BOXING

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27435, 23 August 1954, Page 14

BOXING

MIDDLE WEIGHT TITLE OLSON BEATS CASTELLANI (N.Z. Press Association —Copi/rightj (Rec. 7 SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 21. The„ worid middle-weight ’champion, Carl (Bobo) Olson, forcing the fighting all tne way in relentless fashion, successfully defended his title last night with a points decision over the number one contender. Rocky Ca stellani. of Cleveland, Ohio. . The decision of the referee and two judges was unanimous. Olson scored a nine count knock-down with a stiff overhand right in the twelfth round after he had gone for three in the previous round. Castellani suffered a fracture of the left hand in the second round when he hit Olson on the elbow. Dr A. Lastretti, physician for the California State Athletic Commission, confirmed the diagnosis after the fight. The challenger will be taken to hospital tomorrow for treatment. The pacq.was fast and furious, with the champion forcing the going all the way and scoring heavily with punches to the face and mid-section. Castellani backpedalled much of the time and clinched when the going got tough. The nationally televised contest drew an estimated 12»00« spectators. Olson enterefi the ring a 4-1 favourite, and justified the odds as he set the pattern for the battle by constantly stalking his opponent. FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION WITHDRAWS (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 7 p.m.) MANILA. August 21. The British Empire fly-weight champion, Jake Tuli, tonight dramatically withdrew in the ninth round of a scheduled 10round non-title bout with the Philippines boxer, Leo Espinosa, losing the contest by a technical knock-out. Tuli was trailing seven rounds to one as the ninth opened, and Tuli tried for a knock-out blow. Espinosa, who had been keeping Tuli off with left hooks and clever punching, stopped Tuli with a left hook,and right uppercut. As Tull faltered. Espionsa chased him and caught him against the ropes with repeated lefts to the body. visibly shaken. Tuli returned to his corner amid shouts of “Quitter.” Tuli pointed to his side and. sat on his chair. Tuli later confessed he was dazed and could no longer go on. Meanwhile Espinosa had been declared the winner by a technical knock-out.