Scanlan Quits: Broken Thumb ‘Shocking Mess’

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30487, 8 July 1964, Page 19

Scanlan Quits: Broken Thumb ‘Shocking Mess’

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, July 7. One of the finest drawcards in the history of New Zealand boxing, Tuna Scanlan, the Samoan-born British Empire middleweight champion, has retired.

The announcement was made today after Scanlan and his manager, Mr Leon Tansey, had been told by an orthopaedic surgeon that the broken thumb which he suffered in his bout against Earl Nikora on Monday night, would not be healed for at least 12 months.

Scanlan, who lost on a disqualification in the 12th round, will automatically relinquish the Empire title, which he won from Gomjo Brennan last March. Scanlan said: “I didn’t want to retire, but after 12 months it would be too late to make a comeback. I shall be 30 on Sunday.” Loved Boxing Scanlan said that he loved boxing, and hoped that in the future he might be able to do some training.

Mr Tansey said: “This was not a hasty dressing room.decision. I thought a lot about it after the fight, and made up my mind that a final decision should be made after we had received a medical report. “We were told that it would be a minimum of 12 months before the injury would be healed. The thumb is in a shocking mess.” Scanlan’s thumb was “shattered” in the first punch he threw last night, said Mr Tansey. It landed on Nikora’s elbow.

“The thumb is totally shattered. One bone lias telescoped into another.”

Mr Tansey said that Scanlan’s career—3B wins, 19 losses and one draw—had been a mixture of. mediocre and brilliant performances. However, Scanlan had achieved his ambition of winning an Empire title. Mr Ron Grimmer, Scanlan’s trainer, said that since his

come-back after a year’s suspension last year, Scanlan had worked hard to achieve his ambition of winning an Empire title. “He has always been cooperative,” said Mr Grimmer, “and worked hard to iron.out any faults.” Mr B. R. Arnott, the president of the Auckland Boxing Association, said: “We appreciate Scanlan’s decision. It is regrettable so far as the Auckland association is concerned, but at the same time we realise that Scanlan is not getting any younger, added to the fact that it will take 12 months for the hand to mend.

“This is quite a long time, and it seems better for him to retire as an undefeated champion.” He added that his association would notify the British Boxing Board of Control of Scanlan’s decision through the New Zealand council.

Now Wants Clay Fight

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

STOCKHOLM, July 7.

Floyd Patterson, the former world heavy-weight champion, hopes to meet the current champion, Cassius Clay, in a title fight at the end of this year or early in 1965.

Patterson was a clear points winner over a fellow American, Eddie Machen, at Stockholm last night in a bout billed as an elimination for the world title.

Mr Ted Hanson, Patterson’s public relations manager, said: . “Clay has mentioned previously that he would fight the winner of this fight (Patterson-Machen) and there is no reason why he should change his mind.”