ATILIO SABATINO BACK IN SYDNEY. FIRST WIN IS K.O.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 3, 4 January 1941, Page 5 (Supplement)

ATILIO SABATINO BACK IN SYDNEY. FIRST WIN IS K.O.

A TILIO SABATINO knocked out Jack Brander in the seventh round at Leichhardt Stadium recently in his first fight since his return from Singapore. It was the first bout as a middleweight for Brander, a brother of Lee Brander, who was twice k.o.'ed at the Auckland Town Hall by the Alabama Kid. Despite th© knock-out' Brander was not by any means outclassed. In fact he was holding his own with his much more experienced opponent, and the sudden ending surprised the crowd, states the "Daily Telegraph." A moment before the knock-down occurred, both boxers were standing in close. They appeared to stop fighting. Brander turned his head slightly

towards the referee (Mr. Les Pearson), and Sabatino, seeing the opening, shot his right hand upwards to Brander's chin. The blow did not travel more than six inches, but it caught Brander flush on the chin and dropped him for the full count. Solid Punching. Sabatino showed better form than in his last fight with Richards. He moved with confidence, and punched solidly and with freedom. His direction was obviously a little astray, but he landed some terrific blows with his right hand to Brander'e jaw. In the fourth round one right hand blow caused Brander to sag at the knees, but the boy thrilled the crowd by fighting back strongly. Both boxers stood in close in the sixth round for a punching duel. Sabatino scored with rights to Brander's face, one of which split Brander's left eyebrow. On this form Sabatino should not find it difficult to qualify again for a fight with Kichards. No one was more eurprised than Brander. He said later that he was about to step back from the clinch when he felt the jolt, but he added that he did not wi&h to make excuses. "Sabatino'a punching was very powerful, but after the .first few rounds I was not afraid of him," said Brander. "That is why I began to take thances and grew careless. I foolishly worked hard this

morning and reduced 41b, which affected my condition when I stepped into the ring.". Sabatino said he was very pleased with his effort. "I came out of the fight without a mark," he said. 'Mv eyes are now as sound as a bell, and I I would like to fight I!on Richards again."