DONOVAN WINS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 221, 14 June 1930, Page 12

DONOVAN WINS

Grime Beaten on Points AN “INCIDENT” Crowd Shows Displeasure Dominion Special Service. New Plymouth, June 13. With a cartilage of his left knee split when training, Billy Grime (9.43) courageously carried out his engagement with Tommy Donovan (9.2) at Hawera to-night, Donovan winning comfortably on points. In the early stages, Donovan’s aggressiveness earned him the first lew rounds, but the Australian was cool, ncss personified, and always looked dangerous. He appeared to realise that his only chance was by the knock-out, and on several occasions he almost attained his objective. However, his injury developed, and over the last few rounds lie had difficulty in hobbling to his corner. ' Grime was cautious in the first few rounds, being content to let Donovan do the leading. As usual, Donovan commenced at a furious pace, literally hurling himself at the crouching form of the Australian. Grime was an elusive target throughout the contest His method of holding off his opponent with an extended left worried Donovan, who had serious difficulty in getting to close quarters. Occasionally Grime varied this manoeuvre by letting the Waitara man come in so he could use his dangerous right. By virtue of forcing tactics, however, Donovan had a comfortable lead over the first live rounds. . Donovan did most of his scoring with a straight left, usually delivering two blows in quick succession. Grime then seemed to fight with greater vim, his clever head work, greater ability and better ringcraft getting points in his favbur. By lowering his left hand he would entice Donovan to lead, and would counter by ducking underneath and ramming his right in a drive to the body or head. Donovan Groggy. Donovan was groggy as the result of a a succession of right crosses to the jaw, but the Australian was unable to follow up the advantage owing to the injury. The Waitara boxer was well aware of his opponent’s handicap, and made full use of it, beating a quick retreat whenever danger threatened. Grime was unable to deliver more than one heavy punch at a time. He realised the necessity of trapping Donovan, and in an endeavour to do so called on every trick in his varied repertoire. This was not enough, however, for he could not set himself for the coup de grace. Attuned to the highest pitch of physical fitness, Donovan proved a will o’ the wisp, dancing in and out again. Grime’s injury developed until he could scarcely hobble to his corner at times. When he was forced to retreat Grime did so on one leg. (Crowd Displeased. About midway through the contest Donovan incurred the displeasure of the crowd. The boxers were in a clinch, when Donovan accidentally kneed Grime, who made a friendly remonstrance and broke clear with both hands hanging loosely at his sides. Donovan made a motion which the Australian apparently thought was to be a handshake. He extended his iqft glove and received a vieious left hook to the jaw. Hoots and cat-calls rent the air, and Grime smiled disgustedly. Grime slowed up from the effects of his' injury, and Donovan appeared to increase the pace, and over the last few rounds held a decided advantage. RICHARDS v. STONE Richards, the welter champion from Australia, arrived on Wednesday morning, under engagement to the Wellington association to meet Trowern. Unfortunately there was difficulty in finalising matters with the Auckland welter, and consequently it was decided that Stone be substituted, and he is to be given an opportunity of displaying his ability against Richards on Thursday next.