BOXING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 51, 25 March 1909, Page 3

BOXING.

The Taranaki JJoxinjf Association hold their annual chauipioasJtip tournament at the Theatre Koyal last evening. There was a large attendance, representative of the patrons of the noble art in all parts of Taranaki. The coiltests were between Taranaki exponents for the championships of the province in four weights. Entries were fairly good, but "scratchings" were also heavy, and in sonic of the contests tuere were only two and three contestants. The work last night as a whole was not equal to Unit of former tournaments. Home of the bouts, however, were distinctly good, the lieavy-wcight " go" between liyan anil Nightingale bringing out some hard, clean and scientific hilling. The light-weight championship, too, between A. Lovegrove and L. Tressider was interesting, and although hard knocks were given and taken on both sides, the rounds were fought in a friendly and sportsmanlike manner. In the feather-weight "go " Maxwell boxed well in his first tight against UrilTo, but was not so successful in the final with! James, the ability of the latter to stand punishment being considerable. The finish of this contest resolved itself into a " hit, clinch and wear 'im down" match rather than a scientific exposition of the art of self-defence. The middleweight championship, boxed between | Thomas and WilcockL, opened wen, but the superior condition of the latter in the fourth round won him the medal. Mr. J. J, Stagpoolc, assisted in some 01 the events by Mr. A. Lovegrove, oll'ieiated as xeferee, Mr. J. Bennett being timekeeper. The secretarial duties were well carried out by Mr. A. U. Maxwell. Mr. thunders' orchestra supplied an enjoyable programme of music between the touts.

The programme was opened by a novice match between Urancis and and Louis, two of Prof. Stagpoole's pupils. The James Brothers followed, these clever hitters sparring three rounds in a manner that showed they had been well tutored. MIDDLE-WEIGHT.

Wilcock (Hawera) list. 21b v. Thomas (Waitnra) list. In this mutch six rounds of three minutes each were announced, these being the only competitors. In the first round the Hawera man led up and made the hitting of the rapid order. The second round was fought out more evenly. The next bout was a- very determined one, Thomas making his best effort, but for every straight hit he delivered lje received two in return, The fourth, fifth and filial rounds were all in favor of Wilcocks, his opponent pluckily taking much heavy punishment, Wilcocks was awarded the honors, both on points and condition. LIGHT-WEIGHTS.

, L. Tressider (New Plymouth) Ost. 'lllb v. A. Lovegrove (New Plymouth) lOst. The bout opened in a lively manner, and in the first round honors were about even. On time being sounded each contestant came up fresh and determined. The boxing was of a more cautious and scientific nature, both men taking hard hits as if they relished them. In the third and final round Lovegrove sent in some heavy straight left-handers. Tressider's nimbleness on his feet here stood him in good stead. The latter also showed the better form, and, making the fighting, was awarded firat honors. FEATHEII-WEIGHT.

Maxwell (New Plymouth) 9st. v. Griil'u (New Plymouth) list. Maxwell | showed himself the better and more scientific boxer, Itis display of rapid hitting and clean footwork being distinctly good. The sudden manner in which he delivered his forceful left-handers quickly put Griil'u on the defence, the latter having had enough before the completion of the second round. A. James, who had a bye, then sparred a couple of rounds with A. Lovegrove. l7j the final round for this championship, between James and Maxwell, six rounds were sparred, the display being entirely spoiled by the contestants frequently clinching. Maxwell made the fighting and showed the better style. James' abilty to stand heavy hitting was considerable, lu the fiual Jaiues seemed the fresher of the two and successively forced his opponent on to the ropes. As the bout drew to a finish both showed signs of fatigue. James was proclaimed the \vipner, the decision receiving a mixed reception from a large portion of the audience. HEAVY-WEIGHTS.

iJigktiugale (Hawera) list. v, Ryan (New Plymouth) 12st. 121b. This was the linest bout ut the evening, and consisted of six rounds. Each man took a turn at the lead in tile iirst two rounds, the principal feature being the clean hard hitting on the part of each, Ryan getting the more weight into his hits. The third round saw Nightingale very determined, and as time sounded the balance of tlie honors were in bis favor. Uoth men came up fresih for the fourth round, and the spar was ail interesting one, the visitor showing the better condition. The following rouni} Nightingale led up and planted several heavy left-handers 011 his opponent's jaw. Ryan boxed gamely and gave stroke for stroke, but by this time his jabs lacked power. Jn the final both men came up determined to make the round fast and furious. Xightingiile, despite tile punishment he had received, seemed quite fresh, and, making the lighting, sent home several heavy hits from the left that won him the contest.