BOXING

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 32, 9 February 1929, Page 19

BOXING

«l 'MNCAS"

LA BARBA'S WIN

M'INNES SURPRISED

NEWS' AND NOTES

La Barba All the Way.

Twelve thousand people saw the world's ex-champion flyweight Fidel la Barbel knock out Billy M'AHstcr, tho Australian bantam-weight champion,, in the fourth round of their engagement at the Sydney 1 Stadium'oh Saturday week. Barba had an advantage of 411b, weighing' Bst 7'}lb to Bst'3Jlb. This was an enormous advantage among men-of this class; but the dark Italian American looked fully a stone heavier; than the fair Australian, says a writer in the "Australasian."

■From the beginning the visitor forced the pace, relying principally on a powerful left hook to the body and face. M'Alister was slightly, over-awed by the visitor in the early stages of the first round, but he was soon boxing neatly, rand evaded many of the American's swings. But he could not find a guard for la Barba's left hand in the second round, and retired to his corner in tired style. A body punch sent the Australian to the, boards in the third round, but ho was soon on his feet, and. exchange.l punches with the visitor. But a minute after the fourth round commenced a left rip to tho solar plexus sent the Australian down for the full count. He was in.'agony for a time,, and rolled over and-over before being picked up and carried to his corner. lie was afterwards examined, but" there was no signs of his having been fouled. ■

j The .winner got a fine reception from the crowd. He is a very smart performer, and Stadiums, Ltd., intend importing additional boxers to test his skill. Grime Returns. "Billy" Grime was'introduced to the crowd prior to the la Barba-M'Alister contest, and he received an ovation. The, "Australian 1' says, he haa altered his style of "milling" as a result of his visit to America.,. The returned boxer pays tribute to the managers,, stating that it is impossible to go far unless in. charge of leading managers, who have a "ring," and control all the big bouts in America, '

Grime says the referees in the States have a different method of computing points, and a knock-down is considered to be equal to the points secured by a boxer during two rounds of boxing. The triple champion, w'io is accompanied by his wife and son, has not yet revealed his itnentions. - He had a conference with the Stadium pro-, prietors, but no official arrangements have yet, been made, although there seems to be no doubt that ho will be matched with la Barba. . ■

Johnny Leckie's Intentions.

Johnny Lcckie. has wisely decided tomake for Australia while the going is good, icorabining business "with pleasure (states 1 "The' Post's" Dunedin correspondent), and while lie has decided not to wait for any-contract, he-will.have-no difficulty in securing contests, and may even yet' arrive in time • to bo matched with the 'American contender for the world's bantam-weight title,' Fidel la Barba. The latter is fighting over the bantam-weight limit just now, and would probably 'enter' the '] ring' against Leckie round.about S.B. Lcckio has been training hard for his last two contests in New Zealand, and, should: take the ring in good condition against Charlie Glasson next week. He has been sparring with Tommy-Griffiths, and his form in a gymnasium work-out is of a very encouraging nature. He- 1 should not fail to please fans in his two final appearances in New Zealand. Leckie is prepared 1 to be absent for any period up to twelve months, and his departure will mean that Otago boxing has lost its best draw card, and ono; who was largely responsible for placing the association in its present satisfactory financial position. Properly handled, there is not the slightest doubt; that Leekic has, great opportunity of' adding lustre to-his name in Australia, and if not only that but also of materially increasing his bank balance.

Instructor for Napier.

Jim Tracy, the well-known heavyweight boxer, is at present in Napier, and intends making a come-back effort after three years' absence from tho ring (says "Upporcut" in the Napier "Telegraph"). There is a possibility, of him taking over the position of instructor in the Napier Boxing Associa-: tion's gymnasium. In any case, Tracy hopes to be ready for any contest either in New Zealand or Australia by the end of. March. While in America Jim had thirteen contests for nine wins, three losses, and a draw, and among the men he met were Bill Brennan, Firpo, and Tom Gibbons.

A Welcome Addition,

A. Jones, who was runner-up to Ted Morgan in the New Zealand lightweight amateur championship at Invercargill in 1927, has been transferred from Auckland to Wellington (says a Dunedin writer). He has held Southland and Auckland titles, and should do well in Wellington amateur boxing circles, for he is a pretty awkward sort of customer.

Promising Signs,

Affiliation with tho. New .Zealand Boxing Council is to be sought by tho Tolaga Bay Association, a new organisation which in the past few months has gained a- strong membership in the coastal township (states an exchange). There are many enthusiasts In the sport about Tolaga Bay, and no shortage of promising ring material has been experienced to date. As a matter of fact, a number of lads are in training with a view to participating in a tournament to be arranged as soon as affiliation with the national organisation is obtained. In tho .neaiitiiue, they will seek experience by taking bouts in the tournaments arranged by other associations. At present the traiuing is carried on outdoors, on the grass, but it is hoped that before long there will be/ a proper ring available for tho trainees, many of whom travel somo distance twice a week to take part in the practice bouts.- Pending tho granting of affiliation with the New Zealand Council, the Tolaga Bay enthusiasts are arranging witu the Gisbornc Boxing Association to extend its authority over an amateur tournament to be conducted on 20th February, tho night before tho Tolaga Bay races. There' should ■ be plenty of talent available to fill a long programme, and by the time the tournament takes place several of the Tolaga Bay boxers will have had experience in tho ring before Tokomaru Bay and Gisborne crowds.

"A Credit to Boxing."

To anyone knowing the two boys, the statement made by Dr. P. F. M'Evedy at a meeting of the New Zealand Boxing Council this week, regarding the sportsmanliko and gentlemanly conduct of the two New Zealand boxing representatives at the Olympic Games, comes as. no surprise. Indeed, it was never for one moment anticipated that things would be otherwise.' "I met Morgan and Clevcrley in London before the Games, and I had the pleasure of taking them to lunch several times," said the-doctor. "Morgan had lumbago and a bad finger, which adds all

the more credit to his win, I think. Two better behaved boys you could not wish to meet anywhere. They were, of course," continued the doctor, "both in strict training, and they would not touch a thing which was likely to hurt them, although they could have had anything they wanted. What I saw of their behav.iour was a credit to .boxing in New Zealand." The speaker's remarks were heartily endors'cd by tho other "members-present. ' Cleverley Working Well. . Alt'.. Cleverley is in harness again preparing for his fight with Campbell, amateur heavy-weight champion of New ZealaVd, lit Wainiatb eaii'y next month. Although- by no means keyed up yet, Cleverley moved very attractively in a work-out at Tim' Tracy's gymnasium this week, when, he sparred, several fast rounds with Charlie Gear, Percy Weir, and Billie JoncJs. Gear is a professional who, as. an amateur, was well known to Wellington, fans, and the last two boys are novices who show a great deal of promise. Morgan at Gisborne. Ted Morgan journeyed to Gisb'ortio this week, and at the amateur tourney there on Thursday ! night gave an exhibition "with GV Kno.v, .from Tim Tracy's school. The Wanganui Association are . now inquiring for Morgan, but to date no definite arrangements have been made. Keith and, Hawes. The well-known Wellington featherweight Frank Keith has been matched to fight Percy Hawes, of West-port, at Denniston, on 2nd March. M'lnnes Amazed. A look of amazement which quickly changed to one of disappointment came ■over Tommy M'lnnes's face as lie heard Lachie M'Donald announced the winner; at the end of the fifteen threeminute rounds fought by the pair under the auspices of the Northern Boxing Association in the Town Hall on Monday night. Cheers and boos greeted the verdict, and M'lnnes Jos'; no time in making for his dressing-room to think things over. It was the third occasion the two "Macs "had met, and it was the second and deciding time the verdict had gone against the Scot. Although there was something doing in all of the. fifteen rounds the match.: failed by a good margin to come up to expectations (says the "Star"). .Most of the' fighting was: at close- quarters,. and both men were reprimanded for holding. '■ Over the first half of the journey M' Donald fought very confidently, arid established a handy lead on 'points. In the sixth round-the New Zealander injured his right hand, and towards the end of the-mill it was. partically useless. M'lnnes went after his man in th,e last five rounds, but the leeway was too much, and he was still behind on' points-at the finish. It was M'lnnes's second defeat for-seven fights at- Auckland.

M'Donald the Heavier

'Al'.Donald, (list 51b) had an advautage of nearly four pounds over the Scot. ' ...

At'limes" opened the fight with a couple of light,lefts and a right to the body, and M'Donald was at once !n-; strutted by the referee (Mr. R. Meale) not to hold. When tho -New Zealand champion was again warned the crowd roared its disapproval. M'Donald neatly ducked out of the way of a right swing and put his right to the head, and followed up with a tattoo to tlie ribs. The pair got together at the start of round two. M'Donald scoring with a right cross. M'lnncs, in exchange, popped a couple of. light left jabs to the face. Neither seemed sure of the referee's instructions, and. more than once looked surprised when they received smacks on the arms and were ordered not to hold. A right-handed swing, starting a few inches above the floor, whizzed harmlessly past M'lnnes's head, and the crowd said, "Oh!" Near the end' of tho round tho crowd hooted M'lnnes for usinghis head in a clinch. ■

Both essayed body swings at the start of the third, and M'lnnes bustled his man to the ropes, but M'Donald soon turned the tables, getting the Scot with his back against ,-tho strands. Both were holding in the clinches, and these tactics also marred the fighting in the next term.. 'Up. till this stage M'lnnes had not shown himself as aggressive as in his other contests. In the fifth M'Donald drove his right "to the body when hot after M'lnnes.

M'lnnes twice had M'Donald against the hemp ia the sixth, but couldn 't land anything worth while, the New Zealander making him miss batily. ' In round seven M'lnnes, in stepping nut of trouble near tho ropes, lost his footing and fell on his back. As the pailextended hands they exchanged smiles. Close in they exchanged punches, M'Donald landing the best of the lot-=-a left hook to the head. The Thnaru ■man then showed his cleverness by evading several hard punches. At this stage it was noticeable that Wonal'd was making less pJay with his right' hand.

A Good Round,

M'Donald put both hands to his man's face at the start of round eight. The Scot replied by smashing his right to the body, and some wrestling followed. M'Donald was bleeding from a. cut above an eye in the ninth, but he beat Tommy to a punch. It; was a good found. It was M'Donald's, turn to slip in the next, and again the crowd applauded as M'lnnes extended a sporting glove. The Scot missed with two left hooks to the head, but he bustled the New Zealander and had him defending hard at the bell. M'lnnes, who was now going along much better, had M'Donald's head bobing with a series of left uppercuts, and a' tiny trickle of blood was oozing from M'Donald's forehead as tho pair went to their chairs. In the next M'Donald put a right cross on M'-In-nes's chin, but the latter was not long on the defensive. On one occasion as M'Donald came off {he ropes the Scot 1 scored with a stiff right uppercut, and he worried his man all through the term. The "devil's number" was quite "undevilish." M'lnnes at this stage was boxing better. Both showed moro fight in the fourteenth, and M'lnnes stopped a solid chop to the jaw as he bored in. M'Donald did not attempt :to use his. right hand in the final session, and M'lnnes finished tho stronger. Two'left hooks to the head went against M'Donald, and he also ran into a stinging right to the head at tho bell. The decision in favour of M'Donald was loudly hooted, a big section of the crowd believing that M'lnnes was eutitled to at least half of the £.200 purse.

M'lnnes Going Home,

Tommy M'lnnes, who dropped a decision to. Lachic M'Donald at Auckland on Monday night, haa definitely decided to return to tho Old Country. The Dunedin Association has offered t> pair a purse of £200 for a fight at Dunedin oil 23rd February, and as' M'lnnes is anxious for a chance to break even with the New Zealander, the match will take place, if M'Donald is willing. If the match does not eyentuato, M'lnnes will leave for Sydney on 15th February, and from there will take a steamer to England. ,In all M'lnnes has had seven fights in New Zealand, of which he has won five. He has beaten Clarrie Pocock, Ted Monson (twice), Lachie M'Donald, and Billy Harms, his two losses being at the hands of M'Donald. His purse winnings from these fights have amounted to over £700.

An Eloquent Tribute,

, Despite, what a small—very small— section, of . people in New Zealand think, the method of controlling the game in this country cannot have very much, wrong- with it when a person of

the standing, of Mr. Barker, tho secretary of the Amateur Boxing Association in England, pays a glowing tribute to it. In conversation with Dr. P. i\ M'Evedy, the president of tho ■ JSTcw Zealand Boxing Council, who.;was'recently in England, Mr. Barker said that they thought .the' control in New Zealand the highest.and best possible, and they could not. imagine anything better. Carroll Beats Spar. His decisive victory over the Italian Galbuse'ra oil 19th January ivas no real tost of tho championship quality of Jack Carroll (lOst -Ulb), holder of the Australian welterweight title, but his overwhelming defeat of the American, Jack Spar "(lOst 5-Üb), at tho Melbourne Stadium on the following Saturday, indicated that Carroll.is not only tho most improved boxer Victoria has produced for n'vo years, but that lie i.s, indeed, a first-rate performer and a worthy : holder of the title (says the "Argus"). He again failed to demonstrate- a knock-out punch, but there were indications, accepted by many of the spectators as such with a round of applause, that he was* treating v severely punished opponent with generosity and withholding a coup do grace through some- spirit of sportsmanship which may in the circumstances have been a mistaken one. Spar Outboxed. Outranged and outboxed by a greatly superior boxer, the Ame/iean was ■ beaten in every round by straight lefts that, played havoc with his rugged features. A crisp right-hand jolt met him coming in early in the sixth round, and caused a gash inside the mouth, probably a cut against the teeth, from which blood poured freely. Plugs of cptton-wbol failed to check the flow, and before long the canvas of the ring was slippery with blood, through tho loss of which Spar rapidly weakened. He battled on- gamely, and succeeded in landing ( several clean drives to the body and now and again a few clouts over the ear as Carroll wriggled along tho ropes. The American presented a pitiful sight, and though it would have been kinder to have ended the unequal contest, Carroll, at any rate in the seventh, eighth, and ninth rounds, gave tho impression that he was letting his man off. In the eleventh round Spar caught, him, off his balance along the ropes, and-. Carroll was nearly off his feet. At the end of the round the referee (Mr. Val Quirk) crossed, to the American's corner and strongly advised him to give in, as he was far behind in the score. Spar reluctantly agreed, and Mr. Quirk, amid applause, indicated Carroll the winner on a technical knock-out. Spar appeared to change his mind after the decision, and showed a desire to continue, but, to the relief of all, the sanguinary encounter was ended.

Of Spar the most 'that can be said is that he was game throughout and'efficient within his limitations. He was a methodical, uninspired battler against odds,< hopelessly outclassed from., the beginning. Carroll, wlio, though a Victorian, has won his championship in Sydney, proved himself fast,' resourceful, and well equipped, with both hands in attack and defence. His left-hand work was at times brilliant, not only in spectacular leading, but in the fast and accurate placing of hooks and uppercuts. He was throughout a difficult man'to work out of position, and one of the features of his boxing was the ability to land punches from : all angles, no matter how his balance was placed. And for a boxer with a long reach lie did remarkably well at close range. On tho assumption that he possesses the knock-out punch, which ho obviously withheld, he is the best champion of his class that Australia lias produced for many years.

Some Observations.

Speaking at a mooting of the New Zealand Boxing Council this week, Dr. P. F. M'Evedy said that before he left England ho had been to Albert Hall on two big nights. The bouts on the whole had been well controlled and were quite good, but he still did liot think that the standard in England was better than that in New Zealand; in fact, if anything, it was better in New Zealand. "Morgan," continued the doctor, "would have 'cleaned up' any man of his own weight that I saw on those two nights. There was' nothing to compare with him." Dr. M'Evedy also stated tli at the Belgians were very plucky fighters, and wero appearing in many bouts in Europe at present. :