BOXING

Evening Star, Issue 22252, 1 February 1936, Page 11

BOXING

TITLE CONTEST ARRANGED The Otago Boxing Association has secured what is considered to be tho best match in New Zealand at tho present time. That is ■ between Billy Aitkcn and Clarrie Rayner for the New Zealand feather - weight professional championship. These two have not pre< viously met in tho ring, although each has built up a- formidable reputation* Rayner, tho more experienced of thd two, is a veteran of many battles, and up till a few mouths ago was the holder of the feather-weight title. He then voluntarily relinquished it to.enter tho light-weight division, in which he met the title-holder, Jack Jarvis, twice. On tho first occasion he lost on a foul, but on their second meeting he scored a brilliant win in the best con* tests of years. Aitken made his debut in professional ranks last year against Charlie Buckley in Dunedin as a pre* limiuary to the Stirling-Griffen bout* Aitken proved himself a fast two* handed fighter of the Johnnie type, and he gained the victory oil points. Previous efforts to match these two have been dogged by ill-luck, and when Aitken was temporarily suspended some time ago Raynor decided to enter tho heavier division to obtain matches* With Aitken’s suspension lifted the Otago Association lost no time in nego« tiating for a meeting'between the two. as it was known that Rayner coulq easily make the feather-weight limit i! matches were offering. Both men were eager to meet for the now vacant title, and negotiations have been completed for what promises to be the most brilliant and exciting contest staged locally sinco the Johnny Leckie clays. As an added attraction a 10-round preliminary between Charlie Buckley and Ralph Aitken has been arranged. The con. tests will take place at the Town Kali on Monday week.