BOXING

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22083, 4 May 1937, Page 5

BOXING

REFEREE STRUCK AT AUCKLAND RAINSFORD DISQUALIFIED (press association telegram.) AUCKLAND, May 3. The disqualification of a boxer for striking the referee was an unusual feature of the programme arranged by the Auckland Boxing Association at the Town Hall. The offender was Jack Rainsford, of Australia, who was opposed to Dennis Lindsay, of Auckland, in a professional heavyweight contest. Illegalities, the chief of which was holding with the left arm round his opponent's neck, and hitting with his right, brought frequent warnings to the Australian. ,Tn spite of the leniency extended to him in this respect by Mr N. McLean, who refereed the bout, Rainsford persisted with these tactics for round 'after found. The result was that the controlling official had frequently to force his way between the contestants in order to effect a break. • in; the ninth round Mr McLean intervened, and in pushing Rainsford away ‘when the latter was slow in responding to the demand the official’s right' hand slid, off the Australian’s left glove and landed lightly against the side of one of the boxer’s cheeks. Rainsford Immediately climbed through the ropes and gesticulated in protest. He was urged to return to the ring, and did so before being counted out. During the Interval he argued with his seconds, and it was with obvious reluctance that he continued when the gong sounded for the final round. This had not long been in progress before Mr McLean • ordered a further break, and stepped between the two men. He was hit on the back of the head bv Rainsford, who was promptly disqualified. The second portion of the programme consisted of a professional welter-weight bput between Billy Martin and Bill Pluto, both of Australia, Martin gaining the decision on points, thus reversing the verdict given against him a fortnight earlier in Auckland.