BARE KNUCKLES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 267, 10 November 1937, Page 26

BARE KNUCKLES.

"ALL-IN" CONTEST.

MIDNIGHT LONDON MEETING. (Special.—By Air Mail.) LONDON, October 23. Bare-knuckle fights are etill held periodically in London. One such contest took place this week on Hackney Marshes. The fight was staged at midnight before a crowd of 200 men and boys. Not a woman was present. The contestants were well matched at about 12st. The favourite, quoted loudly by the bookmakers at six to four on, looked the fitter of the pair. His opponent was of stockier build, and lacked the reach of the tall favourite. "Gentlemen," said the referee, "this fight is 'all-in.' No striking while the opponent is on the ground—and no interference by spectators. The fight is for a side stake—and may the best man win."

A« they fought, the quiet voices of bookmakers echoed, "I'll take six to four. I'll lay evens." For four and a half minutes the ghostly figures danced about the grass, when the first "knockdown" was credited to the favourite. Back to his corner the seconds dragged the luckless one, while the bookmakers offered to take seven to four. After a minute the bare-knuckle men were at it again. I hey fought for 35 minutes and introduced all-in wrestling tactics, with throws. The short jabs of the outsider told their tale, and the favourite's seconds threw in the towel.