CLEAN-UP WANTED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 237, 7 October 1933, Page 5 (Supplement)

CLEAN-UP WANTED.

Many Evils in Australian

Boxing.

Every week thousands of people turn up at tho several stadiums and pay to see things that would not bo tolerated ill the wilds of Africa—things that are a reflection 011 the intelligence of anyone who is not blind, declares the "Sydney Sportsman."

In every country, except Australia, a properly constituted Board of Boxing Control is now functioning with smoothness and satisfaction to millions of lovers of boxing. 1

Under the regulations of these hoards, tho public, tho promoter, the 'boxer, the trainer and manager, the officials, are protected from the evils we meet here at every turn of the game.

These control boards are affiliated. Any boxer, promoter, referee or boxer's manager or trainer, who is proved guilty of any crookedness, is banned from further participation in the sport.

The government of boxing in England has proved a success because there are no loop holes for the grafter and the opportunist.

Every promoter of boxing, every boxer, trainer, manager, referee or other official, must be registered, and then obtain a license if approved by the board. No man can hold two licenses. NTo official can lio Identified with the activities of any boxer, manager or promoter. All contests for a title must be approved by the board, which first decides who shall T>e the fittest claimant. The contest is then advertised, and the promoter who offers the best inducement is granted the right to promote it.

A boxing control in Australia would render impossible scenes such as we witness in Australia almost every week-end.

The launching of "title" fights is another phase of these irresponsible people. Every week or so it is discovered there is no legitimate claimant to, say, the State junior flyweight title. Forthwith, the bills a*e out with the names of two prelim, boys to light at a suburban ball for the coveted "title."

\Ve have but to look back to the. days of the "open go" at racing, sports meetings, football, and even cricket, to reflect on the need for something being done to clean up boxing with a new wire broom.

It has been done in countries not supposed to be so far advanced in sport promotion as Australia, and yet, here wo are, standing alone in the world— the only people paying to see boxing that is not unCier properly organised and responsible control.