BOXER DOWNS REFEREE

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 November 1936, Page 7

BOXER DOWNS REFEREE

PLUTO DISQUALIFIED

POLICE PROSECUTE HIM [PEB PBESB ASSOCIATION.] PALMERSTON N., November 25. There was a sensational ending to a professional boxing match to-night when in the fifth round Pluto, after being warned, for hitting with an open glove, lost his temper, and' to the amazement of the crowd attacked the referee, Mr James Evans, felling him with a right hook. Mr Evans remained on the canvas for some seconds, arj McMahon, members of the police force, and officials made ready to protect him. The house was in an uproar. When Mr Evans did rise, he gave the verdict to McMahon. Pluto at the time nad established a clear lean.

COUNSEL’S STATEMENT.

PALMERSTON N., November 26.

Following the sensational ending to the professional boxing match last night, when Bill Pluto was disqualified after; striking'the referee, Pluto -was arrested at his hotel, on a charge of assaulting the referee, and was released on bail. He appeared before Justices, to-day, and pleaded guilty. Mr. Ongley, solicitor for the defendant, said that Pluto received a good deal of provocation from outside the ring. He was highly strung and had expressed regret Immediately after the incident. He apologised to the referee, who did not desire prosecution, nor did the Boxing Association. Counsel described the charge as trivial. The police said that the assault had taken place in public. Such conduct could not be allowed to continue, or it might become general. The Bench imposed a fine of £2/10/-. The Manawatu Boxing Association, meantime, is holding up Pluto s 40 per cent, the loser’s share of the £7a purse, pending a decision by the New Zealand Council, which will also deal with Pinto's license.