Slow-action bout won by Ifopo

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33033, 28 September 1972, Page 18

Slow-action bout won by Ifopo

In a bout that never exploded into action, Robert Ifopo (Christchurch) beat Bolbino Va’afusuaga (Wellington) on . points, in a middle-weight professional boxing contest at the Aranui Motor Lodge Hotel last evening.

About 150 spectators saw Ifopo win on a split decision. Va’afusuaga had much the superior left hand, and won the first three rounds easily, but Ifopo’s right crosses and hooks carried more power. He won narrowly when the Wellington man chose to mix it over the last three of the eight two-minute rounds. Ifopo weighed list 12flb and won $9O; Va’afusuaga was list 71b and collected $6O. The spectators were seldom excited in what was largely a sparring match, and many paid more attention to their drinks than to the boxers.

Both were palpably amateurs recently turned professional and Ifopo had a curious habit of patting his opponent on the back wdth an open glove when they clinched. „ , L In fact, it was a friendly bout with no in-fighting. Mr C. Wellman scored Ifopo 158 points to 155, Mr S. C. Ashton awarded it to Ifopo by 157 points to ,155. and Mr C. Knowles Judged Va’afusuaga to be the winner by 157 to 156. AMATEUR BOUTS D. Wilson (Woolston W.M.C.), who will be seeking a national title at the amateur championships in Nelson next month, had a hard fight with R. Green (Fido’s) in the preliminary bouts. Wilson, a southpaw who has not fought for several months, was over-eager. Wilson won on points, on a split decision. Other results:— x M. Platt (W.W.M.C.) beat D. Barry (1.Y.C.). points (split decision); B. Slater (W.W.M.C.) beat P. Palmer (1.Y.C.), points; H. McGlinchey (1.Y.C.) beat K. Reach (W.W.M.C.), points; G. Harrison (L.8.C.) beat T» Brennan

(1.Y.C.), points; S. Elisala (W.W.M.C.) beat B. Grogaski (N.8.R.5.A.), first-round _ knockout; D. Adams (W.W.M.C.) beat W. Benny (C.C.C.), P?mts; T. Aumua (Fido's) beat F. Keneti (W.W.M.C.), points. The judges were Messrs C. Wellman, C. Knowles and T. Wiles, and the referee. Mr M. V. Drury.