FRITZ HOLLAND HERE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 967, 9 May 1930, Page 7

FRITZ HOLLAND HERE

FAMOUS BOXER TO SETTLE IN AUCKLAND BRILLIANT RING CAREER Famous as the man who twice beat the late Les Darcy, Fritz Holland has arrived in Auckland with a view to opening up a gymnasium and settling here. Although most of his biggest fights took place in America and Australia, Fritz made his home in New Zealand on retiring from the ring, and is well known throughout the Dominion as a boxing instructor and trainer of Rugby teams. He will be remembered by readers of THE SUN as the author of a series of breezy stories on the prizering. Fritz was born in AVest Virginia in 1886, and was the son of a clergyman. As a youth he spent three 3*ears in the ; American Navv. Then he took up boxing, as a career, and was soon recognised as one of the best man at his weight in the States. He had a brilliant run of success in California, and in 1913 was approached by Tommy Burns, who was getting a team for Stadiums, Ltd., Australia, and accepted a contract for five fights. Going to Australia, all the members with the exception of Fritz were beaten in their first fights, and returned to the States, but he stayed on and engaged in 57 contests. Twice did ho defeat the brilliant Les Darcy, once on points and once on a foul, and also lost to him. Tommy Uren he twice defeated; knocked out Albert Lloyd; drew with Dave Smith, then heavy-weight champion of Australia; beat Mick King, the middleweight champion; beat Tom McCormick, of England, Lonsdale Belt holder, and drew with Jimmy Clabby. He lost a points decision over 20 rounds to George Cook, and came to New Zealand in 1920 to fight Tommy Uren in Wellington, the latter taking the decision over 20 rounds. For the last six years he has been located at Christchurch, but he has now transferred to Auckland, where he intends to settle with his wife and family. When he opens his gymnasium in Auckland, Fritz will hold classes for business men. as well as for youthful aspirants, v For the boys anxious to learn boxing, but without the money

to pay the usual fes, Fritz has a scheme of honorary membership whereby a boy can learn the noble art without paying-. Holland will be a welcome addition to the boxing- trainers at present teaching in this city.