RINGSIDE TOPICS

Evening Star, Issue 20984, 24 December 1931, Page 6

RINGSIDE TOPICS

LATEST FISTIC FLASHES

[By Hooker.]

There is no activity at all in local fistic cix'dcs, and a dull year, so iar as boxing is concerned, draws to a close, with no immediate prospect of a professional contest in store. Alan Campbell lias not agreed to Ambrose Palmer’s terms for the proposed meeting between this pair, and indications are not pointing towards the two champions meeting next month unless further negotiations by the Otago Boxing Association are satisfactory. The whole affair is most disappointing, but the 0.8. A. cannot be blamed for the break-down in the negotiations. The Australian boxer, Archie Hughes, is back in Auckland after fighting Johnnie Leckie at Napier (says the ‘Herald’). Hughes is firmly of the opinion that Leckic’s punching ability is as great as ever, although be docs not display the polish in bis boxing that ho did when Hughes met him three or four years ago. Hughes scut Leckie to the boards three times in their latest match—in the third, ninth, and thirteenth rounds. Tho bout was held at M'Lean Park at night in tho open air, and attracted 1,500 spectators. The Australian prefers this method of conducting fights, as it is easier upon the contestants than in a stuffy hall. Boxing in Napier is on a most satisfactory footing, and tho fact that a match can attract such an attendance is proof that outdoor boxing at night is popular. Hughes will meet the Auckland light-weight champion, Harry Johns, at Westport on Boxing Day. Pete Sarron, the hard-punching American feather-weight, has written to Mr S. W. Griffiths, Sydney Stadium mentor, to the effect that ho would be pleased to revisit Australia. Terms have been forwarded to Sarron by cable. Sarron at the present time is rated fifth among tho world’s best junior light-weights, and is also reputed to be in line for a contest with Bat Battalino for the world’s featherweight championship. Battalino has been beaten, recently in over-weight matches by Bushy Graham and Roger Bernard. Bobby Blay (9.71) won Ins third fight in successive weeks by winning a fifteen-round points decision against the former triple champion, Billy Grime (9.9), says the Sydney ‘Referee.’ Grime showed much of his old cleverness. The fight was interesting throughout; but Blay’s youth and speed gave him a marked advantage. For some time the Boxing Trainers’ Association in Melbourne has been promoting contests in opposition to the various proprietary stadiums. Attendances have been so poor, however, that, according to ‘ Sydney Sportsman,’ they have given up the attempt. Ambrose Palmer is to meet the exAustralian middle-weight champion, Bob Thornton, at Palmerston North next Monday night. The Ashburton Association is negotiating for a match between Freddie Parker and Bob Thornton, and there is every indication that this fight will eventuate. Parker has been disposing of all local opposition lately, and is stated to be fighting at top form just now (says an exchange). Since it was broadcast that Thornton was returning again to Sydney, the big fellow, who has been rusticating in our midst for six weeks past, has been rushed with offers some good and others not so good. No less than three associations made offers for a Thornton-Palmer battle.