AMATEUR BOXING

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 260, 1 August 1939, Page 3

AMATEUR BOXING

Hutt Valley Championships SOME SPIRITED BOUTS The Hutt Valley Boxing Association was unfortunate in striking such wintry weather for its amateur championship tournament at the Labour Hall, Petone, last night. Despite the bleak conditions the hall was about three-parts full, and those who did attend enjoyed some clever boxing and a few comedy turns. The standard of 'performance was high, and showed that the contestants are being trained along right lines. The medal for the most scientific boxer at the tournament was awarded to A. Byrne, the Petone featherweight, who showed speed and science in annexing the title in his class. There was no little disappointment because no opponent could be found for L. Parsons, the Manawatu amateur lightweight champion, who was to have appeared in a special four-round contest against G. Todd, of the Newtown gymnasium. Parsons was introduced to the audience, and the announcer, Mr. W. McKee, explained that Todd was unable to take the ring because of an accident while playing football on Saturday. It had been impossible to find a boxer to take his place in so short a time.. Parsons was given a rousing reception. Following are the-results: — SENIOR DIVISION. Featherweight. In the final. A. Byrne (Petone). Bst. 1231 b., outpointed F. O’Connor (Workshops), Bst. 131 b., in a hard-hitting contest. The winner used a straight left to good effect, but O’Connor nut up n game showing. which srreatl.v pleased the crowd. Byrne revealed himself as a boxer above the ordinary. Middleweight.

In the final, D. Boswell (Petone). 11st. 41b., outnointed R. Hensley (Workshops), 11st. 51b. Boswell used both hands well, and frequently caused his opponent to miss by clever back-mov.ng and ducking. Welterweight.

B. Fairbrother (Workshops), lOst. 31b., was too fast and rugged for R. Wilson (Silverstream Army), lOst. 6}lb. Fairbrother did the leading, and beat his man to the punch in the first round. About halfway through the second round, a left rip to the midriff doubled Wilson up. and the referee stopped the bout. The winner boxed well, varying his attack with judgment. In the final, Fairbrother was given the decision over E. Briekerton (Silverstream Army). The latter was disqualified for hitting his opponent as he sprawled over the ropes after having missed with a right swing. The offence was committed inadvertently. The following titles were awarded by default: — Paperweight: D. Domney (Workshops). Flyweight: D. Philp (Workshops). Heavyweight: G. Holdcroft (Silverstream). Lightweight: T. Dunn (Workshops) could not make the weight last night, and the title was declared vacant. Bantamweight: T. Coburn . (Workshops) could not make the weight, and the title was awarded to P. Dunn (Workshops). JUNIOR DIVISION. Lightweight.

W. Brown (Petone), Ost. Sjlb., outpointed G. Kirih (Silverstream), Ost. Gib., in a willing bout. The winner was the more aggressive, and beat his man to the punch. p. Strickland (Workshops), Ost. 71b.. won on a technical knock-out from T. McGurk (Petone), 9st. 91b., in the first round. The Petone lad started off with a good straight left, but Strickland Hit loose with a hot two-handed attack, and put his man down with a right cross for eight. McGurk was so groggy on rising (hat the referee stopped the contest and awarded the decision to Strickland. In the final, Strickland proved too fast and clever for W. Brown (Petone) in a willing contest. Both were well marked at the finish. The winner showed speed and .science, and did most of the leading.

Welterweight. W. Hollingshead (Workshops), lOst. 21b. outpointed B. Stretch (Petone). lOst. 51b., in a hard-hitting bout, which had the house in an uproar. Neither had the slightest semblance of defence, and almost every blow landed. Hollingshead lasted i better, and rightly got the decision. J. Dane (Petone), lOst. 61b., was so superior to G Smith (Silverstream), lOst. 21b., that the referee stopped the bout at the end of the first round. All Smith had was a smother, and it was not too effective. ; In the final. Hollingshead outpointed > Lane in a thrilling encounter. Holliugs-

head was down four times, but by sheer fighting spirit kept a right cross going, and dropped Dane with this weapon for nine in the third round. They were so exhausted that they both fell to the canvas at the end of the second round. It was a desperate slugging match, in which sheer fighting spirit carried the day. Paperweight. Fighting spirit enabled W. McKillop (■Workshops) to outpoint M. Kirth (Silverstream) in a willing bout. Both scaied 6st. 121 b. Mr. D. Watson was the referee, and the judging was done by Messrs. R. Brien and J. ID Gaynor.