Scanlan Defeated By Third Round

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30897, 2 November 1965, Page 20

Scanlan Defeated By Third Round

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND. In a professional middleweight boxing bout at the Y.M.C.A. stadium last night, a tall, powerful Negro from California, Clarence James, took fewer than three rounds to dispose of the former Empire champion. Tuna Scanlan, on a technical knock-out. The referee, Mr E. C. Armishaw, stopped the bout as Scanlan was either out on his feet or in no condition to adequately defend himself. A murderous left hook stopped him short on the comeback trail he had so briskly trod in the first two rounds. He was coming off the ropes, crouching down when James

belted him with the short immensely powerful blow.

Scanlan fetched up against the rope, his face writhed in a combination of pain and uncertainty. Perhaps James might have finished him as soon as the compulsory count was completed: but he and Mr Armishaw had a misunderstanding about where James should move to during the count and every second of argument was like a cold douche to Scanlan. As they set to again, James moved rapidly forward and several of his thrusting blows hammered at Scanlan's jaw. Scanlan was weakening fast. Mr Armishaw reached forward and grabbed for James’s hand and crowned him the winner. Said Mr Armishaw: “Scanlan was done for. He couldn't look after hmself. If I had let the fight go on. he would have taken a thrashing.”

Said Mr Leon Tansey. Scanlan’s manager: "Well, that's boxing. It was very disappointing. But I have to say it, the referee did the right thing.” Said Scanlan, mildly but sincerely: “That first punch was a good one—but it was just a punch. I was all right. 1 knew where 1 was. I’ll take him a re-match, any time.” James, also mild of manner, paid tribute to Scanlan. “He was very awkward,” he said, “very fast with both hands. I hadn't fought a southpaw since my early days in the game. He had me plenty worried until I landed that left. I knew I had him then.”