BOXING.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 November 1919, Page 5

BOXING.

CLABBY DEFEATS HEENEY. KNOCK-OUT IN TENTH ROUND. . . , Napier, Nov. 25. To-night at the Municipal Theatre, Hastings, two notable boxers, Jimmy Clabby, of America, middle-weight champion of Australia, and Jack Heeney, of Gisborne, middle-weight champion of New Zealand, met in a 15roimd bout for a purse of £250. The theatre was crowded in every part. Heeney's weight was given as list 21b., and his height as sft. Bin., against Ciabby's Hat. 41b., and height sft 9in. From the moment the contest opened the American demonstrated his superiority, v and landed a powerful right to the chest, and in a clinch which followed landed several, body punches. These he varied with smart taps to the face. In the second round Clabby landed a left and right to the face in quick succession, Hceney retaliating without effect. After more in-fighting the round ended much in Ciabby's favor. The third round found the American still getting in telling work in clinches, and in tlie fourtli round Heeney tried for upper-cuts, but Clabby, with brilliant footwork, easily evaded his opponent's attacks. In the fifth round Heeney made an effort to keep the fighting open, but Ciabby's length of reach and footwork left no opening. The succeeding rounds were of a similar nature to the first three. The pair were mostly in clinches with Clabby making the New Zealander look very much like an amateur—not one clear blow could lie land on his elusive opponent who continually peppered him with weakening jabs. There could be only one end to this one-sided contest and tlie beginning thereof was in the ninth round. Clabby, who apparently chose the minute when he should really make his effort, swung a smart right like lightning, completely breaking Heeney's defence. The Gisbornite went to the boards and took the count to nine. On rising Clabby quickly landed another. Heeney hung to his opponent, and the gong saved him. The tenth round found Ileeney at the mercy of his more scientific opponent, who landed three blows to the jaw in quick succession. The count followed, and the contest ended. Mr. Tim Tracey, of Wellington, was referee.