A BOXER'S DEATH

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 54, 5 March 1923, Page 10

A BOXER'S DEATH

RESULT OF A'FRACTURED SKULL.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

NELSON, 3rd March. At the inquest to-day in regard to the-death of Billy Tapp, the result of a boxing tout with Herb. Robinson, of Wellington, V. F. "Webley, secretary of the Boxing Association, said that the ring was constructed according to regulations. Over the boards was felting, covered with thick canvas matting, which was removed at the express xequest of the deceased. Clifford Thomas, of Westport, the referee, said the contest had gone partly through the twelfth round when Tapp made a swing for Robinson's face with his left arm. Robinson countered with a short right arm blow to the jaw. Tapp went back, and fell on his, buttocks, and then on the back of .his head. "You could plainly hear the skull strike the floor," added the referee. Witness immediately ordered Robinson to his corner, and signalled to Tapp's seconds. He saw Tapp was out, and immediately went to raise him. He was quite fit to continue up to the time of the blow. He was the aggressor at the moment, and was quite capable of winning. Robinson was leading on points. The ring was splendid, and according to regulations. Witness had it tested the first evening. Tapp's head struck the floor right in the centre of the ring on the canvas. To Mr. Kemnitz, solicitor for the association: With deceased's^ mode of. fighting he had a tendency 'to lose his balance. He had no occasion to warn either contestant during the bout for foul play. It was a clean, friendly contest. . ' \ Dr. Low, in charge of Nelson Hospital, said the deceased was admitted in an unconscious condition. Witness examined him and found he had a fracture at the base of the skull. He never regained consciousness, and died at 4.30 this morning. Death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull Deceased had a slight bruise on his forehead, but he noticed no other sign of injury on his body. The injury would be compatible with a fall on the back of the head. The' inquest ..was adjourned .to Monday. ;.',.'. , '..',-'.'■' ;., '„ Tapp leaves a widow, at Ohakune, and a subscription list has boen opened for I her benefit. ' > x