BOXING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3170, 22 April 1909, Page 3

BOXING.

After a successful tour in America, extending over five months, Jem. Driscoll, the accomplished feather, weight, returned to England recently Interveiwed at Plymouth, Driscoll stated that he had taken part in 10 contests. In three months he beat Urover Hayes (three times, Matty Baldwin (twice), Johnny Marks, Leach Cross, Abe Attell, and the Australian, Charlie Griffin. His most important encounter was with the Hebrew, Abe Attell, especially financially, for it drew the largest crowd. The receipts amounted to 16,000 dollars, of which sum Driscoll received 40 per cent, arid Attell 30 per cent. Speaking of American boxers generally, Driscoll said they were strong, vigorous, and hardhitting,, and always made things willing for whoever took them on v ßv that he did not mean to infer that they were lacking in science, but that thsy combined good science with hustling and hard punching that always made them dangerous. They called for all one's constant watchfullness, cleverness, and ready footwork to avoid an untimely blow which would end matters for an unwary opponent. -On coming to the Griffin contest, Driscoll referred to that encounter with some feeling. The Australian was reported to have said that in their first contest in England he had the Welshman "stone cold,"' and why ht was disqualified he did not know. After meeting Hayes on the Saturday, Driscoll travelled 35 1 ) miles t< box Griffin on the Tuesday, and afte] having all the best of the deal, Jerr put bis man down for the full coun ! in the 11th round. Driscoll spoke highly of the splendid treatment he received in America. There is e suggestion of his now meeting Owen Moran in Wales. According to a report from New York, Jim Jefferies, the undefeatec heavy-weight champion, who retiree! from the ring a few years ago, wil make a match with Johnson, tht coloured champion, within the nex four months, by which time Jefferies will have concluded a series of profi table music hall engagements. It i: stated that Jefferies, after six weeki training, will be in championship form once again, and is confident that he is still able to secure the title for the white race. Althougl there is a possibility of Johnson anc Jefferies meeting in a contest foi the world's championship, it is hardlj likely that a match would take place for some time to come. Ever since Johnson defeated Tommy Burn 9 at Sydney, efforts have been made to in> duce Jefferies, who retired five years ago. to take the ring again. Jefferies firSt'won the world's championship ir 1899, when he beat, Robert Fitzsimmons at Coney Island, New \ork. In the same year, at the same place, he defeated Thomas Sharkey, while three years later, at San Francisco, he was again victorious overFitzsimmons. In 1903 Jefferies beat James Corbett at San Francisco, and in the following year he won from Jack Munroe. The premier honours in the heavyheight boxing competition of the Royal Veterinary College Athletic Club's tournament, just concluded at the Prince of Wales' Gymnasium, Kentish Town, were carried off by Mr P. R. Thompson, a New Zealander. There were four entries ' for the event, and Mr Thompson was easily the winner. He also entered in the heavy-weight wrestling, but was put out in the first round.