BOXING.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 June 1921, Page 3

BOXING.

MATCHES IN LONDON. BASHAM Vf PLATTS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received June 1, 5.5 p.m. London, May 31. At the Albert Hall, Johhny Basham beat Gus Platts for the middle-weight championship of Europe on points. The Albert Hall was crowded. Platts i could do nothing in the long range fighting, and quickly seemed outclassed. He could not steer clear of Basham’s famous left. Basham’s footwork was delightful, whereas Platts was ponderous. Platts, in the latter half of the fight, tried all he knew to bring about a knock out. By sheer strength he drove Basham to the ropes, but Basham covered up well and Platts could not reach him. Basham was far ahead on points.

COOK v. GODDARD. George Cook beat Frank Goddard on points In twenty rounds. Cook was handicapped in respect of height and reach, but proved better and faster than Goddard. The first round saw Goddard beaten to the ropes by powerful lofts and rights. The bell saved Goddard from a knock out in the twelfth round, Cook landing a succession of punches from his left and right, under whick Goddard reeled.- Cook scored practically all the points of the contest. There was much holding, and Cook was warned once. Cook was hit low in the thirteenth round, but pluckily continued, scoring a. well merited, clear-cut victory.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.