BOXING

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 311, 28 June 1912, Page 8

BOXING

THE KIIAUSS-CARPENTIER FIGHT. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 27/ 11.25 p.m. Paris, June 20. Krauss states that he had the tight o* his life, and that in two years Carpentier would be unbeatable, lie was ready to give Carpenticr his revenge. THE TAI'ANAKI TOURNAMENT. Most unpleasant weather conditions greeted the Taranaki Boxing Society last night for the opening of their tournament, and as a result there was only a very moderate attendance. The sport provided was clean and interesting, and it was quite patent that there was a friendly rivalry existing between the various competitors, who were out to do their best against each other for the love of the sport. As exemplified by the exhibitions last night, there was nothing of a brutalising nature in boxing, for as soon as the referee (Mr. J. J. Stagpoole) saw that a man was outclassed he at once stopped the fight and awarded it to the opponent. There were fifteen ! contests altogether, and in only one case 1 was there a knock-out. The arrange- : ments were perfect, and reflect great credit on the committee. The principal officials were: Messrs. J. J. Stagpoole (referee), L. B. Webster (M.C.), and J. Bennett (timekeeper). All the contests were four rounds of three minutes each, save the finals, which were six rounds, but neither of the finals so far fought went the full distance. CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS. ' LIGHTWEIGHTS. ' The first bout was 'between J. L. Power (Okato), 9.13, and F. Foley (Puniwhakau), 9.10. This go was not very exciting. In the first round the combatants seemed chary of geeting to close quarters. Foley swung with a right to the jaw, but did little damage. In the second and third rounds, Foley had much the better, and was declared the winner.

S. Styles (New Plymouth), 9|lo, v. \V. Coombe (Opuriake), 9.3. This proved a little more exciting. The New Plymouth had was easily ahead in the first round. The second and third were rather more even, Coombe mixing them up tetter. Early in the fourth round the referee stopped the fight and awarded jit to Styles, announcing that Coombe was bo far behind on points that it was useless continuing. Ct. Thomas (Eltham), 10.0, boxed a bye with T. Whittaker. FEATHER-WEIGHTS.

W. Clarry (Eltham), 9.0, v. F. Walker (New Plymouth), 8.9. This proved the best go of the evening. The first -round opened carefully. Walker proved himself a cool "boy, and mixed it well with both hands, stopping Clarry's rushes with swings to the jaw. The second arid third rounds were practically repetitions of the first, relieved by clinches, and in the : fourth Walker was putting it all over his opponent, and the referee stopped the contest and award it to Walker. These were the only contestants, as Olliver, who had entered, could not compete, owing to an injured thumb. MIDDLE-WEIGHTS. Craig (Eltham), 10.10, v. C. Bridge (Egrnont Village), 11.2. Early in toe first round Bridger connected with the jaw of his opponent, who was dazed thereby, and fell an easy victim a blow or two later. T. White (Xew Plymouth), 10.7, boxed a bye with G. Hawkins. TERRITORIAL COMPETITIONS. Under 10 stone. Okey (Xew Plymouth), 10.0, v. W. Uihver (New Plymouth), 8.3. This went the full four rounds, and provided a very exciting contest. Both men were very willing, and fought freely. Olliver proved the more scientific, and stopped his opponent with straight lefts to the point, upper-cuts and rights snaps to the jaw. Okey put up a plucky contest, and showed great capacity for taking jpunishment. The verdict, "Olliver wins!" was very popular. F. Foley, 9.10 (Puniwhakau), box«d a bye with W. Whittaker. > G. Thomas (Eltham), 10.10, and S. Styles (New Plymouth), 9.10. This was one of the closest events oT the evening. The two men mixed matters well, and entering the final round were level on points. In the last round Thomas had the advantage, and drove his adversary, who had already taken part in three contests, to the ropes on several occasions, ultimately winning by a point. F. Walker (New Plymouth), 8.9, v. Knight (Hawera), 9.5. Walker went at it from the start, and chasing the Hawera lad all over the ring knocked him out early in the second round. NOVICE EVENTS. Under Bst. 101b.'

The only entries in this were C. Oakes (New Plymouth), 8.10, and A. Clarry (Lltham), 8.10, and early in the first round the former tossed the towel. Under 9st. 101b. .T. E. Thompson (Eltham), 9.4, v. Rex Olliver (New Plymouth), 9.3. This went the full four rounds, Olliver, who. appeared to lead in each round, being given the decision, which was greeted with applause. Coombes (Opunake), 9.3, v. N. West (Hawera), 9.4. This provided the comedy element, and created roars of hilarity. Coombes' peculiar crouch and wild swings non-plussed ihis opponent in the first round, but in the seeond West got all over Coombes, and the referee wisely stopped the contest, and awarded the decision to West. S. Styles (New Plymouth) boxed a bve with Whittaker.

TO-NIGHT'S PROGRAMME. Given fine weather, there should be a record attendance to-night, for those who attended last night were well satisfied with the fare provided, and of course to-night will prove more interesting, as naturally after the process of elimination after last night's heats, only the best men remain. The programme to bo gone through is a lengthy one, so patrons will require to be in their seats punctually at eight o'clock. The following events will be decided:--Semi-final and final of the Ost. 101b. novice class, in which X. West, R. Olliver and Styles remain; light-weight championship between G. Thomas, P. Foley and Stylos, and also the lOst. 'territorial contest between Thomas, Walker, Olliver and Foley. The finals of the middle-weight between T. "White and C. Bridger, and of the heavy-weights between White and Walsh will also be boxed. In addition, J. Thomson and F. Foley, who drew at Eltluun, will light a special match.