BOXING

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21247, 20 August 1934, Page 16

BOXING

STRICKLAND BEATEN BY j PALMER ! i SCI ENTIFIC EXHIBITION U'UEaS AS3OCIATION TEI.ECIUM.) INVERCARGILL, August 19. An exhibition of clever and scientific boxi;-.g was given by Ambrose Palmer, heavy-weight champion of Australia, in his first engagement under the aus- ' pices of the Southland Boxing Association Inst night, when he defeated Maurice Strickland, of Wellington, on point-. The contest of 10 three-minute rounds was held in the Drill Hall, which was crowded with about 3000 spectators. Palmer's weight was 12st lilb and Strickland's 12st 121b. The result of the contest was a clear-cut win on points ior Palmer. Strickland made a good foil for the Australian. nevertheless, and while at. no stage could it be said that Strickland threatened danger, it was a compliment to him that Palmer held the greatest respect for his right-hand punch. Both men looked in splendid condition when they sparred up for the first exchange. Palmer was well proportioned and beautifully muscled and Strickland was tall, rangy, and strong. The first round or two was almost wholly confined to sparring, but thus early it was clear that Palmer was going to be too speedy and elusive for his opponent, the New Zealander preferring to try to box Palmer into position before driving in his famous punch. This was no so great a forlorn hope as many expected, and more than once a target was found. Palmer was generally on a side move, however, and most of Strickland's rights no more than grazed his face and head. Palmer concentrated on his left in the early rounds, and occasionally flashed in to rip a left to the body, a left hook to the head, and a right to the heart. This combination of blows appears to be Palmer's favourite, and against Strickland he rarely failed to connect with all three. The speed of his work in this attack was amazing. In the middle stages, Strickland havj ing gained confidence in his ability to "go" with Palmer, used his weight and ruggedness to force Palmer on the ropes, but here again it was the Australian who displayed something out of the ordinary in rope work. He weaved and ducked, and blow after blow merely shot over his shoulder or was taken on his gloves. Upper-cuts by both men added variety to the attack, and Strickland roused a cheer from the crowd when he rammed in a hard right or two to Palmer's face. Up to the seventh round Strickland boxed very well, but he appeared to be wearing at the eighth, and Palmer plied his straight left with regular success to Strickland's head. In the final round Strickland made a determined effort to catch the champion unawares with his right, but he was unsuccessful, and the bout ended with a comfortable victory for Palmer. Palmer's footwork was a revelation and his speed of punch was remarkable. On defence his footwork enabled him to flash out of danger and come in as quickly to take ud th» attack. He was as fast as a lightweight in some of his moves and won the crowd with his cool slipping of Strickland's right. To Strickland great credit, is due for holding his own im to a point with Palmer. It was a tall order for him, but he proved that he could box as well as punch.