BOXING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 4, 6 January 1931, Page 9

BOXING.

H. JOHNS TURNS PRO

TO MEET H. LECKIE JANUARY 26,

For some considerable time the Northern Boxing Association lias been "able to secure good matches for Auckland patrons of the professional fisticuff art, and lias consequently followed the wise plan of not- staging bouts that would have little drawing pol.cr. With the wrestling season closed- the authorities have exerted' themselves to find a good draw-card, and in this they have proved successful. On January 2G at the Town Hall, the association wil lstage a bout between Harry Johns, who has now turned professional, and Hector Leckie, professional lightweight champion of New Zealand. This should be a very excellent match for Harry Johns- was amateur featherweight champion of the Dominion ill 1929, and also won the Jamieson belt in that year for the most scientific fighter. He was unlucky in being disqualified last year for hitting with the open glove, or he would have in all probability successfully defended his title. Little more need be said of Hector Leckie than to remind patrons that to hold a Dominion title is sufficient recommendation of any fighter s worth. Since this clash will be for the lightweight championship of New Zealand patrons may expect'a first-rate bout for the opening- of the boxing season again in Auckland. . Two excellent supports are being offered to . the programme in special bouts between -Frank Bruno,, present holder of • the amateur bantam-weight championship of New Zealand, and Adams. The other amateur contest will be between Bobby Purdie, featherweight champion of the Dominion, and present holder of the Jamieson Belt, and Frank Mutton, of Te Awamutu.