PURDY-LOVERIDGE FIGHT

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 86, 13 April 1926, Page 14

PURDY-LOVERIDGE FIGHT

REFEREE SURPRISED.

AT PURDY'S PUNCH.

"A GREATLY IMPROVED BOXER."

The greatest interest was taken in the contest between Dick Loveridge (Taranaki), and Charlie Purdy (Auckland), at New Plymouth on Saturday night. The house was packed, £125 being taken at the doors. This was the first time Purdy had appeared in Taranaki, and every one was anxious to see the Aucklander, about whom so much had been favourably heard.

Mr. Allan Maxwell, the Well-known Wellington referee, who was the third man in the ring, returned by motor car on Sunday night. ''There was only one man in it," Mr. Maxwell informed a "Dominion" reporter on his return. "Purdy was much too fast and clever for Loveridge, and made the Taranaki boy miss badly time and again. The first four rounds were even; but all the rest, with the exception of the fifteenth, went to Purdy, who boxed brilliantly. It was clear that tlie Aucklander had taken notice of criticism upon his recent showing at Wellington, as on Saturday night he never once was guilty of hitting with the open glove. It was evident, also, that Purdy has developed a punch, as he opened a gash over one of Loveridge's eyes in the third round, and damaged his opponent's other eye in the eighth. Loveridge presented a fearsome picture, covered as he was in blood. Purdy was unmarked at tin end of the battle. He is a greatly improved boxer, and his showing against such a lusty opponent as Loveridge surprised mc oil Saturday. Tlie decision met with the entire approval of tho crowded house. The welter title was not involved." Mr. Maxwell declared that iae tournament was excellently staged hy the Taranaki Boxing Association. The amateur bouts, which were all interesting, were refereed by Professor J. J. Stagpbolc, a veteran of 76 years of age. Boxing in New Plymouth is immensely popular, as is shown from the fact that the New Plymouth Association from being in debt has now a credit balance of £80. "They are getting" all the best, men up there," said Mr. Maxwell, "and the next contest will be between Williams and Stace."