Successful return to ring

Press, 1 May 1989, Page 23

Successful return to ring

By

JOHN COFFEY

Barry Galbraith (Nelson) made a successful return to the amateur boxing ring when he beat Danny Morris (Bell’s gymnasium) at the Richmond Working Men’s Club yesterday. After suffering the indignity of a standing eight-count in the first round, the former New Zealand champion stormed back to gain a unanimous points decision.

Not that Galbraith’s comeback was anything like a cake walk. On three of the five judges’ cards Galbraith had only one point to spare. Morris matched Galbraith for fitness and be-

gan more confidently. As the bout advanced Galbraith settled into his combination punches, using the experience accumulated in more than 110 contests.

Not surprisingly, Galbraith was chosen as the most scientific performer of the tournament. Two competitors had the satisfaction of reversing losses suffered at the same venue two weeks ago. Mathew Doolan (Olympic) struck a blow for the St Bede’s College fifth form when he had a second-round win at the expense of one of his college’s sixth formers, Damian McKeowen (Richmond W.M.C.). In their previous meeting

McKeowen had been the victor on points. Darrell Gordon (Bell’s) recovered from a loss at Upper Hutt last Friday evening to reverse a majority points decision against John Barclay (Olympic). The points were tied on the deciding card, but Gordon gained the vital vote because of his straighter punching. Although Martyn Peagram (Fidow’s) again beat Andy Nielsen (Richmond) yesterday, his margin was reduced to a majority decision in a bout which almost produced another reversal.

The Papanui representatives, Barry Howie, Linkoln Newson and Anthony Woolcott, were impressive winners, while

Tele Toalua (Woolston W.M.C.) enjoyed quick victory. Results.—

Linkoln Newson (Papanui) beat Kerry Hurst (Ashburton), r.s.c. 2; James McDonald (Woolston) beat Lindley Tod (Dickson’s), points; Mathew Doolan (Olympic) beat Damian McKeowen (Richmond), r.s.c. 2; Tele Toalua (Woolston) beat Graeme Williams (Ashburton), r.s.c. 1; Dave Hose (Dickson’s ) beat John Zan Der Zanden (Crichton Cobbers), points; Anthony Woolcott (Papanui) beat Nathan Kuru (Ashburton), points; Darrell Gordon (Bell’s) beat John Barclay (Olympic), majority points; Martyn Peagram (Fidow’s ) beat Andy Nielsen (Richmond), majority points; Barry Galbraith (Nelson) beat Danny Morris (Bell’s), points.