BOXING COMMISSION

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 88, 10 October 1936, Page 23

BOXING COMMISSION

MOVE IN VICTORIA

A representative gathering of leading Melbourne sportsmen met recently and launched what is hoped will develop into the Victorian Boxing Commission. It is proposed to control all boxing contests, boxers, managers, trainers, seconds, instructors, promoters, and referees in Victoria, by means of a licence system, on the lines of the British and American bodies.

In moving that the commission be formed, Mr. W. J. O'Connor (chairman) said that as boxing was now likely to experience another boom, it was desirable that everything in connection with the sport should be properly conducted. There was need for protection for the boxers and in many cases for the trainers and the public. The commission would sanction all matches and decide the eligibility of trainers to have charge of boxers. Promoters would have to have their contests sanctioned by the commission, which would have the right to veto any badly-matched boxers. Referees would have to undergo regular examinations as to their ring knowledge. Trainers would be called upon to provide hygienic gymnasiums, and show a general knowledge of massage.

It is proposed to elect- commissioners at a general meeting to be held on October 13, and then seek the support of the State and Federal Governments. The following were appointed to draft rules:—Chairman, Mr. W. J. O'Connor; secretary, Mr. N. Crabtree; treasurer, Mr. E. H. Muir; committee, Messrs. E. H. Muir, W. Lang, B. Potts, W. Carroll, W. J. O'Connor.