N.Z. Boxing Titles

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29016, 3 October 1959, Page 5

N.Z. Boxing Titles

The six-man Canterbury boxing team who will compete in the New Zealand championships at Timaru next week is a formidable one and stands a good chance of returning to Christchurch with several titles. Dion Murphy, feather-weight representative, although not yet 20, is one of the province’s hardest hitters as he proved when he scored an upset win over the older and more experienced D. Green at the Canterbury championships. Green, former holder of the provincial title: had to face an unceasing barrage of blows from bell to bell. Brian Maunsell, the light welter-weight contender, won a New Zealand title in 1957 and after a spell rturned to the ring this season. He has shown he is still capable of regaining the title at Timaru.

Tony Newsome, who will be fighting in the welter-weight division, is a consistent boxer who worries his opponent all the time, always advancing and seeking the opening. Alex Fidow, a Samoan, shows a cheerful attitude in the ring, but he is a hard-hitting, fit boxer who proved his worth with two wins over members of the New South Wales boxing team which recently visited New Zealand. Although Bruce Johnston is a

comparative newcomer to boxing he could well surprise. He won his only bout in the middleweight section of the Canterbury championships with a quick knockout, accomplished with a perfectly timed hook. Johnston also has the capacity to absorb several blows while waiting his chance and with youth and fitness on his side should do well. Allen Curran, the light heavyweight entrant, could also surprise. Curran, a former English amateur with more than 100 bouts in England, has been off the competitive boxing scene for the last two years but he has kept his hand in by training a large team of boys at the Crichton Cobbers’ Club gymnasium. He will enter the ring at Timaru extremely fit and with his wealth of experience could bring home' a title.