ANOTHER RING TRAGEDY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 79, 3 April 1911, Page 7

ANOTHER RING TRAGEDY.

DEATH OF 808 BRYANT.

AFTER MATCH WITH WHITELAW.

COLLAPSES IN A TRAM.

NEWCASTLE, March 26. Last night Boy Bryant and Bob Wnitelaw, two well-known welter-weight boxers, engaged in a 20 rounds contest at the Summer Park, in the presence of some 400 or 500 spectators. Tc-night Bryant died in the Newcastle Hospital. The right was stopped .by the referee in the 20th round, and a decision given in favour of Whitelaw. Bryant left the ring unaided, dressed himself, and was proceeding to his hotel by tram with his supporters when he suddenly collapsed. He was carried into the hotel, but, as it was soon evident that his condition wae serious, he was conveyed to the hospital, where he expired shortly after 7 o'clock this evening.

The fight from the outset has been described as "a ding-dong go." Whitelaw was in perfect trim, and attacked with tremendous energy. Bryant fought well, but it was obvious after the first few rounds that he was getting the worst of the deal. In the twelfth round he was punis-hed severely, and slipped down on to his hands for a few seconds. Most of the spectators thought then that he was a beaten man, but the gong went and he retired to his corner. He recovered wonderfully before the next round, and from that on until the nineteenth he stood up in the gamest possible manner to Whitelaw's fierce onslaughts. It was noticeable that not opce was Bryant knocked down, nor did he take a single count. The end came in the middle of the twentieth round. Bryant was "rocking," and it was obvious that it only required a well-directed blow to knock him out. Inspector Banks', who was standing close by, moved towards the ringside and held up his hands. At the same moment the referee, Mr. H. Ford, stepped to the middle of the ring, and, holding up his hands, stopped the fight, and said, "I declare Bab Whitelaw the winner."

Bryant was evidently of opinion that he could see the round out, for he exclaimed, "I don't think that's fair." However, he retreated to his seat, and Tβceived the attention of his seconds. In a few moments lie rose, and, walking across the ring shook hands with Whitelaw, and spoke to him regarding the possession of the gloves, and his personal expenses. With the assistance of his seconds he dressed, and then boarded a tram bound for the city. When nearing the hotel where was stopping Bryant euddenly collapsed. He was insensible -when lifted by four of his friends, and taken into the hotel. As he did not recover medical assistance was summoned, and he was taken to the hospital. He failed to regain consciousness, and died as stated. The cause of death has, of course, yet to be ascertained, but it is stated that there were symptoms that pointed to an abscess having broken on the brain. For some weeks past, it is said, deceased had complained of pains in the head, bat the trouble did not interfere with his training, and was not regarded as serious. "Deceased, whose correct name was James Boland, a single man, was 23 years of age, and was -well-known in boxing circles throughout the State. His father was present at last night's contest. Late last night a number of men connected officially with last night's contest attended at the police station, and were charged with being concerned in causing the death of James Boland, known as "Bob" Bryant, at Newcastle, on March 25. Those charged were Bob Whitelaw, Henry Ford (referee), Les O'Donnell, W. Williams, W. Callaghan, and Charles Lawrence.