Amarfio Will Reveal George’s Potential

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31221, 19 November 1966, Page 17

Amarfio Will Reveal George’s Potential

‘•The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND. I low good is T. George, the New Zealand feather-weight boxing champion? Even his manager, Mr R. Grimmer, is uncertain of the potential of the rugged fighter.

But part of the answer could be revealed on Monday night at Auckland when George faces the Ghanaian lightweight, K. Amarfio. George, who began his professional career at the same time as his friend and sparring partner M. Santos, did not. at first, develop as quick-] ly as Santos, who will fight for the Empire lightweight' title in Wellington on March I 9.

| But in the last three months he has beaten three ; overseas fighters—J. Del Valle I (Philippines), D. Patterson (United States), and F. Sota I (Portugal) in impressive (fashion and Mr Grimmer is ■both surprised and delighted at George’s progress. ■ “I am not under-rating ■ Amarfio,” said Mr Grimmer. J “But I am looking beyond j this fight to a bout with the ; eighth-ranked world feather--1 weight, A. Benitez. ' “George beat Sota easily I but Benitez had to struggle ito defeat Sota. I really be-

lieve George is ready now to move in among the worldranked fighters.” There was no doubting that Amarfio would be a determined and strung opponent but, although he had never been knocked out, the developing George should still prove too much for him. “There has to be a first time for Amarfio,” said Mr Grimmer, “and Toro could be just, the man to bowl him over.”

If George can beat Amarfio convincingly on Monday night it seems likely that he could win himself the opportunity of bouts with leading overseas boxers at Carlaw Park this summer.

“Everything Toro has been asked to do in his career to date he has done,” said Mr Grimmer. “We have a fighter of real class there and, with the right support, we could have a world champion within two years.” Amarfio has twice fought in Christchurch, losing on points each time to D. Mur- : Phy.