BOXING AT OAMARU

Evening Star, Issue 22351, 29 May 1936, Page 6

BOXING AT OAMARU

PLUTO BEATS STIRLING A FAST. VIGOROUS CONTEST In One of the finest expositions seen for many years, Cyril Pluto (10.5 i), the West Australian welter-weight champion, gained the decision over Don Stirling (9.13), New Zealand welter champion, in the Oamaru Opera House last night, which was packed to capacity, many being unable to gain admittance. Included in the large crowd were boxing enthusiasts from all parts of the South Island, as well as several from Wellington. For many weeks before the fight speculation was rife as to the outcome of l*io meeting of two such champions. The comparatively easy win obtained by Stirling over “Kid” Fisher, the English middle-weight, caused a decided change-over, however, and it was soon realised that Stirling was a boxer of the first class, so that his fight with Pluto was looked forward to by boxing fans as the event of the year. And in this respect they were not disappointed, for the bout went the full 15 rounds and was a fast and furious contest from start to finish.

Contrary to the cautious attitude adopted by fighters in the opening rounds of a contest, the commencement of this fight started from the sound of the gong, and for the first four rounds was a hectic affair; Pluto made the Eaco from the start, taking the fight to is opponent at every opportunity. Quick footwork and cunningly mixed jabs and hooks characterised the Australian’s style, and at no time during the first four rounds did he let up, Stirling being content to take matters quietly, at the same time coming in with a quick left which often found its mark. In the first round Pluto rushed his opponent into his _ corner with whirlwind attacks, and in this phase of the game he scored many points, as he was able to get in several quick blows before Stirling could cover up. The Oamaru boy was not to be outdone, however, and when ho went for his opponent his well-known right dealt out severe punishment. In the second round, after a _ flurry in the centre of the ring, Stirling came to light with two right jabs to the face. The opening of the third round saw Pluto still the aggressor, and a hot retaliation by Stirling brought the crowd to their feet. Pluto came across with a right swing, and at the gong both men were taking matters more quietly. The fourth round saw the New Zealander get in some terrific punches to the head and body, but the Australian came back for more, although apparently shaken, and the exchanges were fierce. While mixing it in a corner Stirling slipped and fell, but was up at the count of one.

At the end of the fourth round the fight .had been sensational, with Pluto having a lead on points, but the fifth round saw Stirling definitely become the aggressor, 'so much so that he staggered his opponent with hard rights and lefts to the face and jaw. Pluto attempted to come back at Stirling, but the latter was not to bo denied, and with clever ducking and masterly glove work won the round by a comfortable margin. The sixth round saw both men inclined to be more cautious without in any way making the fight slow. In the seventh round both men were mixing it. Stirling landed powerful body punches and flicked several jabs, mostly with the left, to Pluto’s face without making any appreciable effect, however. A eharp exchange at the gong saw Pluto connect with a left to Stirling’s face. Up till the end of the seventh round the crowd had been treated to a thrilling fight, but even better things were in store. Pluto opened the eighth round aggressively and his opponent with sharp lefts and rights to the face and head. Attempting to break through the onslaught, Stirling let go with an avalanche of blows, and the pair stood fighting wildly ■in the centre of the ring. Pluto was _at his best at this stage, and continually drove the Oamaru boy to the ropes with fast and well-delivered punches. This was easily Pluto’s round. The next round was again a fast one, in which honours were fairly even. Pluto kept sending Stirling into corners with clever work, but ho did not make the most of his opportunities, and often left himself open, allowing Stirling to drive home many forceful body blows. As the gong went the New Zealander landed a right hook to the jaw. The tenth round was sensational, in that Stirling severely battered the Australian, and had him very groggy at the end of the round. Stirling came from his corner and immediately drove Pluto to the ropes, where he meted out heavy punishment. Following this up with two rights to the jaw, Stirling again had his opponent_ giving 'way. Rallying, Pluto came to light with some strong hitting, and in the ensuing exchange he was again sent to the ropes with hard rights. Pluto was right over the ropes at the gong, and the pair had to be separated. Stirling madea groat showing in this round, and inflicted much punishment. Hard hitting characterised the next two rounds, but, contrary to expectations, Stirling did not take the fight to his ■ opponent as in the tenth round, although there were many willing exchanges, Perhaps the severest round was the twelfth, when both men put every ounce of power into their blows. Pluto was fighting fiercely at this stage, and the round was fought at a great pace. Both men were inclined to be cautious in the next round, but with the advent of the second last round the crowd was ready for anything. After a quiet opening Stirling let go with both hands, forcing his heavier opponent to cover up. He followed this up with some smart lefts to the face, and Pluto, coming in, exchanged blow for blow. , , , ' Realising that only a knock-out would bring him victory, Stirling quickly took the fight to his opponent, and sent him to the ropes with a rapid succession of body and head blows. Pluto came off the ropes groggy, but he managed to maintain his guard, and with clever covering up and clinching thwarted all Stirling’s efforts to connect. Stirling himself appeared to be fatigued, and was unable to use his feet as quickly as before. The Australian, apparently recovering somewhat, now took the fight to the Oamaru man, but neither boxer was able to land cleanly, and after further fierce exchanges, the gong drew the curtain on a memorable fight. The decision in favour of Pluto was well received. The referee was Mr G. J. Skeats. Pluto had a lead of 7 points over Stirling at the end of the bout, these