AUSTRALIAN SPORTSMAN

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 12, 15 January 1929, Page 14

AUSTRALIAN SPORTSMAN

MR. R. LEAN'S WORLD TOUR. A QUEST FOR WRESTXERS # CHARLIE PURDY DEVELOPS "FIRE." A sportsman to his finger tips, Mr. Richard Lean, manager of the Melbourne Stadium, is a through passenger by the Aorangi. en route to America and England. Mr. Lean is widely known in this part of the world by sportsmen in general and boxing and wrestling enthusiasts in particular.

From Vancouver, Mr. Lean will go to the United States where he will sign up a number of first-class heavy-weight wrestlers for the next Australian season. Among those whose services he hopes to secure are Strangler Lewis, Joe Stecher, John Pesech and Totts Mund. "I want to get Lewis for five contests if I can, although I shall probably have to pay him every bit as much as £1500 for each match, win, lose or draw," said Mr. Lean. The Australian sportsman speaks highly of Pesech, whom, he saV*. is regarded as the uncrowned champion of the world. "They call Pesech the 'limb-breaker' and he finds it very difficult to get matches, as none of the other wrestlers are keen to meet him. Pesech himself is double jointed," he said. Mr. Lean hopes also to sign up several firstgrade boxers for engagements in the Com in on wealth.

When Mr. Lean has completed his busines in America, he will go on to England, taking with him some light heavy-weight wrestlers for a season in the Homeland. These will include Sam Claphain, Clarence Kckhind, Ted Thye, Al Karasick, Pinkie Gardiner and probably John Kiloniß who met Sunni at Auckland last night.

While in England Mr. Lean will establish branches of Stadiums, Ltd. By making these arrangements he hopes to establish a British Empire circuit, which should assure the Australian boxing public of a steady supply of first-grade talent. It is hoped, too, that eventually South Africa and New Zealand will be brought into the circuit. ''But before New Zealand can hope to see the real top notchers in action the Government restriction limiting the pur&es to £200 will have to be lifted, said Mr. Lean. "I am satisfied that the public in this country would pay to see good fights, although, naturally, the boxers would not expect as big purees as they receive in Australia."

For Charlie Purdy Mr. Lean had a word of praise. "In his last couple of fights Purdy has displayed a certain amount of fireworks. He has at last realised that the public want something for their money, and should do well." Mr. Lean predicts a good future for Johnnie Leckio, the Dominion featherweight champion, especially if he seeks matches overseas. "Leckie would probably pick up £1000 or so in Australia for about five fights," he said.

On one point Mr. Lean is certain, and that is that the English cricketers in Australia are a long way better than the Australians. And Mr. Lean is an Australian. "Barring accidents, the Ell - lishmen will win the next two Tests?' he said with emphasis. With Mr. Lean on the Aorangi, is Jim Heslin. the heavy-weight wrestling champion of Australia. Heslin, who is 27 years of age, is going to America chiefly for experience. Hβ will join Ted Thye in Portland and will go on tour with him.