BOXING NOTES

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 55, 12 July 1940, Page 23

BOXING NOTES

Cliff Hanham + New Light-Heavy Champion + Richards May Come To New Zealand

¥ : 7 AIMATE came into the boxing picture when Cliff Hanham, the boxing idol of that district, won the light-heavyweight crown by outpointing George Allen over fifteen rounds’ at Wellington. Over the earlier part of the contest Allen won the majority of the rounds, but Hanham staged a fast finish which in the opinion of the Judges won him the contest andthe title. In Cliff Hanham, Waimate .has a boxer of worth, although from an impartial observer's point of view he could do with more coaching in the art of infighting. Another weakness that could

not be passed over by an observant critic was the new champion’s systematic short hitting with the left. Had he moved forward with this blow he’ would have hit the target much more often than he did. George Allen was of the opinion that he won. well in his contest with Cliff Hanham, and he was not alone in this. However, all boxers must abide by the decision. * * * Boxing in the South Island is still; in the doldrums. Many boxers have entered camp’ and most of the star performers are at the moment in the North Island.

According to report, Ron Richards is to visit New Zealand early in August, but inquiries have so far failed to give any information as to whom his opponents are likely to be. It is probable however that his opponents will also be brought from Australia, and one of them is likely to be the Alabama Kid. There are no worthy opponents in New Zealand for Richards other than Maurice Strickland, and Strickland is too heavy to be matched with the hard-punching Australian, * * * It is reported that Jackie Sharpe, of the. Air Force, has been training consistently since he fought Jarvis in Wellington, * * * Many old-timers have been held up as examples to the youngsters coming along in the game, and in this connection Tim Tracy, veteran boxer and exlightweight champion of New Zealand, has never been a drinker nor a smoker. Another abstainer is Alf Cleverley, exOlympic representative, who neither drinks nor smokes, although he has been out of the game for many years. * * * Compare these two with other boxers in the limelight overseas. Tony Galento systematically trains on cigars and beer, which according to himself, assist rather than retard his training. That may be Galento’s way of thinking, but the majority vote goes to the athlete who is an abstainer and non-smoker, * *« * Although boxing is flourishing in Australia, many front rankers are talking about coming this way. While Gildo and Hutchinson are already here, the Alabama Kid and Archie Moore, the American negro, are on the list of possibilities, * * * A Ron Richards Archie Moore. contest in the Dominion would in all probability eclipse the Donoyan-Sarron contests of 1929. The match between these two in Wellington still stands as / a record for attendance, purse, and gate money.