BOXING

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 301, 20 September 1928, Page 11

BOXING

PURDY AND CASEY FIGHT A DRAW DECISION MEETS WITH MIXED RECEPTION SCIENCE VERSUS STRENGTH Dominion Special Service. Palmerston North, September 19. The Opera House was filled to overflowing this evening, when Charlie Purdy, lOst. 021 b. (Auckland), light-weight champion of Australia, met Har ' Casey, Mist. 121 b. (Queensland), wet weight champion of New Zealand, al catch-, weights in a 15-round contest for £l5O. The bout itself proved interesting throughout, Purdy’s superior science counteracting Casey’s aggressiveness and superior strength. Both boxers were in excellent condition, staying the distance remarkably well. Purdy caused Casey to hit the air with two face blows in the , opening stages, both boxers then coming into close quarters and exchanging body blows which, however, all lacked sting. Purdy’s Footwork. . In round two Casey sought for an opportunity to connect with a straight left, but Purdy’s defence was sound, good footwork causing Casey’s blows to expend themselves on air. Casey got through Purdy’s defence with left leads to body and face, the pair then falling into a clinch again until break was called. The third round opened briskly. Casey swung in to Purdy’s body, Purdy retaliating by getting Casey against the ropes, but Casey effectively smothered and extricated himself. Casey again found Purdy’s body with his left, which caught Purdy as he was back-moving. Casey followed up by landing a left and 'right, all to body, Purdy connecting with a left jab to the face. In round four Purdy opened aggressively and delivered some light blows to Casey’s face, Casey taking punishment and waiting for Purdy to leave an opening. Casey Aggrieved. » A left swing to Purdy’s body marked the commence of hostilities in round 5, Casey following up later with a left body swing and a right and a left again, which worried Purdy, whose quick footwork could not save him, though he made Casey miss badly on occasions. Two right hooks to Purdy’s face terminated the round. . The sixth round saw Purdy send in a stinging left to Casey’s jaw, after the latter had connected with a left and a right. Purdy’s left again found its mark on Casey’s face before the gong was sounded. Purdy got past Casey’s guard with both hands early in round seven, but Casey made up the leeway with a little to spare soon after, his blows having plenty of sting behind them. Purdy again left himself open. Casey utilising the opportunity to the full, and connected with a strong right to the body before the end of the round. Both Mix it. Both boxers mixed it willingly early in round eight, Casey having the better of the exchange. Purdy made up the points in the latter stages, when he connected to Casey's face at long range. Wild blows cost Casey points. The elusive Purdy did not prove too quick for Casey early in round nine., the New Zealand champion following Purdy up to administer punishment. Purdy piled up considerably in the middle of the round, but Casey had him in difficulties just as the gong sounded. Two weighty lefts had forced Purdy against the'ropes when the gong gave him timely relief. ... Round ten opened with a clinch. Purdy being superior. Casey made the pace, but Purdy’s defence proved equal to the task. Purdy succeeded in evading a left swing to the face in round eleven., and though pursued by Casey, he effectively smothered Casey’s blows, getting in some good jabs in the close work. Casey Misses Wildly. Following in-lighting in round twelve, which favoured Purdy. Purdy made Casey miss badly with a left hook, but Casey found Purdy’s face with a similar blow soon after.' More close fighting ensued, Purdy again being superior to Casey in this department. Purdy came up for the devils round with his vision impaired as a result of a furious blow from Casey. He again made Casey miss badly and forced him against the ropes, both falling over the top rope out of the ring. Purdy earned more points by connecting with both hands to Casey’s face. . Casey swung bard at Purdy in round 11. but Purdy was not at the receiving end of Casey’s blow. Purdy made more points in the clinches, and caused Casey to miss badly on several occasions. Purdy Makes Casey Miss Badly. Casey strove hard for a knock-out in the final round and pushed Purdy through the ropes. Purdy’s speed again made Casey miss badly, Purdy despatching a lightning-like .left to Casey's jaw. Casey connected with body blows. Purdy getting to Casey’s face. The referee.. Mr. G. Watehorn. was unable to separate the boxers, and declared a draw, the decision being received with a mixed decision.