Leath scores points win

Press, 27 June 1983, Page 3

Leath scores points win

By

JOHN COFFEY

John Leath, of Ashburton, was surprisingly awarded a majority points decision over Masaelina Penei (Fidow’s Gymnasium) in the main bout of the Canterbury Boxing Association’s tournament at the Richmond Workingmen’s Club yesterday. The officials were clearly divided in their opinions. One judge awarded the contest to Leath by five points, another had Penei one point ahead in each of the three rounds. The deadlock was broken when the third judge scored in Leath’s favour, 5958. Certainly, Penei had the better of the opening round, frequently evading Leath’s defences with left rips to the body and booming right hooks. Penei kept up the momentum into the second round, before Leath began

to counter with more effect. Most of the sting had gone from Penei’s blows over the closing stages, but it is debatable whether Leath finished strongly enough to overcome his early points deficit. The two sets of brothers who travelled from Oamaru for the tournament gave good accounts of themselves, if returning contrasting results. Peri and Anthony Reiri both beat West Coast opponents, while Warren and Wayne Barber performed creditably in their losing appearances. The Reiri brothers shared an agrressive outlook and an enthusiasm for infighting. They were not concerned at having to concede height and reach. Peri Reiri, although cautioned for using an open glove, forced Bruce Smith (Greymouth) to submit to two standing eight counts,

and Anthony Reiri also had an eight count over Brian Zampese (Greymouth) in his points win. A South Island junior Golden Gloves champion, Wayne Barber, displayed considerable promise against an intermediate title-holder, Shane Everest (Barry’s Gymnasium). Everest’s experience and sharp counter-boxing carried him through on points. Barber’s younger brother, Warren, actually tied on points with Kerry Hita (Woolston W.M.C.), but Hita was awarded the majority decision because he did most of the leading off. The sport’s fluctuating fortunes were all too clear to Kevin Anderson (Barry's), who fought twice. Anderson easily beat Lance Rqsewarn

(Fidow’s) on points, but 90 minutes later he was stopped in the second round by a flurry of puches from the pugnacious Allen Cannon (Crichton Cobbers). Results.— John Leath (Ashburton) beat Masaelina Penie (Fidow’s), majority points; Allen Cannon (Crichton Cobbers) beat Kevin Anderson (Barry’s), r.s.c. 2; Shane Everest (Barry’s) beat Wayne Barber (Oamaru), points; Michael Emslie (Crichton Cobbers) beat John Armstong (Fidow’s), points; Peri Reiri (Oamaru) beat Bruce Smith (Greymouth), points; Andrew Wood (Ashburton) beat Carl Franklin (Crichton Cobbers), points; Tom Heath (Woolston) beat Nasona Seitula (Fidow’s, r.s.c. 3; Anthony Reiri (Oamaru) beat Brian Zampese (Greymouth), points; Anderson beat Lance Rosewarn (Fidow’s), points; Kerry Hita beat Warren Barber (Oamaru), majority points.