BOXING

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 December 1911, Page 2

BOXING

WITH THE PADDED GLOVES. « «»♦♦ ■ GREAT BATTLE AT GISBORNE. JIM GKIFFIN v. FRED WILLIAMS.' AN UNSATISFACTORY ENDING. r Never before in Gisborne, and probably only on a rare occasion in the history of glove contests, has there been witnessed such a thrilling encounter as that which took place between Jim Griffin, of Greymouth, (ex-middle-weight champion of Australia), and Fred Williams the skilful and highly popular Tologa Bay boxer, who, after a very successful reign as an amateur, was entering upon his first professional engagement on Thursday night in the Gisborne Garrison Hall. Williams, accompanied by a number of attendants, was first to make his appearance in the ring. This was immediately the signal for a hearty outburst'of applause. Griffin soon took up his position in the opposite corner, and met with an equally warm reception. It was announced that there was but ji trifling disparity in the weights—a matter of 14 "lbs in favor of the local representative. There was the usual delay whilst the preliminaries were undertaken. I hen the contestants shook hands: the hading attendants, Jack Griffin for his brother, and Lin. Robinson for Williams, dio likewise, and this part of the proceedings terminated with a general handshaking with the referee, Mr I. FaKe, of Palmerston North.

AFTER THE HANDSHAKES. The opening movement on the part of the principals terminated in a clinch. To the initiated, even this clinch was of interest. Griffin had long learned the art of how to conduct a clinch, but his less experienced opponent did not seem to be much troubled in the matter. There was a little sparring, but nothing of moment eventuated for a time. Then Williams, having apparently lost his footing, was seen to be down. Wisely, one thought, he. took the full count, for a boxer never krows for certainty how he will fare at any later stage as regards strength. Before long it was Griffin's turn to go down. but this decision on his part was not of jus own seeking, for he had the misforjine to be in the way of one of Williams's heavy lefts. Unsteadily, but not, of course, unwillingly, for that is not characteristic, of him, Griffin rose only to go down again, as a result of contact with a left hook, which Williams had delivered with some determination. The excitement quickly reached fever heat, but whilst* everyone had it upon their lips that Williams must easily finish the contest, the gong sounded for corners, much tc the relief of Griffin and his supporters. Round two found everybody on the qui jvive as to what was going to happen. Williams could not hold himself back. There were cries from Griffin's corner of "Go in, Jim," and in Griffin tried to go; tut he fell, and took a short count. Between trying to silence the occupants of Griffin's comer and numerous calls upon him to forcibly bring about break-aways, Referee Fake held what was by no means an enviable position. In the hurly-burly Williams next went down, but, although quite unharmed, he again took the full breathing time allowed. Sturdy left and right from the Tologa Bay man then sent Griffin from the perpendicular for the full limit. Griffin seemed by no means sorry when a moment later the timekeeper came to his assistance. GRIFFIN PULLS HIMSELF TOGETHER.

Although this round had also been on tin; strenuous side, Griffin showed that he Lad brought into action lemarkable recuperative powers during the spell. There were several brisk exchanges of compliments, in the course of one of which Griffin made a fine rally, which was libeui.Uy applauded. Williams, however, was net to be outdone, and once more forced mutters in such a refreshing manner that could not have 1 given Griffin any pleasure. Right and left, then 'eft and right, was the order of Williams's hitting. To the critical observer he was making headway, however, chiefly on account of his confidence. Had Griffin been "strong," it is certain he would never have missed the opportunities for body attack which the local boxer presented. All through this round, as, indeed, throughout the battle, he was always eager for the fray—a state of affairs which Griffin had not often had to face. "Keep quiet whilst they are fanning," cried the referee at this stage, and he added, "For this will be the best fight that you will have seen in your life." As for round four, it differed but little from its predecessors. Griffin apeared to be now fighting more steadily, but he was clearly not the Griffin of by-gone days. Every now and again it was to be seen that he had no objection to participating in a clinch. This.round proved very profitable to Williams, who, however, was lucky to miss the full effects of a short, stern jab which came his way if the course of events. In consequence of further sharp exchanges the occupants of Griffin's corner once again had to receive attention from the referee. Griffin was a good deal on the ropes towards the finish of the round, which ended in considerable applause for Williams.

A DRAMATIC FINALE. Would Williams keep up his onslaughts? If this thought passed over anybody's mind, it must have been instantly dispelled, for there he was—at it again. He se- eemdat this stage to do pretty nearly what he liked with his handy left, but he had not so much luck in attempting to follow with his right. Griffin was not ' wasting any of his diminished strength. Try all he could, his object seemed to be to correctly place what blows he felt justified in sparring. Once there was almost a catastrophe for Williams, who seemed very thankful to miss a well-delivered upper-cut. Williams continued with a series of full length swings, one or two only of which landed. Not long after Griffin was again downbut not the result of a very heavy blow. Towards the end of the round, there were again cries of "separate them," for Williams again had Griffin on the ropes. With Griffin down for five seconds, down again for seven a moment later: there vvns then a, clinch, which had not broken V hen the gong sounded for corners. The next round had a great surprise in store for principals and spectators alike. Clang went the gong, and before. Griffin had got fairly off his chair Williams had struck him to the floor. The sudden advent of Williams in the opposite corner must have been totally unexpected by the ex-champion, who was but kisurely preparing to renew hostilities. Clearly Griffin, is, of course, no stranger fcc such a move, for he has frequently disconcerted an opponent by similar tactics. Williams, however, threw away what seemed a certain win by striking Griffin on the neck.