Smith Negotiating For Fights In S. Africa

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32321, 12 June 1970, Page 13

Smith Negotiating For Fights In S. Africa

“The Press** Special Service WELLINGTON,

The New Zealand welterweight boxing champion, Graham Smith, has “highly promising” chances of having four, fights in South Africa in the next three months. His manager, Mr T. Mackay, said this yesterday after speaking to a top South African boxing promoter, Mr D. Levin.

Mr Mackay had been asked to telephone Mr Levin, who had tentatively offered Smith four fights, including one against the South African welter-weight champion, Spider Kelly. Mr Levin wanted the Smith-Kelly bout to be held on July 4. Originally Smith said he would not fight Kelly in his

first bout in South Africa but has changed his mind. Mr Mackay said that he had sent in writing the terms Smith demanded. These included 1000 rands as a minimum for each fight.

“Mr Levin wasn’t sweating over the money,” Mr Mackay said. “It didn’t seem to worry him at all. He will get the terms and then cable a reply.” He had confirmed to Mr Mackay that he was definitely looking for an opponent for Spider Kelly. Should Smith’s terms be accepted, he will be fighting in South Africa during the All Black tour of the Republic. This, Mr Mackay believes, will generate considerable interest in the fight and should draw large crowds.