BOXING.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1922, Page 3

BOXING.

COOK’S HISTORY. INTERESTING INCIDENTS. Coming into possession of a pair of boxing gloves, no longer required as portion of the equipment of a travelling show, a youngster in the small town of Dubbo, New South Wales, proudly sallied forth to claim the respect of other fellows of his class, and be hailed as a hero. So much did the boy prize the gift that he was seldom, if at all, without the gloves, carrying them in a sugar sack slung across his shoulder. A challenge was issued to all-comers, out those gloves made his task easy—among the boys of the neighborhood he was champion. That boy was George Cook, who on Thursday last ba,ttled with one of the world’s greatest boxers, Georges Carpentier. Since his first introduction to the gloves Cook has made fairly rapid advancement. The young Australian became well-known in New Zealand some twelve months ago, when he defeated Albert Lloyd in a contest at the Wellington Town Hall for the heavyweight championship of Australasia. It has always been Cook’s ambition to rise to the top of the ladder, and when in Wellington he expressed a keen desire to go to 'England and America. George Cook was born in Dubbo. New South Wales, and lias just reached the age of 23 years. He celebrated his 22nd birthday while a guest of Mr. Brough*

ton, of the Caledonian Hotel, in Wellington, towards the end of 1920. Prior to visiting New Zealand he had twelve fights in Australia, and met with a fair amount of success. Among those whom he failed to beat on the other side were Colin Bell, Alber Lloyd and “Chuek” Wiggins. His first match in New Zea- ’ land was against Jimmy Clabby at Dannevirke, the young Australian being defeated on points. He next met Fritz Holland at Palmerston North, and won on a knock-out in the seventh round. Then came the match with Albert Lloyd at Wellington, and in a keen contest Cook managed to turn the tables on his . clever opponent, gaining the decision on points. The winner left the impression that he was one of the fastest heavyweights seen for some considerable ! time, and there were quite a number of followers of the sport, who considered that Cook would make a name in England. THE DISCOVERY OF COOK. On Cook’s performances in New Zealand very few enthusiasts would have ' classed the young exponent on a par ; with the leading boxers of Europe, but those who had been watching Cook • closely were convinced that he had a great future. So much so was Mr. [ Lucas that he made arrangements to | take Cook further afield. After return- ' ing to Sydney, Cook went on to England with Mr. Lucas, and ere long reI ports came to hand that matches had j been arranged for the Australian. He i was to meet Curphey and Frank God- ' dard. He met them and defeated both. I Against Curphey, at the National Sporting Club, his display was not particularly convincing, although sufficient to i prove that he was a good, sound boxer, 1 and strong. He was, however, apparentIly lacking in finishing power, and on such a showing could not 'be placed anywhere near the top class. According to | one writer, Curphey ‘‘was dragged out. of his compulsory retirement as a lamb I for the slaughter, and was duly slaughtered.” The Cook-Goddard match was stated to be even more unconvincing, mainly because Cook held his opponent so consistently as to discount much of the good work that he performed. At any rate Mr. Lucas was again satisfied, and the two successes meant steps towards his main object since leaving Australia—to match Cook with Carpentier. Attention was next turned to Beckett, with whom a match was desired before meeting the Frenchman. The negotiations. however, broke down, after Beckett had 'been offered £3OOO, win, lose or draw, and an additional £250 if he would sign the articles. A start was thereupon made for the final achievement, and at length, after the Press had strongly supported Mr. Lucas, the Cook-Carpentier match was announced. It is worthy of note that this was done without awaiting the issue of another important contest—Joe Beckett v. Roy McCormick; and Cook was acclaimed a lucky man. though he had many admirers. Actually at the time he was a much better boxer than most, if not all, of the other heavy-weights of British birth. He was worthy of the honor —fast, possessing plenty of stamina, not deficient in pluck, and skilful in the use of his head and hands.