VERDICT ON POINTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 143, 15 December 1930, Page 13

VERDICT ON POINTS

DONOVAN BEATS EDWARDS

THE LOSER FIGHTS FASTER

(By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post.") NEW. PLYMOUTH, This Day. Donovan (9st 21b), constantly aggressive with rushes, and swinging both hands, secured the verdict on points against Edwards (9st), before a crowd of over 2000 on Saturday night. Donovan piled on a good lead up till the seventh round, when Edwards became faster and Donovan appeared to slow down. Edwards, who is only 18 years of age, was obviously disconcerted by the frequent warning and slapping procedi ure of the referee, Mr. Meale, for holding in close fighting, when this was largely due to Donovan's similar tactics, enabling Donovan to secure the advantage in in-fighting, where he excels. The crowd expressed its disapproval in no uncertain manner, but as the bout wore on, Donovan also was noticed and warned. . Most of the rounds were accompanied lay booing, but the decision was accepted with approval. Edwards in tho open was cleaner and cleverer, whilo Donovan hardly landed a straight punch, his tactics consisting of wild, quick rushes, and showers of two-handed swings, which more often than not Trcre cleverly blocked. Edwards, however, found Donovan's head a most elusive target, and only towards the end did his greater speed enable him to connect. In the eleventh round lie opened Donovan's eye, but he could not follow.up the advantage. Edwards easily might have emerged the victor through his superiority in speed. His footwork was cleaner and his punching straighter. As it was, he gave a good account of himself after he had overcome his opening nervousness, and in the last five rounds shaded Donovan, who was often stopped in his tracks by'swift, straight punches to the head, just when he least expected checks. The best bout of the evening while it lasted was between Mansfield (lOst 51b), of Wellington, who won from Furze (J.Ost 61b), on a technical lcnockout in the.third round. This fight was the best witnessed in New Plymouth. In the first round Mansfield was superior, but in the second round Furze attacked .fiercely, and for the first half Mansfield appeared to be dazed. The men then stood toe to toe, trading mighty punches. Mansfield appeared to be all but out, but he connected with a hard loft, flooring Fnrze, who was saved by the gong. Furze came out against "signals, and was hardly able to stand. He fought to the last, but wilted in the attempt to achieve the impossible.