N.Z. BOXING TITLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 270, 12 November 1923, Page 9

N.Z. BOXING TITLE.

HEENEY AGAIN CHAMPION. AFTER FIVE EVEN ROUNDS. O'SULLIVAN DISQUALIFIED. (By Tclegravfc—Special to "Star. *i OISBORXE, this day. The professional heavyweight title was regained by Tom Heeney on Saturday, O'Sullivan being disqualified in the fifth round. To this stage the fight had been even, Heeney showing determination and aggressiveness, and O'Sullivan wielding a straight left with speed and precision. On account of O'Sullivan's advantages in height and reach, Heeney consistently endeavoured to gain close quarters. A great deal of clinching and infighting resulted from these tactics, the Gisborneite paying attention to his opponent's body with weighty hooks and jolts, and O'Sullivan responding capably with lefts to the stomach and right jabs to the head. In the open fighting Heeney invited his opponent's lead, shaking the Auck!ander with right counters. Heeney's blows carried much more weight than i did his opponent's, and as he accepted O'Sullivan's best without flinching, the Aucklander began to show him more , respect. O'Sullivan's defence was pood, 8;Iove and foot work combining at high speed. Twice he evaded dangerous rushes by clever headwork while on the ropes. 'Hie finish was extraordinary. Heeney's ' left eye, which was cut in the contest • with Savage at Napier, was opened up ■ by a glancing right blow, and blood sbscured the challenger's sight. o'Sul- . livan played his left upon the cut, inducing a stream of blood. Heeney : realised he had no time to lose, and plunged in, rocking the Aucklander with left and right swings, and O'Sullivan, bustled along the ropes, fell to one knee, ■ following heavy body blows. He regained his feet immediately, but as Heeney tore in again O'Sullivan rested both gloves on the canvas before takinc a blow. The referee, Mr. Maxwell, stopped the contest, awarding the fight to Heeney, and disqualifying O'Sullivan. Sonnf misapprehension on the part of the crowd as to the decision started a tremendous uproar, O'Sullivan's ' hand being seen first in the air. Mr. 1 Maxwell explained later that as he ' placed his hand on O'Sullivan to order > him to his corner the Aucklander 7 raised his own hand. The correction. - restored good humour to tho crowd, but • MV. Peoples, the trainer of O'Sullivan, announced tha tho would appeal to the Boxing Council. It was reported toI day, however, that the appeal would not be prosecuted. > I .. ======