Scanlan Prepared For Big Chance

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30364, 13 February 1964, Page 10

Scanlan Prepared For Big Chance

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, February 12.

Tuna Scanan will have one of the most important fights of his career when he meets the British middle-weight boxng champion, Mick Leahy, in a 12-round bout at Carlaw Park tomorrow night.

The former New Zealand middle-weight’ champion can qualify for a British Empire middle-weight title bid against the holder, Gomeo Brennen, if h» can defeat Leahy again. Scanlan won a disputed points decision over Leahy in Wellington in 1959 on the only occasion these two boxers have met. Leahy, however,. has had more than 20 fights since then and is a very experienced fighter. The Irishman’s best wing are over George Barnes. Clive Stewart and George Aldrich. Scanlan has had his ups

and downs since he met Leahy, having been suspended for medical reasons for 12 months, but in his two “comeback” fight has proved that he is fighting as well as ever. Scanlan is expected to weigh about list. 61b and Leahy about list 31b. Leahy looked a thoroughly competent professional fighter when be worked out in the Auckland gymnasium less than 24 hours after arriving. He showed a genuinely quick jab and a vicious left rip. and on the few times when he used his right it looked dangerous.