GIRL REFEREE

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 102, 27 October 1934, Page 23

GIRL REFEREE

SPECTATORS DISAPPROVE '

Miss Cissio Watson, 20, of Blackpool, refereed three important boxing bouts at the Ardwick Stadium, Manchester, recently, states the "Daily Mail." There was an angry scene at the conclusion of one, when she gave a decision which was not approved by the spectators. Billy Tansey (Middleton) was knocked out by what appeared to be a foul blow from the Dixie Kid, a coloured boxer from Wales. Miss Watson, however, proceeded to count out Tansey, amid loud catcalls and booing from the gallery. As she did so his seconds threw in the towel with an air of disgust. They then ran into the ring, protesting loudly against the decision. For a, few moments Miss Watson stood in confusion, then she changed her decision and disqualified Dixie Kid. Sho then left the ling, while a section of the crowd were still calling' for the fight to continue, and Mr. S. Cowan, the promoter, hurried j'her to the dressing-room. Dixie Kid's seconds protested, but Mr. Cowan supported the disqualification. Some members of the audience were still uncertain of the final decision, and when the boxers came out for the final match of the evening they clamoured for the finish of the previous fight.

Miss Watson, who is an assistant in a hairdresser's shop, has for many years been a boxing enthusiast. Unknown to her parents, she asked Mr. Cowan if she could referee a contest. She is said to be tho first and only -woman boxing referee in the world.