Murphy’s Ist And Last?

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31123, 28 July 1966, Page 19

Murphy’s Ist And Last?

(By Our Boxing Reporter) The Ghanaian, K. Amarfio could, and should win his bout against D. Murphy at Canterbury Court this evening—but he will have to win by a knock-out, probably in the first four rounds.

It will be a contest between a tough, rugged, largely insensible fighter and a better, more ringintelligent boxer. It could, also, be Murphy’s first and last fight in his come-back. This is the logical conclusion after consideration of the fighting style and records of both boxers. Amarfio has the physical make-up to absorb much more punishment, particularly around the head, than his opponent But if Murphy can stay on his feet in the face of Amarfio’s swinging onslaughts, he can out-box Amarfio over 10 rounds. Mental Attitude However, the outcome is complicated by the mental attitude of the fighters towards professional boxing and their futures. Amarfio’s is forthrightly clear and uncomplicated—he is in the game until he is not fit enough, and willing to fight anyone for money. Murphy’s attitude is equally clear in regard to reward—he chooses his opponents with an eye to the gate. But his past, clouded with a long layoff and a premature retirement, is reflected in his indecision about the future. Murphy, it is clear from his past statements, is keener on the rewards than on the boxing. Apart from this, it is doubtful whether Amarfio has the ring wisdom to beat Murphy unless he knocks him out of the contest in the early rounds. Defeated Himself Amarfio has blamed the referee (Mr N. Fisher) and the judges for his loss to Murphy in their first bout 27 months ago. The truth is that Amarfio lost the bout himself—after having Murphy at his mercy in rounds seven and eight, he lost his opportunity by wild swinging which allowed Murphy to recover

physically and call forth his reserves of courage to fight back and win. Amarfio has only two punches—a long left and right swings—and he concentrates almost exclusively on his opponent’s head. Murphy punches straight and has a greater variety of blows to the head and body. This evening, the ringrusty Murphy will need courage and determination as well as skill to beat the aggressive Amarfio. who will be all out for revenge against Murphy, the referee and the judges.