BOXING ARENA

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 147, 18 March 1931, Page 2

BOXING ARENA

Blay Likely to Go Home

(Notes by “Kight Cross.”) The brilliant Australian Bobby Blay, who sb signally defeated Johnny Leckic and Tommy Donovan in Wellington a few weeks back, will be seen in action against Joey Thomas, of Chicago, at the Wellington Stadium on Monday evening next. The American will have to shape better than he did against Archie Hughes if he wishes to hold oif Blay. However, Thomas will have a big advantage in height and reach and may redeem himself by fighting up to his American reputa10Bobby Blay will also appear against the second American importation, Allan Whitlow, at the Wellington Stadium. on Alarch 31. This should be u stirring contest, as the pair will be well matched as to weight, height and reach, and as both believe in aggressive tactics sparks should Uy on the last day of the month.

Associations anxious to secure the services of Blay look as if they are to be disappointed, as the Australian champion has signified his intention of returning home after his contract with the Wellington association is completed. Blay's manager states that his charge has had a very strenuous time for tile past six months, and tlieir intention is to take a spell of three or four months on returning home. Incidentally, Joe Campbell adds to his activities by training the Melbourne League football team.

Johnny Leckic has returned from his home in the soutli and has notified officials of the local association that pending being able to resume his business in Napier it is bis intention to stay in Wellington nnil devote the whole of his time to getting fit again. As is generally known, Johnny lately entered into his business as a fibrous plasterer, and the nature of his work prevented him doing justice to himself in the ring. With nothing, to occupy his mind in Wellington, he fully expects to be able to reproduce his old form, and already he lias agreed to meet Whitlow or Thomas in Wellington or in Dunedin.

Considerable interest attaches to the match between Fairhall and Purdy, which is to take place in 'Westport at the end of the month. If Purdy makes good his services will be in demand so long as opponents are available to meet him, as he was one of the most popular exponents who ever appeared in Wellington, and no doubt, his appearance would be welcomed by local boxing patrons.