BOXING NOTES

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 74, 22 November 1940, Page 21

BOXING NOTES

Big Bout Arranged + Strickland And The Alabama Kid To Meet

HE big question of the moment is whether the proposed bout between Maurice Strickland and Clarence Reeves (Alabama Kid), will actually take place. Whatever the ultimate decision of the Boxing Council, every fight follower in New Zealand will hope it is favourable. The match is being arranged ‘by the Manawatu Boxing ‘Association, and is to take place on the Showgrounds, Palmerston North, on the evening of Boxing

Day. Two trips were made from Auckland to Wellington by the Alabama Kid before the articles were signed. For a time there was a hitch in the negotiations. As soon as he had his copy of the articles, Strickland left his work and started training at Koolman’s gym., in Wellington. Reeves returned to Auckland, where he will get himself into shape at the Auckland Gym. Charlie Lucas, who has been acting on behalf of the Manawatu Boxing Association, is now waiting for the council’s permit. If there is no hitch in this part of the arrangements, the match test will eclipse any other bout. ever staged in the Dominion. In fine weather the bout should draw from fifteen to twenty thousand. Supports will possibly include a twelve-rounder between Johnny Hutchinson and an opponent yet to be selected. * * * Most will remember Tommy Fairhall, one-time Australian star performer, who fought often in New Zealand. Tommy joined up at the outbreak of war, and after training at Burnham, went overseas. He is now Quartermaster Sergeant with the Second Echelon. * * * The Greymouth heavyweight C. March, who holds the Dominion amateur title in this division, had an outing recently when he met Wellingtonian Don Mullett. Mullett has done most of his training on the football field this season,

He put up a good showing, but the Greymouth champion secured a meritorious victory. * * * It is likely that Mullett will act as one of Strickland’s sparring partners, as he is one of the few thirteen-stoners in Wellington. Steve Havill, ex-Manawatu heavyweight, is also at present in Wellington, and it is likely that he also will help Strickland in his preparation. Big Steve is fifteen stone. * * * Short Leads Cliff. Hanham is disappointed about not getting a match with Johnnie Hutchinson. The terms asked for Hutchinson’s services were too great for the Waimate Association. * * * Ron Richards and Fred Henneberry meet at the Sydney stadium at the end of the month for the middleweight championship of Australia.