THE DECLINE OF BOXING

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9124, 25 June 1908, Page 4

THE DECLINE OF BOXING

The noble art of self defence, which has for so many years been regarded as part of our national life, appears to be deteriorating, in this country at least. At any rate, this is the opinion held by critics who were present at the boxing competitions held in Wellington last week. Those who attended for the purpose of

witnessing approved scientific and Bkilful boxing were disgusted with the exhibition. The fine scientific points of the game were thrown aside and replaced by actual "slogging." While it is regrettable that there is a tendency to introduce "brutal force" into boxing, it i 3 not altogether the competitors who are to blame. Instead of being discouraged with a firm hand, the practice has steadily crept into use in the contests, until now it is well established. It can be easily abolished by remodelling the system of giving "points," l.ut this is apparently just what is not wanted, a3 the competitions would then become too tame to draw an attendance. The brutal element in any kind of sport always appeals to a certain section of humanity, but why sacrifice scientific self-defence in order to cater for them? If boxing contests can only be financial successes run on these lines, then it would be better to abolish them. One indignant writer on the recent competitions gives vent to his feelings, thusly:—"Of all the boxing matches I have seen —and I have seen a giol many—those were the worst. There was no boxing in the sense of the word, but it was slogging pure and simple. . . Wo want less of that ci'amped style, head down, body bent and arms waving about like wind-mills. What is more graceful than to see a boxer with his weight thrown on his right foot, head thrown back, chest expanded, and arms moving gracefully; every sense on the alert."