BOXING.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 September 1921, Page 3

BOXING.

COMING BIG FIGHT. GEOBGE COOK v. CARPENTIER. AUSTRALIAN EXPECTS TO WIN. London, August 29. An Australian Press correspondent who visited George Cook in his training quarters says Cook "is as fit as a fiddle,” and is delighted that he is to meet Carpentier in December. It was the ambition of Lis life to meet Carpentier, and he felt that ho was going to win. "I hare heard great things of Carpentier, but I have confidence in myself, and Australians can depend that I will not disgrace them, I would like some Australian to send me a silk Australian flag, which I will wear as a sash in my big encounter.” Since fighting Goddard in May, Cook has kept himself in fair condition by regular light work. He is going to the Isle of Man for a few weeks’ holiday, accompanied by Johnny Basham, who, he considers, the best possible sparring partner, and on returning to London will conclude his training with Basham, who considers Cook’s chances are very bright.

Mr. Lucas, Cook’s unanager, questioned concerning the steps that led to the arranging, of the fight, stated that when he left Australia tls big object was to match Cook with Carpentier, and before that contest he desired that Cook should fight Curphey, Goddard, and Beckett. It was not his fault that the Beckett fight was not arranged. Beckett had been offered £3OOO, win, lose, or draw. Mr. Lucas said he also offered him £250 if he would sign the articles. Beckett was illadvised, and now realised his mistake. Having failed to match Cook with Beckett, he turned his attention to Carpentier, but quickly discovered that th© determined interests opposed , to such a fight would stop at nothing to prevent it. He was fortunate in having the whole Press cn his side, and thanks to the newspapers the flgtt was eventually arranged. Mr. Lucas said that many people, through sentiment, overrated Carpentier. An examination of his record revealed that he was a long way from a world-beater, and he was confident that Cook would beat him. Mr. Lucas says Cook has youth, strength, and weight, and equals Carpentier for speed. He is game and very tough, and wiil certainly enter the ring brimful of confidence. "My opinion is that any man wto can live for six rounds with Carpentier will beat him. I don’t figure on Cook winning on a knock-out; I ’imply expect a hard fight in which Cook will triumph ” Mr. Lucas has secured the Australian cinema rights.

The Morning Post says that Cook is certainly the best heavyweight in sight, and he

is far too astute a to be caught with his guard down as Beckett was in the first round of his contest with Carpentier.