HALAFIHI PICKED AS CHAMPION

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29060, 24 November 1959, Page 24

HALAFIHI PICKED AS CHAMPION

Further Match With Holt Expected (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright) LONDON. Nov. 20. The Tongan cruiser-weight. Johnny Halafihi, will be the next British Empire light-heavy-weight champion, his manager, Mr J. Lumb, claimed today. Lumb said the title would soon become vacant because the Canadian holder, Yvonne Durelle, was transferring to the heavy-weight class. “Halafihi and the South African, Mike Holt, are the next best,” Mr Lump said. “Their fight at Earl’s Court last night was billed as a final eliminator for the title, and on that form Johnny will win.” Halafiihi drew with Holt last night after being declared the winner two rounds before the fight ended. The "Daily Mail” said at the end of the tenth round the referee, Mr T. Little, went to Halafihi’s corner and raised his arm. There were shouts from the ringside and Little, realising that there were two rounds to go, waved the contestants on. Mr Lumb said he thought Halafihi should have been a close points winner. Halafiihi, too, thought he had "just won." He said the referee's mistake had affected him. Mr Lumb said he expected Holt and Halafihi to be matched for the Empire title early in the New Year.