Maunsell May Fight Biondi

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30857, 16 September 1965, Page 19

Maunsell May Fight Biondi

Brian Maunsell, the Christchurch professional boxer, has been offered a fight with Gilberto Biondi, the Australian light-weight champion, in Melbourne next month.

“I am interested in the offer but I have made no definite reply to it yet,” Maunsell said last evening.

“I want to know what is coming up for me in Newi Zealand before I make any| definite commitment.” Maunsell has a challenge lodged for the New Zealand light-weight title which Dion Murphy relinquished this month. Caulfield Cup Eve Stadiums, Ltd., has made the Australian offer to Maunsell. It is for October 1, 8 or 15—the last date is the eve of the running of the Caulfield Cup. Both Biondi and Maunsell will get 25 per cent of the gate. This is the Australian system—in New' Zealand, the winner gets 60 per cent of the purse and the loser 40 per cent.

Stadiums, Ltd., in the offer, states that Maunsell should get at least £3OO. The return air fare and accommodation for Maunsell and his trainer would be paid by the promoters.

The offer is conditional upon Maunsell making the 9st 121 b limit. The light-weight limit is 9st 91b, so the contest would be a catch-weight one and not for the mythical Australasian light-weight title. Maunsell has been fighting at lOst but is confident he can make the lighter weight comfortably. Maunsell has had only two professional bouts, but has proved himself a capable and first-rate boxer by scores of amateur fights, including his Olympic bout at Tokyo. Maunsell has fought in Australia as an amateur.

Biondi is a very experienced boxer, and a fast puncher. However, he has suffered cuts abov the eyes that make him vulnerable.