tions, in the endeavour to get good men, to use subterfuge, which would be dishonourable. “The Xorthern Boxing Association has endeavoured to get good men from the other side, even to sending a representative to Sydney, but without success, as other associations ] have deliberately flouted the decision , made at Greymouth. “As far as the N.B.A. is concerned, we would rather lose matches than obtain them contrary to the rules, or by being dishonourable. “The present limitation is adversely affecting the standard of boxing, but I am not in favour of unlimited purses." said Mr. Craig. “I would not like to see open competition, associations vying with each other in an endeavour to secure an outstanding match. That would be as foolish as the present limitation. t “It would be better te pay a boxer according to his drawing ability and this can be accomplished by the boxers taking a percentage of the profits. In this way a good boxer would earn more than a poorer performer, and under such conditions the associations would be able to get the good men. “Unless associations fall into line in accordance with the resolution or so amend it that suitable terms can be offered to the boxers, boxing is going into a state of chaos. The present state of the boxing game is most regrettable. For many years I have been interested in boxing, mainly on behalf of the amateurs, but if the amateur cla-ss is to thrive, it is necessary to cater properly for the professionals, who provide the means of fostering the amateur side of the sport.” Mr. Craig, who is retiring from his position as president and who finds it impossible to consider standing for reelection. expressed regret that he would be unable to attend the next conference of the Xew Zealand Boxing Association and help to clear up the present unsettled state of boxing affairs. BUSINESS BASIS ESSENTIAL Boxer, trainer, referee and official, Mr. AY. Grant has been associated with the sport for many years and his experience makes liis opinion valuable.

The amount of the prize-money paid to Pete Sarron (left) and Tommy Donovan for their two fights has caused a boxing controversy.

along. At present there is no incentive. “I consider the percentage basis much better and safer both for the associations and for the boxers, for if the man is a good draw-card be draws the crowd and consequently good money. By this means each man earns according to his ability. I know of no other country in the world where this limitation on purses is in force.” These two opinions, representative of many others, show it is generally recognised that the administration of the sport in Xew Zealand needs reorganising. There are many faults needing remedy to bring boxing back to a firm foundation, but the question of fair pay for fair work is the most vital. G. H. MOXKS. CRICKET END-OF-SEASON GAMES TEAMS FOR TOMORROW The ' only senior A grade cricekt match that will be played tomorrow is a -friendly game between North Shore :ind Y.M.C.A. A number of junior and others matches will be played. Teams are as follow: T he following are the teams for the match arranged between North Shore and A .M.C.A. at Eden Park tomorrow: North Shore.—R. Frater. W. Coates, .T Bush, A. Player, D. Webb, T. Smith. .T. Cowie, H. Rankin, G. Jay, AY. Wheeler, H. Jacques; reserve, Wilson. Y.M.C.A.—Miller, Lyon, Sutherland, Banbury. Organ, Harrison, Collins, Amos, Smith, Cooper, Stowell. The following team will represent the shipping companies in the match versus the Customs at Victoria Park tomorrow, play commencing at 1.15 p.m.:— Blackmore, Couldrev, Crawford, George, Hewitt, Pearson, Playle, Saxon, Skeet, Speedy and Wilson. SUBURBAN GAMES Senior B Grade Invicta.—Houston, Rimmer, Russell, Clayton, Moore, Howarth, Watkins, Cheeseman, Barker, Davies, Everitt, Mellor. Fawcett, Ltd.—Axon, Bell, Barrett, Rowe (2), Peebles (2), Robinson. Kilgour, Skeen, Fawcett, Mathieson, Madagan. Third Grade Edendale. —R. Ninkie, R. Warren, T. Beanland, AY. Edmunds, AY. Earwaker, H. Cou It hurst, A. Blockley, A. Gargan, H. Lloyd. A. Motion, J. Warren, J. Walton, B. Siddle.