PALMER REGAINS TITLE

Evening Star, Issue 22955, 12 May 1938, Page 4

PALMER REGAINS TITLE

HIS IMPRESSIONS OF FIGHT TRIBUTE TO RICHARDS “ Naturally, I am elated at having recovered the Australian heavy-weight championship. Before I say anything about'the contest, however, 1 must pay a tribute to the wonderful way Hon. Richards fought. Of course, lam sorry for Ron., but it’s his bad luck ” (says Ambrose Palmer, in an Australian paper). • “ The fight was one of the hardest and keenest I can recall. I want you to remember that it was a 15-rounder. I haven’t fought a 15-round bout for close on four years. “ The point that 1 want to make in this connection is that I was a bit scared about the distance. Consequently, I was figuring on making sure of the last three rounds. “ I was determined to set such pace in the straight that I would be f sure of collecting the title. , “ I have been told that I was behind on points, but 1 knocked out Richards. “Be tnat as it may, 1 still had plenty in reserve, as I think I showed in both. the eleventh and twelfth rounds.

“Many critics have said that my most powerful weapon is the right hand. I think I proved that 1 can punch with my left, and that a left nook is one of my best assets. “ It was one of those left hooks which regained me the title. Actually, it was the same blow as that with which I won the middle-weight championship from Jack Haines in the fight that set me right on to the rung of fistic fame, “ I am quite sure now that Richards was not prepared for the left under-and-over which first floored him. “ I can tell you quite definitely that Ron. has improved since I last mot him. He is now more skilful, a far better boxer, and I think even stronger than before. “ It is my intention now to have a spell for at least a couple of months. I have been in training since early in November. “ I am a tired man. In a couple of days I will be returning to Melbourne to my family. “ I have in view the contemplated fight against John Henry Lewis for the world’s light heavy-weight championship, and I intend to be at my physical top far that encounter. Consequently a really decent lay-off is essential before I begin a special preparation for what promises to be the most important fight of my career. “ I want to thank ‘ The Labour Daily ’ for their fair and just reports of all the contests in which I have been engaged, and I consider it an honour to be allowed to describe my impressions through your medium. “ In conclusion, I would like to say that it is the Olympia Sports Club which brought me bade to the game. To the club and its managing director, Benny Bear, I extend my gratitude for the treatment given me.”