Boxing alters stance to attract crowds

Press, 15 May 1987, Page 20

Boxing alters stance to attract crowds

"Friday night at the fights” i might become something of a sporting catch-cry in Christchurch if tonight’s amateur boxing tournament at the Papanui Leagues Club is a Kevin Barry senior, whose gymnasium is promoting the prototype tournament in conjunction with the Canterbury association and the Papanui Rugby League Club, admits there is some risk in changing from the traditional Sunday afternoon timing. But Mr Barry is confident that there are plenty of favourable omens. The Leagues Club is a popular venue for the sport and he has been able to put together a strong 10-bout programme. Topping the bill are Clive Bishop, a former New Zealand Oceania tournament representative from Papanui, and the much-travelled Westport slaughterman, Alan Gibson.

Gibson was a worthy opponent for Keith Bullock (Wellington) in the national senior 67kg final at the 1985 New Zealand championships in Christchurch..' Originally from Southland, Gibson was then domiciled in Blenheim and representing Nelson.' A close encounter with the Commonwealth Games competitor, Johnny Wallace, at Lower Huttjfostmonth suggested

By

JOHN COFFEY

that Bishop will soon be embellishing his impressive senior record. Mr Barry is using the tournament to introduce two Western Samoans, Mu Senita and Faiva Failaoa, to Canterbury boxing. He has particularly high hopes for Senita. A Western Samoan representative in this country three years ago, Senita, aged 22, can claim wins over the well-

performed Auckland brothers, Robert and Rocky Auimatagi. For the last 10 weeks Mr Barry has been concentrating on improving Senita’s defences, admitting that his new recruit cannot be persuaded to box from any stance other than the front foot. Senita has a sturdy rival in his debut. Royce Ellis (Bell’s gymnasium) began his season on a winning note at Timaru last Saturday night and has his sights on participation in the national championships later this year. Don McNeilly, a useful Papanui competitor, has been matched against Failaoa. A fourth feature bout brings together Gerard Warren (Bell’s) and Wayne Stephens (Olympus) for a third time, with their personal tussle tied at one-all. Although Stephens won their return event last year, Warren has had the benefit of two hard fights, both narrowly lost, against Nigel Ennis, of Temuka.