BOXING.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 October 1921, Page 3

BOXING.

TOURNAMENT AT NEW PLYMOUTH. ■MIDDLE-WEIGHT PROFESSIONAL CONTEST. ' HEENEY DEFEATS CADMAN, The popularity of boxing, and the fact that the action of the Taranaki Boxing Association in staging a championship event at New Plymouth is appreciated by tbe sporting public, was shown by tire record attendance at tlie Heeney-Cadman contest in the Coronation Hall on Saturday night. By 8 o’cdock, tbe time set for the commencement of the tournament, it is estimated that there was an attendance of over 1200 drawn from all parts of the province.

The officials of the association had anticipated that the staging of a professional championship, carrying a purse of 150 sovs. and 50 sovs. expenses, and the matching of two such well-known boxers as Heeney, Gisborne (holder), and Cadman, Auckland (cha!lengcr), would draw a recora crowd, anti they made arrangements accordingly. The 1 accommodation of such a large crowd is noi easy mhtter, and it speaks well for the organising ability of Mr. N. B. Howell, who tad charge of this department, that ample seating was available and that all were able to secure a good view of the contests. The arrangements were distinctly good, and the officials are to be congratulated on the success achieved. The principal officials were: Messrs. E. Jackson (announcer), J. Bennett and ,E. Whittle (time-keepers), W. Richards, (glove steward), E. Reed, J. Kurta, and J. Abbott (call and weight stewards), K. Inch (ring steward), W. Whitaker, T. Smith and W. Richards (official seconds), and N. B. Howell (house manager). Dr. E. A. Walker and Dr. R. C. Brewster were the ton. surgeons. Mr. E. Whittle, as chairman, and other members of the committee did their share, whilst Mr. E. Clarke, as secretary, again had complete arrangements made.

The principal item in the programme was the professional middle-weight championship contest between Cadman and Heeney. This was scheduled for 15 three-minute rounds, but was won by Heeney by a knock-out in the eighth round, after he had been in the lead ail tlie way. Prior to this bout live preliminaries were staged. Mr. F. Burns, of Auckland, refereed, and gave general satisfaction, save in one tout. In which a section of. the audience took exception to the decision, but the general opinion was that It was a correct Detailed results are:—

PROFESSIONAL BOUT. SUPERIORITY OF HEENEY. Tbe professional bout commenced about 9.30 p.m Heeney, whose weight was announced as list., was attended by A. Heeney and Allen, whilst Cadman, 11.6, was attended by Portecus, McPherson, and C. H. Fielding. Both men looked in the pink of condition, Heeney appealing, if anything, the more, rugged. The contest only went about half the scheduled distance, Heeney winning by a knock-out in the eighth round, thus retaining the championship. On the evening’s display there ts no question which was the better man, Heeney having the better of practically every round. The contest was very fast and open. Beth men showed considerable cleverness in. attack and defence, but Heeney showed to, better advantage in both, whilst in in-fighting fie was remarkably effective, getting in some telling work. In fact, it may be said that Heeney out-fought Cadman in every department. Cadman, however, made a plucky stand, and took of punishment, but could ht>t withstand the vigorous onslaughts of his aggressive opponent.

The opening of the first round saw Cadman lead to the face with little effect, Heeney retaliating to the head. Close work followed, in which Heeney showed his SuperiorIn tlie second round Heeney led, but blissed, and Cadman swung for the face. More close work ensued, in which Heeney bad bis opponent, thinking, but Cadman, recovered well. The third round, though slower, was more exen, each shewing up at open fighting. Heeney again excelled in what in-fighting there was. Heeney opened up very fast in the fourth round and bad the better right through, carrying the fight to his opponent with considerable effect, and just failing to connect to the jaw. Cadman appeared to revive at the commencement of the fifth round and essayed a swing hit, which missed. Hfeeney scored to tlie face, and later connected to the body with a left hook that weakened Cadman. The sixth round was also in Heeney’s favor, Caddnan escaping punishment by clever deThe seventh round was the beginning or tbe end. Heeney had the upper hand, proving very aggressive, and the gong was welcome to his opponent. In the eighth round Cadman made a determined effort and sent a right hook to the head. Heeney crossed to the jaw, and a succession of punches sent Cadman to tlie boards for seven. Soon after rising Cadman xvas sent down' again with a right to the face and a left to the body, taking the count.

T 4: THE PRELIMINARIES. SOME INTERESTING BOUTS. Bantam-weight.—Davies (New Plymouth) 8.6 v. B. Donovan (Eltham) 8.4. Davies, who is quite a lad, was much more youthful than his opponent. Donovan wasi cautioned for holding in the first round, In which Davies had the advantage. Donovan gave up early in the second round, after again being cautioned.

Light-weight.—S. Hope (New Plymouth) 9st. v. Brosnan (New Plymouth) lOst. This bout went the full six rounds. Hope, who showed considerable improvement since last in the ring, did most of the forcing and gained the verdict on points.

Welter-weight.—J. Willis (New Plymouth) 10.5 v. A. Clarry (Eltham) 10.10. In. the first round Willis showed more science than his opponent, wbo was inclined to use his shoulder, and also bit with the palm of his hand. He was cautioned on two or three occasions in the first round, and repeating the palming in the second round, the fight was awarded to Willis. This decision met with a mixed reception from those not in a position to see the cause.

Fly-weight.—Collins (Stratford) 6.8 w. Brooking (Stratford) 7.10. This was the mg,st scientific contest of the evening. Childs, who had been matched against Collins, had, been ill and was unable to pass the doefrur. so Brooking was substituted. In view of the dispartiy in the weights it was mzde a nodecision exhibition contest, and a very fine one it proved. Both lads showed cleverness, both in attack and defence. Collins, who was at a disadvantage as regards reach andweight, covered up well and allowed fine footwork, whilst he was also very speedy in attack. Both lads were given a fine reception a„ the conclusion, and this Was repeated when Mr. Jackson announced that tho association had decided to present each with a medal.

Heavy-weight.—A. Mills (Riverlea) 12.6 v. R. Wilson (s.s. Essex) 12.2. Pepperell (Riverlea) was (matched to meet Mills, but owing to a mishap to his car he did not reach New Plymouth until too late. Wilson, one of the apprentices on board the steamer Essex, took his place. Mills is the jmssessor of a powerful punch. Wilson also shaped very nicety, and a good open bout ensued for a couple of rounds. flondition then told, - and in the.third round Mills was able to connect with right and left, and Wilson, who had made a plucky stand, was compelled to give in.